Intention and location

The first question you should ask before purchasing a gazebo is “What do I intend to use it for?” If you want to get one to decorate your garden or use it as an architectural accent to a landscape, then you have to allot a bigger space for it to be looked upon and admired.  Your garden should be manicured and clutter-free to make it a focal point.  If you want the gazebo to be incorporated in the surroundings and blend with the landscape, plant some shrubberies, flowers, and vines around the gazebo so they can grow around the structure. This can make the gazebo blend and be part of nature. You can use it as a secret hideaway where you can meditate and relax by yourself. If you want your gazebo to be a resting place where you can admire your garden or a view beyond, build or get one with open sides, low railings, and fewer posts. If you want a gazebo to house an outdoor spa, get one with a wider area and bamboo railings for a more relaxing atmosphere.

If you plan to use your gazebo as a home office, consider getting an enclosed structure with French windows that you can open to let the sun and fresh air in. The number of people who are going to use the gazebo is also a determining factor on how small or big it should be. A gazebo can be small enough to fit two people with two chairs and a table or big enough to accommodate a party of 10 or more.

Environmental considerations

The type of gazebo you should purchase also depends on the environmental conditions in your area.  If you experience all the four seasons, then you need a gazebo that can withstand all the weather conditions they bring. To be safe, you should get one with bulky posts and thicker roofing.  If you live near the beach or experience mostly sunny weather the whole year, get a gazebo with a minimalist design like a hut-style or a Japanese-style gazebo. It can make your garden or backyard look like a resort getaway.

1.    Screw the 2 x 6 rim joists together to form the outside edge of the floor.
2.    Using the three and a half-inch screws, screw the outside rim joists together.
3.    Attach the six inside joints on each corner.  Lift the joists to the center of the base, slide the core block, and pound it into place.
4.    Drill holes for the screws and screw the core block in place.
5.    Next, screw the shorter joists in place.
6.    After the base is constructed, level it with the patio blocks starting at the highest point.  Start at each corner and put one in the center. Work your way to the next one as you go along.
7.    The base should be leveled and squared. Bolt it with three 13-inch anchors.
8.    Fit the anchor cable in the joist and wrap the cables around the anchor.
9.    Place the deck boards in a way that they overhang on the rim joists equally.
10.    You can now secure the frame using the two and a half-inch square-drive screws.

Assembling the walls

1.    Use the four screws to attach the 1 x 4 bottom brace into the dado.
2.    Use an air gun and one-fourth-inch crown staples to attach the spindles.
3.    Attach the second fillet at the other end of the spindles.
4.    Pull up the fillets and put the spindle onto the 2 x 4 base.  Line them up and staple them down.
5.    Use a finish nailer for the upper baluster sections and the rails.
6.    At the end of the railing section, attach the corner posts using screws. Do the same for each rail.
7.    Raise the walls and attach them side by side using five screws on each corner.
8.    The walls should be half an inch from the edge of the floor around the perimeter.
9.    Using three-inch square screws, screw the corner posts into the deck boards and attach all the other corner posts.
10.    Screw the two header boards together at the corners.
11.    At the corner-post, notch screw the header using two screws in each 2 x 4 piece.

Assembling the roof

1.    Screw the rafters onto the core block on both sides.
2.    Fit the bird’s mouth where the header meets the rafter and attach it to the core block and the header board.
3.    Install the six middle rafters then attach the 12 short rafters by twos using a screw gun.
4.    Make a cross brace on the wall using 1′ x 4′ x 8′ boards and plumb the wall to attach the bottom brace board at the other end of the opposite corner post.  Do this alternately.
5.    Attach the fascia boards and put up the batten ceiling boards. Start with the longest batten boards and work your way to the middle.
6.    Staple the boards to both the main and middle rafters

Finishing touches

1.    Shingle the roof starting at the bottom. Do one pie wedge at a time.
2.    Drill the shingles into the rafters before installing the cupola.
3.    Attach the upper balusters to the header using three screws on top and two at the bottom.
4.    Use a staple gun to attach the corner brackets and screw in the 1 x 4 kicker board.

