Patio Gazebos Are Here to Stay

Just thinking of the term patio gazebos, brings to mind long romantic summer afternoons, sipping cool drinks and being immersed in conversation in the cool shade on a hot summer's day. Stay even cooler under you gazebo with patio misting systems and mist or fog fans.

There is no doubt about it that patio gazebos really do bring the indoors, outside. They can be equipped with benches, or you can furnish them with a nice patio set. In the bigger ones you can even hang your favorite hammock. Painted or natural wood, these outdoor structures enrich your outdoor living experiences and are sure to be popular with both friends and family. Together with Garden Arbors they can help and a structural beauty to your outdoor living space.

The word gazebo was coined in the 18th century to describe an outdoor shelter, usually in a garden. Although, gazebos were also popular long before that in China and Japan, and it seems the Egyptians also made use of them. On your patio, deck or garden, a gazebo is always a perfect place to entertain or just relax and enjoy being outdoors. They can also be fun, as they are generally sold as gazebo kits.

What exactly are patio gazebos?

There does seems to be some misunderstanding as to what a gazebo actually is. So just for the record, here are some common definitions referring to gazebos.

Gazebo - A small, open-sided structure designed for sitting and taking in the view.

Gazebo - Open structure, supported by columns and covered with a column-supported roof.

Gazebo - A small structure, usually roofed and open-sided, located in gardens or parks from which one may gaze out over the surrounding grounds.

Gazebo - A freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure which provides a shady resting place.

Gazebo - A small lookout tower or summerhouse with a view, usually in a garden or park, but sometimes on the porch or roof of a house; also called a belvedere.

Gazebo - A small summerhouse or pavilion with a view, or a belvedere on the roof of a house.

Gazebo - A small roofed building affording shade and rest.

So, we have a small open structure with columns supporting a roof. But in all truth gazebo, can be anything from a plastic square cover supported by four corner aluminum tubes. These can often be found in camping stores, their main purpose being to supply shade on a hot sunny day. But I think most people's idea of a patio gazebo is a square or hexagonal wooden structure, with ornate side panels and a two tier roof, often with an ornamental Cupola.

Gazebo Kits are the normal way to purchase a patio gazebo

Buying gazebo kits isn't the simplest thing in the world either. Unless assembly is included, or offered as an extra, you're going to have to get your tools out and assemble pre-cut and prepared panels yourself. If you assemble your gazebo on level terrain, the overall operation shouldn't be too traumatic. Preparing a 4-6 inch concrete base poured over gravel will make the assembly so much easier.

Most "gazebo kits" have been factory pre-assembled to guarantee workmanship. They are then dismantled for shipping purposes. All online gazebo kits come with detailed instructions for easy installation, and some even offer video instructions. So, in summary, installing patio gazebos not only adds a grand touch of style, but is also a very functional addition to your outdoor living space.

Patio Gazebo - Living it Up Outside

While having a patio is a wonderful home addition, a place where you can spend good times with family and friends, unless you have some kind of cover, you are somewhat limited to how the patio can be used. As an example, while you might enjoy the warm summer months, an unprotected patio would be too hot. If the day is comfortable but rain is pouring down, you would be stuck inside. If you had the ability to set up a patio gazebo, something that would go directly on top of the existing patio to provide protection from the sun, rain, snow, or wind, would you be interested?

The patio gazebo has become a very popular solution over the past few years. These types of gazebos are very affordable and they work exceptionally well. patio gazebos are also available in a wide range of sizes, many to fit an established patio without the need for any modification. For instance, for a 10x10-foot patio gazebo would be designed with a sturdy frame consisting of four to six poles. In addition to a sturdy frame,this patio gazebo also has a waterproof canopy. Best of all,the design is a pop-up, which means you can have the gazebo setup in just a few minutes.

With an eight-foot center and 6.5-foot corners, even your tallest guests will have plenty of headroom. Although you might initially purchase a patio gazebo for the patio, because of the mobility and flexibility, you could easily take it down and move it to the pool area or beach for a party, to the middle of the backyard for a great place to eat, and so on. This patio gazebo is so perfect that it even comes with its own carrying bag. With it unfolding as one piece, nothing has been easier.

Probably one of the coolest new designs on the market for a patio gazebo is known as the "Instant gazebo". For this, you would have a sturdy but lightweight aluminum frame. Hooked onto that stand is the canopy, which includes netting on the side panels to help with insects. To set this patio gazebo up, you simply pull it out into the appropriate shape and in seconds, you have a 10x10-foot structure. When ready to take the gazebo down, you simply gather the canopy up, reattach, and then secure it to the frame.

