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.

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.

Is a Universal Gazebo Canopy a Cost Effective Solution?

An outdoor gazebo on your terrace or deck can be a big addition to your outside living space. They can offer excellent shade during the heat of the day, and offer protection from light rain as well. These elements can take a toll on your gazebo's canopy, and you may find yourself looking for a new canopy every 2 to 3 years. Ideally, you will want to find a replacement canopy that is built for your gazebo, but there are a variety of scenarios where you may want to look at a universal gazebo canopy.

-  Name brand replacement canopies are often more high-priced.
-  They may not be available for some older style gazebos.

It can be a problem to come across an exact replacement for your exact model of gazebo. Many stores normally market only the complete gazebo kits, and do not stock the replacement canopies alone. You can try to contact the company that created your gazebo, and they will often sell replacement canopies directly to consumers. This can be a concern if the owner doesn't remember what the model number is, or if they can't remember which company manufactured the gazebo. They assembled their gazebo 2 or 3 years ago, and the box and owners manual are no longer in their possession. In this situation, a universal gazebo replacement canopy can be a perfect solution.

The price of a brand new gazebo cover is another factor that may push an owner to consider a universal replacement. Replacement tops sold by the manufacturer usually carry a higher price tag than a generic top. All canopies will become weathered over time, and in time experience tearing. So a generic canopy with a lower cost can be an attractive option.

Off brand gazebo tops may not be exact fits, but they can foot the bill. The general canopies may be a bit off of the manufacturer's specifications, but will normally fit well. The fit is often close, but not perfect. Velcro tie downs will help to fix problems with the fitting if this becomes an issue. The cloth used for a generic cover will possibly not be of the same thickness as the original. This can result in the need to exchange it more frequently. Generic canopies are usually available in usual sizes, so you may have difficulty locating a replacement if you have an non-standard size. You might have issues locating generic canopies in uncommon sizes. The common 8 foot by 8 foot, 10 foot by 10 foot, and 12 foot by 12 foot sizes are normally sold though.