Shade

The basic advantage of a gazebo is that it provides a roofed area for protection against the sun or rain. Having a gazebo in your garden allows you to stay outdoors and relax even under the hot sun or during a rainy day. A gazebo can also serve as a waiting shed. You can relax in a gazebo as you take a break from a long afternoon of gardening. A gazebo located in a vast golf course or in a park can serve as a place to rest before continuing the long walk back to where you came from.

View       

Most gazebos are designed with open spaces on all sides and short railings. This open space allows you to take in the view of the surroundings while relaxing inside the gazebo. A gazebo is ideal for high mountain places or hill tops where you can sit outside, enjoy the view, feel the breeze, and still be protected from the elements.

Hideaway

A gazebo can also be a secret hideaway or a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.  It can provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere for meditating and praying. You can even install a small outdoor spa in it so you can have your own spa retreat at home. You can have it incorporated at the edge of a lush garden where it is obscured from everyone else. Do remember to put up a screen in your gazebo to protect you from mosquitoes, other insects, and small animals.

Events

A gazebo can be used as the centerpiece in important events such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. For weddings, the gazebo is the ideal location for the altar. The gazebo arch can perfectly frame the minister, bride, and groom. The gazebo is also the perfect place to place the wedding cake in the reception. For anniversaries, the gazebos can serve as the podium where a couple can exchange their vows again. For birthdays, the gazebo can serve as the mini stage where a band can play.  A gazebo is also a popular setting for marriage proposals, romantic dinner dates, and gazing up the stars at night with your partner.

Lounge

The gazebo can be a lounge for employees or the house staff.  It can also work well for commercial applications such as a cafe or a merchandise stand. An enclosed gazebo is ideal for a home office. It can also be converted to a guest house, a den, a breakfast area, or even a storage area.

Gazebos are not that cheap

Today, gazebos are more affordable than they were before, but they are not that cheap either.  The price of your standard eight-square foot octagonal gazebo made of timber ridge can start from $2,000 to $2,500. This is only the structure and the basic roofing.  If you want to add more features to it, you have to pay for the additional costs of materials and labor.  You can pay as much as a few hundred to thousands of dollars for the additional cost.

You still have to get an eight-square foot gazebo made of wood stained or sealed, and this can cost you an additional $90 to $100. If you want to add screens to the windows, be prepared to shell out $450 more. Screened floors can cost around $30 to $50. Getting your gazebo painted is going to cost you an additional $300.  A pagoda roof can cost you $290; vinyl windows, $1,550; turned posts, $175; and Victorian braces, $160.  Do take note that these costs are only applicable for an eight-square foot octagonal gazebo. The cost per article gets higher as the size increases. Also take note that these are just the initial costs. There are still the short term and long term maintenance costs to account for.

Gazebos are high maintenance

A wood gazebo requires regular maintenance to preserve its beauty and strength.  Sealing has to be done regularly every four to six months, so that it remains weather-resistant and would not degrade easily.  Depending on the size of your gazebo, having it sealed can cost you an additional $90 to $300. The shingles that protect the roof are vulnerable to heavy rains and storms especially if they are made from asphalt. You may have to repair or replace some shingles regularly. If you opt to do the repairs on your own, make sure that you do the job properly. You can end up doing the repairs over and over again and this can cost you more in the long run. You can also hire a repairman to do the job for you, but you still have to pay the labor cost aside from the cost of the materials and tools.

Gazebos takes a lot of space

One other drawback of getting a gazebo is that it is an imposing structure that can dwarf its surroundings. This is true for a smaller backyard or a backyard with several other structures in it.  The gazebo has to be strategically placed so that in the future, when you need to hold an event or extend a portion of your house, it would not become a hindrance.