Regardless of the type or size of patio gazebo you choose, there is one thing to consider. Some people will use a patio gazebo on a raised deck, which in most instances, is fine. However,remember that while the gazebo may be lightweight, if it catches any wind or caught in the rain or snow, you are now dealing with added weight. While this might not seem like much of a problem,with the patio gazebo small and the weight distributed over a restricted space, the deck may not be able to accommodate the weight. Therefore, prior to using a patio gazebo on your deck,make sure your deck can handle any additional weight. For this,check with the gazebo manufacturer for recommendations.

You will find that patio gazebos come in some wonderful colors and designs. For instance, a blue and white or camel and white are popular choices in that they generally complement the appearance of the home. However, you can choose from solid green, white, red, and even find some floral designs. If the gazebo will be setup only occasionally, then you could probably go a little wild on the design but if you plan to keep the patio gazebo up all year round, it would probably look best if it matches or coordinates with the style and color of the home.

Patio Gazebo

Sitting outside and enjoying a patio gazebo is sure to be a favorite past time. However, you can't just stick a patio gazebo up and love it. You will want to be sure that you have the patio gazebo somewhere that you will want to be, and that you will want to spend time.

The following is five ideas of great locations for your patio gazebo; placing your gazebo in any of these places will help you enjoy, and make the most of it.

1. One of the best places to put a patio gazebo is in your garden. Putting your patio gazebo in the garden is an excellent idea for a number of reasons. Besides the actual patio, the garden is probably the most popular place that gazebos are put. It is especially popular for people that have a lovely flower garden that they love to look at and enjoy. Basically, if you want to put a patio gazebo in the garden, look for the place that you will enjoy looking at and being in the most. Remember, certain flowers attract bees, etc. so you might want a patio gazebo that has a bug screen. No matter where you put your patio gazebo, you will want to be sure that the seating is facing the direction that you want to look towards while you are sitting in your garden. You do not have to worry about finding a shady spot, etc. as that is what the patio gazebo will do for you.

2. The next most popular sport for the patio gazebo is simply to place the patio gazebo on your lawn. This is a great option if you like sitting out on the lawn, and allows for you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of whether you have outdoor furniture or not. So, why not sit on the lawn without the patio gazebo? Well a gazebo will help protect your skin from the sun; also, say you want to read a book, you can go outside and sit and read in your gazebo out on the lawn without the glare of the sun bouncing off your pages and burning your eyes. The drawn back is that you have to move the gazebo to mow the lawn.

3. Another great place to put a patio gazebo is near water. This could be a pong, a river, a lake, a stream, whatever you might have. If you have a pond, for example, on your property, you might find that having your patio gazebo out by the pond will be more than relaxing to you than having it on the actual patio. Why? Well think of it this way, having your patio gazebo near the pond means that you can sit in your gazebo, watch the frogs, turtles, and fish (or the moss, dried leaves, and debris) that are in your pond, and enjoy the serenity and peace that comes with water. The drawback is that with water come bugs, mosquitoes, etc. so choose a patio gazebo with a zipper netting that will protect you from the nuisance of such pests.

4. Obviously another great place for a patio gazebo is actually on the patio. By having your patio gazebo near the house it acts as an extension of the living space, not to mention the fact that it allows for much easier accessorizing and decorating of your patio gazebo. Many people enjoy having their patio gazebo right on the patio because it means a nice convenient place to find shade right out the door, it means you can grill on your patio and have a shaded place to sit, and a place to gather and share fun with friends. Basically, the patio is a great place for a patio gazebo.makes sense.
5. Another great place for a patio gazebo is basically any place you like to be, or want it. The beauty of patio gazebos is their versatility, they provide shade and protection from the weather, and many types even provide an element of protection from the bugs too. So, wherever you want one, put one, a patio gazebo does not have to be limited to the patio.

Aluminum Gazebo As a Patio Accessory!

There are many ways to improve your home but one of the most effective and easy ways to do so is to improve your patio. Improving ones patio can make a dramatic change to your home. Creating an enjoyable leisure area in your patio can go as far as increasing the size of your home at least in useable space and give you that sense of satisfaction and pride when a space created by you is available to enjoy.

One of the first ports of call for patio improvement comes in the shape of shelter. One that provides shelter from both the sun and rain. A main focal point to the area and this is where the introduction of an aluminum gazebo can be quality starting point.

