Gazebos are gradually rising in popularity for a variety of reasons. Some people want to add space for personal time and entertainment with friends and family members while others tend to improve the visual appeal of their backyard. Gazebos come in several types and materials so it can be hard to make the right decision. To help avoid confusion, we have compiled some important information that will help you kickstart the process the right way. However, you should also consult a gazebo or pergola contractor who will ensure your needs and preferences are matched with the available resources.
Types Of Gazebos
Understanding and becoming familiar with different types of gazebos helps you make an informed decision. If it’s your first time, you are most probably going to spend a considerable amount of time thinking about the options. But, once the concept is clear, you will know what you want.
Patio Gazebos
Patio gazebos as the term suggests are gazebos that are permanent fixtures specifically for patios or gardens. These gazebos are made from materials like wood, plastic, metal, or vinyl, each offering varying sets of advantages and disadvantages.
These additional spaces allow you to spend some time relaxing with friends and family members without having to sacrifice the home’s privacy.
Pop-Up Gazebos
Another type of gazebo tends to be pop-up gazebos. These gazebos are known for easy and quick installations for temporary events. For instance, if you have a birthday party or a similar event, you can opt for pop-up gazebos that are not permanent fixtures.
These gazebos are mostly preferred for picnics, outdoor gatherings, barbecues, etc. Their convenience makes it a popular choice for spontaneous outdoor games. Plus, you can easily transport and install them whenever, wherever you want.
Permanent Gazebos
In addition to that, permanent gazebos as the term suggests are gazebos that come with a solid foundation and their installation is permanent. This does not mean these gazebos cannot be removed but they take much more time and effort for removal compared to other types.
Permanent gazebos serve as long-term backyard structures and tend to become a focal point for landscaping. Plus, these gazebos can be improved by adding privacy and security features to turn into a permanent spot for social gatherings. Moreover, they can improve the aesthetics of your backyard just as home siding improves the curb appeal.
Canopy Gazebos
Furthermore, canopy gazebos are identified by fabric roofs held together by a metal frame to provide shade and protection from the rain. These gazebos are mostly found in outdoor markets where shade is needed to protect food items from direct contact and exposure to the sun.
These gazebos are not permanent fixtures and can be installed and removed whenever required.
Pergolas
Pergolas are quite similar to gazebos but the only difference is that they have an open roof. These structures are usually made from wood or vinyl and offer partial shade. Pergolas are ideal for growing climbing plants that help create a beautiful and natural extension of the garden.
Plus, it helps the pergola blend in with the natural surroundings. Not only do these structures serve as a relaxation spot but also something that appeals to the eye. You can hire custom pergola builders Port Jefferson to get ideas on unique designs, shapes, and sizes that will make your outdoor structure one of a kind.
Other Types of Gazebos
While the types mentioned previously are the most common, there are some others that you should consider but are often less preferred for households.
Pavilion gazebos tend to be larger and more open than the traditional gazebos. These gazebos feature a peaked roof as they are mostly used for weddings and similar events. Their size and dimensions allow for a spacious design with large seating and eating arrangements.
Additionally, grill gazebos are simply gazebos that are installed over grills to provide shelter from rain, snow, and sun while cooking outdoors. Grill gazebos are perfect for outdoor barbecues in any weather and come with shelves and hooks for managing utensils and ingredients.
Which Material To Consider For Building A Gazebo?
Now that you are familiar with the different types of gazebos, it is equally important that you know what material to consider. It can be a tough task to come up with a decision but the pros and cons will surely help you out.
Wood
Wooden gazebos happen to be the most popular type. These gazebos are visually appealing and long-lasting. But they need to be protected from pests and other serious external factors. Plus, wooden gazebos require a lot of time and labor to manufacture and install.
This raises the overall cost of the gazebo. And, wooden gazebos need regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they stand strong.
Metal
Metal gazebos are also a popular choice known for their strength and durability. However, they are prone to rust, especially in regions where humidity and moisture are prevalent mostly throughout the year. However, these gazebos can be coated to protect from rust and other factors.
Plus, metal gazebos require fewer inspections and maintenance as they can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Vinyl
Finally, vinyl gazebos are the most budget-friendly option. These gazebos do not require any protection from pests, moisture, and humidity. But, the downside to these gazebos is that they are not that strong. Plus, they come with limited options and do not blend in well with the natural surroundings.
So, while selecting a material, you should define a budget and consider factors that may affect the strength, quality, and durability of the gazebo. Gazebos can be expensive or budget-friendly based on your needs and preferences as well. But setting up a budget helps narrow down the options and make much better decisions.
What Other Factors Should I Consider?
While purchasing or selecting a particular type of gazebo, you need to consider several other important factors such as the available space and local building codes. If the space available is small and you intend to spend occasional time, you should go for a vinyl gazebo.
But if the space happens to be large and you want a separate private space, then you can opt for a wood or metal gazebo. The reason is that you might need to work on the foundation as well. Wood and metal gazebos require a strong foundation to stand strong.
In addition to that, you can also opt for a permanent, portable, wall-mounted, or anchored gazebo. While permanent gazebos are fixed to the ground and are long-lasting additions to the garden, portable gazebos consist of four legs and a roof to allow for easy movement without any foundation. This allows the homeowners to relocate them whenever needed.
Wall-mounted gazebos are attached to an exterior wall that extends the outdoor living space and won’t require a foundation either. These gazebos may come with two or three legs based on the installation technique and design.
Finally, anchored gazebos come with pre-drilled legs to anchor them to the ground or a flat surface using heavy-duty bolts. This ensures resistance against strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Opting for a gazebo can be an interesting process. But you need to consider the information mentioned above to make the right decision. Plus, you should also consult a gazebo builder Long Island who is willing to guide you in the right direction and ensure that you get a durable and beautiful gazebo.