A premium grade gazebo is usually made of western red cedar because of its natural beauty and outstanding strength.  It is generally resistant to decay and can withstand most environmental conditions. Only architectural-grade western cedar is used in building gazebos because it is a fine wood that can last for all seasons. Another preferred material used for making gazebos is the Southern Yellow Pine because of its superior strength and durability. Southern Yellow Pine wood is pressure treated and kiln dried twice to reduce the chances of shrinkage when it is sealed and painted on. The pressurized lumber is milled on all four sides to create a smooth and subtle finish.
Vinyl is also used to make gazebos. It does not crack, fade, or peel. A vinyl gazebo is cheaper but still looks beautiful. It is made of synthetic materials that imitate the appearance of wood. A vinyl gazebo is easy to maintain since it is factory made.  It does not need painting, sealing, or staining. It is highly durable and can withstand almost all weather conditions. A vinyl gazebo can look great all year round, whether under the hot sun, heavy rains, or even covered in snow because it is resistant to weather changes.

Roofing

The roofing of a gazebo not only provides shade and protection, it also adds to the structure’s overall aesthetic appeal. Most gazebos have slate shingles roofing or layered Japanese-style roofing. The most economical material for gazebo roofing is the asphalt shingles because they are readily available, easy to manufacture, and available in a variety of colors. They are durable, easily repaired or replaced, and provide adequate protection. Asphalt shingles are available in most local building supply stores, so replacing the damaged area of the roofing would not be a problem. The most expensive gazebo roofing material is the cedar shingles. Cedar shingles are durable and can last a lifetime. They make a gazebo roofing look beautiful and classy. Another expensive option for gazebo roofing material is copper. This material would surely make any gazebo the center of attraction.

Materials

High-end and high quality materials such as red cedar wood for the railings and the posts, and cedar or copper shingles for the roofing can hike the price from 15% to 100% compared to using pine lumber and asphalt shingles.

When considering the price, however, you should not only consider the initial cost but the short term and long term maintenance costs as well. This is to make sure that you are really getting your money’s worth. A gazebo made from the finest materials can last you a lifetime or even several lifetimes. On the other hand, a gazebo made from cheaper materials may need constant repairing and replacing, which in the end can cost you even more money.

Size, labor cost, and design

One other factor that affects the price of a gazebo is the size you want to build or get. Getting a small gazebo means that you are going to need less materials pay less labor costs. The labor cost is actually a big contributor to the price of a gazebo. How much you have to pay depends on your area, the company, the design, and the location of the gazebo. The design or style of the gazebo also affects its price tag. A gazebo with hand carved railings and intricate designs is more expensive than one with clean lines and a simple design.

Building a gazebo or buying a prebuilt gazebo

You may also want to consider the cost difference between building your own gazebo or getting a prebuilt one. Building your own gazebo can make you save on labor costs, but make sure that the labor you are going to exert is worth not letting a professional do it. You can also buy a precut gazebo kit, which costs much less than a prebuilt gazebo. However, you still need to decide whether you want to assemble it yourself or hire a professional to do it.

Prices of gazebos

The standard size of an octagonal gazebo is eight square feet that can comfortably accommodate two people. A standard-design octagonal gazebo with asphalt shingles made of timber ridge can  cost anywhere from $2,500 to $2,700.  A forester-type can cost from $2,700 to $2,900.  A deluxe pine wood can cost $2,900 to $3,250.  A cedar wood gazebo with a simple design can cost $3,400 to $3,600, while a gazebo with rubber slate or cedar roofing can cost $4,000 to $6,000. Adding optional accessories such as vinyl windows can cost you $1,500 to $2,000 more. You have to add $160 to $200 if you want Victorian braces for your gazebo.