There are a number of benefits that an aluminium gazebo can bring to the table that are worth highlighting in regards to investment, quality and usability.

There are endless different designs when it comes to these products. They are available in different sizes, dimensions, colours and style so finding one that suits your requirements should be easy. You can really create whatever feel and atmosphere you are looking for whether that's a beach/summer feel, one of class and ambiance or to create an everyday comfortable space to be enjoyed by the family.

The extra living space that an aluminium gazebo can create can be transforming as far as home improvement goes. It can be almost like building an extension to your house when creating your patio and many find it quite liberating enjoying the extra space.

The incorporation one of these patio structures can increase the use the patio and garden area gets as this is a shelter from most of the elements. Harsh rays from the sun can interrupt a day of outdoor leisure but when shelter is available the day can be enjoyed for its full duration. This equally goes towards toward rain. Everyone has had a barbeque interrupted by rain fall which really puts a dampener on proceeding! This will allow you to host a garden dinner party or serve food uninterrupted by light rain or drizzle allowing the event to continue.

Well designed aluminium gazebos are generally quality products. They are designed to be very user friendly and functional. They can be put up and taken down sometimes in seconds. All their moving parts are easy to adjust and manipulate for the users convenience. This means that they are easily moved to different positions or even packed away neatly if you would like to use the space for something else. They can be put up and taken down for special occasions and if you buy quality they will provide fantastic use long into the future.

Finally to add to the previous point the fact that they are user-friendly and made from aluminium means that they are also very portable. Many aluminium gazebos come with their own carrier bag and can be easily folded and transported. Take it to the park, the beach or a local event or festival. Many like to use it as outdoor vending shop fronts at their local market or a business trade fair.

Gazebos, Gazebo Curtains, and Outdoor Patio Cover Kits

There are gazebos that you can buy as kits that are considered three season gazebos. Why? Because they are crafted from aluminum that's heavy-duty and has slider style windows that protect from cold and wind and rain and other inclement days. For full summertime breeze and fresh air, the panes of glass may be removed and screens may be added, or gazebo curtains that don't permit mosquitoes to enter can be attached with Velcro.

There are so many to recommend, but let's start with one called Leisure Woods gazebos, mostly because you can choose so many different materials like cedar, pine or even the maintenance free vinyl models. If you choose to go with a cedar design, then you will be assured to have the top grade wood that has been kiln dried, and it's red cedar which is very durable to say nothing of how great it looks. One of the reason many people opt for red cedar gazebos is because of the natural oils in the wood that inhibits rot and termites. The other good choice would be a preasure treated pine model in what is called the Wolmanized wood that is treated against fungus, decay and termites. Naturally thepine is also kiln dried. Perhaps one of the best choices for long lasting gazebo structures that will not require any maintenance afterwards, are the vinyl gazebos which are crafted from reinforced vinyl and can be added to a deck and can have rubber or even asphalt shingles on the roof.

The curtains For Your gazebo

That brings us to gazebo curtains, which you may want no matter which type of structure you choose. Since there are so many styles and shapes, it's really best to have your curtains custom made or make them yourself from mosquito netting. Attach them to the sides of windows and doors with Velcro to ensure insects remain outside. There are some online shops that specialize in making custom curtains for gazebos that are heavy-duty and some that allow an invisible look because the netting is dark instead of white or metallic. Mosquito curtains is one such shop, and although it's small, they offer a really good selection of products.

Other outdoor patio cover Ideas

Although a gazebo may be placed on a deck, it won't cover a large area but will create a cozy space that's private. If you need a covering that is easy to put up and comes in a kit, then try the most recent Alumawood kits that are easy to install and are engineered with interconnecting components that make a complete system that you can do yourself, they say, in a weekend. BTW, Alumawood kits are also available in wood finishes to match most gazebo designs.

Outdoor Gazebo Charm With an Outdoor Gazebo

An outdoor gazebo provides charm to a backyard like no other structure can do. Since there are numerous outdoor gazebo types, there is sure to be one that has all the features and the look that you want for your yard.

One of the most popular outdoor gazebo designs is the garden gazebo. A garden gazebo is generally a wooden Amish style gazebo or a wrought iron Victorian gazebo type. A garden gazebo generally has a sitting area directly on the gazebo and it is adorned with numerous plants and flowers in and around the outdoor gazebo. A garden gazebo provides a place to enjoy the outdoors from within the gazebo in addition to being a garden decoration itself.

Another popular outdoor gazebo plan is a hot tub gazebo. A hot tub or spa gazebo is actually a gazebo that is built around a Jacuzzi. In addition to looking nice, a hot tub gazebo is a great place to relax. Most hot tub gazebos are completely enclosed for providing privacy and for keeping insects away, allowing for nighttime use.

A patio or deck gazebo is an outdoor gazebo that is designed to be placed over your patio or deck. This type of gazebo is usually made of a fabric type material that is upheld by a metal frame rather than the entire structure being made of wood or metal. The purpose of this outdoor gazebo design is to provide shade to the patio or porch area during hot summer days.

Gazebo DIY Basics

DIY gazebos are getting very popular, the job may be hard but it is very rewarding at the end.

For the gazebo DIY enthusiast, the gazebo's size and location are to be decided in the first place. Once these two issues are decided, the rest are routine jobs such as ordering gazebo kits, gathering tools and the required materials. It is the opinion of exterior decorators that the gazebos placed near a house are more used than those placed far away from a house.

For the DIY gazebo builder, there are the three major stages:

* Assembling the gazebo's frame and its deck floor

* Assembling the gazebo's walls

* Assembling the roof with finishing touches

Before you consider buying a gazebo DIY kit, the following steps should be viewed in order to prepare the gazebo DIY builder.

Assembling the gazebo's frame and its deck floor:

Usually this part takes 20 to 48 hours- depending on the skill of the builder. For a typical type of gazebo, the following materials are needed:

* A screw gun and a few dozens of 2-1/2" screws

* A soffit stapler with 4/5 dozens of staples

* Level and framing square

* A pair of circular saw and chop saw

* Ladders and building blocks

* Cable, 15" or 16" anchors and fiberglass screening

Major steps for putting together the frame and deck floor include-

1. With 3-1/2" screws, outside edges of six 2x6 rim joists are joined together. Here, the inner joists are joined at the corners. A helping hand should be used for lifting joists and sliding them into the right place.

2. Next, holes should be drilled and core block is screwed into its right place. Here, the shorter jolts should be places as well. The leveling with patio blocks is done at this stage- this begins from the top point. A block has to be placed at each of the corners and one final block goes to the center.

3. Now, the 13" anchors are to be used to bolt the base down. But it should be done only when the builder is sure that the base is level and squared. Next, deck boards are placed by putting the fiber glass screening on top of the base. The fiber glass has to be stapled down.

4. Next, deck boards are to be laid and the gazebo DIY builder is suggested to begin with the longest boards while working the way in. "Outermost" rows are to be aligned while screwing corners together. The DIY builder should walk around the frame to double check the deck to ensure the boards overhang the rim joists. They should overhang by the exact degree all the way around.

5. Next board circles should be laid consecutively while aligning them up. This alignment has to be done by fitting the angles together. Then holes are pre-drilled and later fastened by screws. This whole process has to be continued over and over.

Assembling the gazebo's walls:

This part can take 16 to 48 hours as well. The tools and materials are practically the same as the project of building gazebo's frame and decks. So, only some of the major steps are discussed:

1. Four screws are to be used to attach the 1x4 bottom brace right into the dado. It helps a lot for the gazebo DIY builder if the areas of the spindles and fillet attachment are marked.

2. 1/4" crown staples (preferably two) spindles are to be attached. A second fillet has to be added to the other end of spindles. Make it stand while keeping the spindle section on top of the 2x4 base. Lining it up and staple it down finishes this part of the job.

3. Now, spindles are to be flipped over and the builder also has to get the spindles stapled over. The builder better not forget to rail cap of the outer fillet. Upper parts of baluster sections have to be assembled at this point- it is good to use a finish nail gun as the rails are thicker.

4. Next, corner posts are to be joined to the railing section. Use screws here. For extra caution, it is good to use a screw into the bottom brace and another 2 into the top rail. This has to be done with each of the rail sections. After completing the assembling of all the wall's sections- the walls can be finally raised now. By hoisting two of the walls, one has to be joined or attached to the other with 5/6 screws around each of the corners. This has to be done from each side. This process has to be done with the other walls as well.

In fact, all forms of DIY gazebo kits come with detailed instructions. These are a simple sample of the detailed breakdown a DIY gazebo builder goes through. The job might look tedious but actually it is fun for the builder to reach up to the final stage of adding roof of the gazebo and giving it the finishing touches. Good luck for the gazebo DIY builder!