If you have a Zen-type or a minimalist garden, then a bamboo or Japanese-minimalist gazebo is the more suitable style to use. If you want to build one near your pool, a resort-type gazebo is more appropriate. You can even install a hot tub in it to make it look more like a resort. Choosing the right gazebo style also depends on whether you want it to be the focal point or if you want it to simply blend with the background and be one with the natural environment. Do remember that season and weather changes can affect the surrounding foliage, so make sure you consider these things before determining where to place the gazebo and which style is best.  Below are some gazebo styles you can consider:

Old French-style gazebos

Old French-style gazebos are classic gazebos perfect for year-round use.  They have an old world feel to them. They are fully-enclosed structures with French windows and French doors. The windows that surround them allow natural light to enter and brighten up the space. They can be used as breakfast rooms or home offices for those who want quiet and beautiful surroundings while working.

Bali-style gazebos

Bali-style gazebos are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture that incorporates minimalist and natural design. They are perfect places for relaxation in hot, summer afternoons, getting massages, and installing hot tubs. Bali-style gazebos look great when installed near swimming pools or saunas.

Victorian-style gazebos

Victorian-style gazebos are designed to be the focal points of any open space like public parks and gardens. They feature two-tiered pagoda roof styles, decorative arched brackets, attractive spandrels, and hand-cut railings. Victorian-style gazebos look elegant, classic, and romantic.

Monterey-style gazebos

Monterey-style gazebos have clean, fine, and classic lines ideal for blending in with the architecture of homes or any garden landscape. They are commonly painted in white to get the traditional American home design and feel.

Rustic-style gazebos

Rustic-style gazebos are usually made of old wood that gives them their warm and friendly appeal.  They are the perfect venues for relaxing with friends and families or for hanging a hammock. They are also well-suited in pool sides and commercial establishments like cafes.

The minimum and standard size of a gazebo is eight square feet. This is the smallest size it can get. It can fit two people, two chairs, and a table.  A standard- size gazebo is the perfect place for a sanctuary if you want to be alone, admire the view, or meditate from time to time. It is also perfect place for holding a dinner date or picnic lunch with your loved one.

For every addition of two square feet to the standard size of eight square feet, two more people can be accommodated inside. This means that a 10-square foot gazebo can hold a group of four,  while a 12-square foot gazebo can accommodate a party of five or six. The space for the chairs, tables, and space for movement are all accounted for in these sizes.

Specifications

You can have a choice of getting an eight square feet, 10 square feet, 12 square feet, 14 square feet, and so on, for a standard eight-sided gazebo. For an eight-sided oblong gazebo, you can choose from a gazebo with a size of eight feet x 12 feet, 10 feet x 14 feet, 12 feet x 16 feet, 14 feet x 18 feet, 16 feet x 20 feet, and so on.

The wall section of an eight-square foot gazebo usually has a width of 39 ¾ inches and an overall height of nine feet and six inches.  A 10-square foot gazebo has a wall section width of 49 ¾ inches and an overall height of 10 feet.  A 12- square foot gazebo has a wall section width of 59 5/8 inches and an overall height of 11 feet.  A 14- square foot gazebo has a 69 5/8-inch wall section width and an overall height of 11 feet. A 16-square foot gazebo has a wall section width of 79 1/2 inches and an overall height of 11 feet and six inches. These are the estimated dimensions of pre-built gazebos that you can buy in the stores.

Zoning

You can build a gazebo as large as 100 square feet or even more, but only if your local zoning regulations allow it. You have to know the local zoning regulations within your area before you can decide on how big you can build your gazebo. Usually, a gazebo under 100 square feet does not require a permit, but you still you have to check with your local government to be sure.  There are also restrictions on property lines. Usually, a gazebo should be built with a two or three feet set back from the property line. But still, this rule can differ from area to area.

The assembly of gazebo kits

Gazebo kits are designed to be easy to assemble.  As long as you know how to handle a screw driver and a hammer, you can build your own gazebo from a gazebo kit. Gazebo kits are available in different stages of completion depending on your preference and skill level.  They can come in a pile of precut pieces to preassembled components.  Building a gazebo using precut pieces usually take 16 hours to build, requiring as many as two days to finish it. Building one using preassembled components can take five to eight hours to finish.

A basic gazebo kit includes the floor and wall panels, roofing, and the shingles.  Some kits have predrilled panels already, making the assembly even easier to do. What is typically not included in a gazebo kit are the screws and tools needed for the assembly.  However, a manual that contains the screw specifications and step-by-step assembly instructions is included. Some of the tools you need to assemble a gazebo kit are: two and a half-inch screws, a screw gun, some staples and a soffit stapler, a level and framing square, a circular saw, a chop saw, ladders, building blocks, 16-inch anchors, a cable, fiberglass screening, and long 1 x 4’s.  A gazebo kit can be assembled by one person but it would be a lot easier if two people built it together. The roof section can be difficult to assemble by one person alone.

The advantages of gazebo kits

Gazebo kits cost a lot less than buying pre-built gazebos, and they are a lot more convenient and practical than building gazebos from scratch. With gazebo kits, you are assured of getting perfect dimensions that have been factory prefabricated. You can be sure that all the panels would align perfectly. The gazebo kit manufacturers can offer the finest materials and expert craftsmanship that you would not get from your local lumberyard and hardware stores. They have more access to quality building materials and can offer you the best choices in style, material, and design.  Building your own gazebo from a gazebo kit equips you with the knowledge you need about the parts and which one goes where. This is a great advantage to have when your gazebo needs repairs.  You do not have to call a repairman because you can repair it yourself.

Never use a razor blade or other sharp instruments for scraping dirt or sticky substances from the windows of your gazebo. Do not use harsh chemicals such as acetone, benzene, leaded gasoline, or carbon tetrachloride when cleaning the windows because they can only add on to the window stains.  Also avoid cleaning windows using cleaning agents under the hot sun or in elevated temperatures because this can cause chemical reactions that can warp the windows. Always use mild cleaning agents such as Windex, Mr. Clean,  and methanol or Isopropyl alcohol. Kerosene is permissible for cleaning and removing sticky substances off the windows. For the regular cleaning of domes and windows, use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse the windows and domes well with clear water and dry with a dry cloth or chamois afterwards to avoid spotting. To remove scratches, use mild automobile polish and filler. Test it on a small area first to see if they are effective.

Roof

Gazebos do not have a center foundation thus it is very important never to place any weight bearing object (or person) on top of the roof as it may collapse.   during snowy season, always brush off the snow of your gazebo constantly and regularly.  Do not allow heavy snow to build up.  use a soft object or a broom to brush away the snow on your roof.  never use metal objects for scraping as this may gouge or scratch the surface.

Things to avoid

Always remove water puddles and spills around the edges of your gazebo after a rain shower. Do not allow water to stagnate for a long time because it can harbor the growth of mildew that can damage the surface coating of your gazebo. Standing water can also cause water stains and cause the wood to fade. Use only sodium chloride or halite to clean a stain-coated wood surface.  Do not use calcium chloride salts as this can reduce the effectiveness of the coating, making it less water-resistant. Also, do not use a pressure washer to clean the wood because this can remove the wood’s surface layer coating and gouge the surface, making it difficult to recoat.

Gazebo Accents

Gazebo Accents has decades of experience in selling and installing quality and affordable gazebos. For phone inquiries, call (951) 255-0795.

Cabinfields

Cabinfields offers extraordinary, Amish-made gazebos to fit your home, family, and lifestyle. Visit its office at 15 Cabinfield Circle, Lakewood, NJ 08701. For inquiries about its products, call 866-450-WOOD (9663).

Amish Woodworks

Amish Woodworks sells gazebos built by skilled Amish craftsmen. Visit its office at #1809 Vestal Pkwy, Binghamton, NY. Call 1-877-338-9939 for more details about its products.

Gazebo Creations

Gazebo Creations is the home of the Gazebo Wizard that can help you with all your gazebo needs. Its office is located at 5410 Rt.8, Gibsonia, PA 15044. For more information, call 1-888-293-2339.

USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia

Outdoor Living Today

Outdoor Living Today offers individually-handcrafted gazebos made of tight knot Western Red Cedar. Visit its office at 9393 287th Street, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada V2W 1L1. Call 1-888-658-1658 for more information.

Valley View Industries Ltd

Valley View Industries manufactures log gazebos, pergolas, sheds, arbors, and other garden furniture. Its office is located at 598 Okanagan Way, Kamloops BC V2H 1G7. For more information about its products, call 1-250-314-6755.

Cedarshed Industries

Cedarshed manufactures high quality gazebos to fit every outdoor occasion and lifestyle. It offers precut and panelized gazebo kits. For more information about its products, visit its office at 9770 - 199A Street, Langley, British Columbia, Canada V1M 2X7 or call 1•800•830•8033.

Skyview Industries Ltd

Skyview Industries has over 19 years of experience in designing, making, and installing sunrooms, skylights, gazebos, and awnings. Check out its office at 1 - 6721 Butler Crescent (off Keating Cross Road), Saanichton, B.C. V8M 1Z7 British Columbia. For phone inquiries, call (250) 652-0888.

USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia

Gazebo! Gazebo! offers the highest quality gazebos designed by professional engineers.

Hayes Garden World

Hayes Garden World is the product of five generations of the Hayes family who first became involved in horticulture in 1825 as gardeners and seedsmen. Aside from a wide range of garden products, it also offers gazebos, hammocks, benches, and garden furniture. For phone inquiries, call +44 (0)15394 33434.

Oakenclough Buildings, Ltd

Oakenclough Buildings calls itself “the garden building people” and offers gazebos made of Western Red cedar. Visit its manufacturing center and headquarters at Oakenclough Mill, Oakenclough, Garstang. Call 01995 606614 for more information about its products.

ATM Spas and Things

Spas and Things offers gazebos especially made for outdoor spas and hot tubs. To know more about its products, visit its office at Units 17 & 18 Venture Wales Drive, Bedwas House Ind Estate, Caerphilly, South Wales, UK CF83 8GF or call 029 2085 2112.

USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia

Giulio Barbieri offers a new concept on gazebos. It manufactures whole structures made of aluminum with innovating closing systems. For more details about its products, visit its office at Via Ferrara, 41, 44028 Poggio Renatico (Ferrara), Italy or call (+39) 0532 82.15.11.

Peotta Bruno

Peotta Bruno offers hand carved stone gazebos, sundials, and wellheads for the garden. Its office is located at Via Milano, 10, 36041 Alte Ceccato M. Maggiore, Vicenza – Italy. For phone inquiries, call +39 0444 696104.

USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia

Softwoods specializes in planning, designing, and quoting outdoor projects including gazebo construction. Visit its office at 493 Wright Road, Cnr McIntyre Road, Modbury 5092. For phone inquiries, call 8396 4044.

Hardwood Heaven

Hardwood Heaven supplies a complete range of recycled and remilled timber suitable for decking, carpots, fencing. They also supply DIY Bali Hut kits. Its office is located at 13 Central Drive, Burleigh 4220. Call 07 5533 0531 for more details about its products.

House of Bamboo

House of Bamboo offers Australian-designed, -engineered, and -manufactured gazebos with international patents. Visit its office at 13 Erith Street, Botany 2019. For phone inquiries, call 1300 665 703.

Landmark

Landmark is the leading supplier of engineered kit-form shelters. Its standard and custom designs including gable, pyramid, hip, curved, skillion, gazebos, and rotundas. For phone inquiries, call 1300 76 82 30.

Forpark

Forpark is a manufacturer of powder-coated steel gazebos, park furniture, and street furniture. Call 08 8283 3611 for more details about its products.

USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia