How to Build and Install a Gazebo

There are several things that you can do to improve your yard, but adding a gazebo is one that everyone can enjoy. Not only will it improve the beauty or yard, but it offers you a nice little nook of solace and peace where you can escape from time to time. Whether you want to spend a romantic evening with that someone special or just slip away for some time with yourself, a gazebo can offer you this in your own yard. It is a rather easy thing to construct as well. There are several different designs that you can choose from or you can create a style that is all your own. There are pre-built versions, pre-cut versions that you can assemble yourself, or you can start from scratch. No matter what type it is that you plan on putting into your yard, there are a couple things that you can do.

The construction of a gazebo may sound like a difficult and complex procedure, but it is relatively simple. The first thing you need to do is decide on whether you want a pre-fabricated version, a pre-built version, or one of your very own design and creation. Many of these are hexagonal in shape and you will just need to start by putting a support stud at each of the points on this hexagon. This stud needs to be long enough to reach the top of the gazebo and then add about three feet. These three feet can help you avoid one mistake that destroys many of the gazebos in use. Most people will just set the gazebo on the lawn. When a storm comes along with any type of wind to it, the whole thing will blow over and can get ruined. One other thing that you want to keep in mind when trying to design your gazebo is whether the floor will be on the ground, or if you want it elevated a little with some steps leading up to the gazebo floor. One thing that you can do to help you in designing your own gazebo is to go to several different stores, both online and in person, and look at all the ones they have to offer. You can add the things that you like in each one of these to your own design.

Once you have decided on your design or the specific one that you are putting in, you can add a couple things to improve the stability and appearance of your gazebo. The first thing that you will want to do is anchor it to the ground. To do this you will want to find the exact spot you want your gazebo to be placed. While it could be moved later, it will be quite difficult to do so. Once you have decided on the spot, mark off the exact location of each of the corners. You will be digging anchor holes in these spots, so the measurement needs to be as close as possible. If you have the extended studs mentioned above, you will not need to add boards to your gazebo. If you have a premade version or one that does not have the extended studs, you can add your own. You will want to get a post long enough to attach to the bottom of the gazebo and extend about three feet down. You will then need to dig a hole three feet deep. You will want to keep the top foot of dirt that has your grass or sod. Fill the bottom two feet of these holes with concrete. Once you have the concrete poured, you want to immediately put the posts in the holes. Let it dry and then, if the holes are exposed, you can fill them the rest of the way with the dirt. Place the grass on top and you now have a secured gazebo with no exposed concrete to mar your lawn or pose a possible injury threat to children.

One addition that you can add to a gazebo that can really make a difference is adding vines to the exterior. There are several beautiful and aromatic vines that can be added to a gazebo to bring a lot of color and character to your lawn. If you keep them pruned down and thinned, you will still be able to see the wood accents and design of the underlying structure. Jasmine is one of the best for these. You can get these in white or purple and a mixture of the two is quite nice. They also offer a mild flowery scent that is not overpowering but relaxing. The easiest way to add these to your gazebo is by adding a thin trellis to the exterior of it. These vines will use these to climb all the way up and in full bloom this will add an amazing color splash to the wood finish. If you choose a trellis that has larger gaps in it, this will open up the vines so that they do not completely envelope your gazebo. This will provide ample light but still shade the area and allow you to see the underlying wood tones of the gazebo.

The area surrounding your gazebo can be just as important as the design itself. A gazebo in the middle of your yard is not quite as inviting as one shaded by a large tree with a dirt path leading to it. Adding flowers to the surrounding area and possibly a garden can help to add character to your gazebo. If you are looking for a zen-like place to relax, you may want to have it buried amidst a maze of plants with a waterfall nearby. A koi pond would be another wonderful addition alongside a gazebo and you can have the waterfall dump into this pond.

If you are going to add lighting to your gazebo, you will want to do this one of two ways. These can be very romantic areas so you do not want to flood it with light. It is possible that you will be using this for other than romantic encounters. For these reasons, you may want some higher lighting available for these times. Having two stage lights or two sets of lights installed can be a good idea. You can use solar powered lights to illuminate your gazebo as well. This can help you save money and add to the design of your gazebo.

Choosing the right stain or color for your gazebo is another important part. I am personally partial to a natural wood finish with some cherry stain and ample amounts of clear coat to bring out the shine and vibrancy of the wood grains. Whitewash is another great selection for your color. These add an old New England flair to your yard. No matter what color or finish you choose to go with, you will need to weatherproof it. This will be outside during all the different weather types. Whether it is wind, snow, sun, rain, or sleet, this will have to stand up to the elements. This will take plenty of clear coat and weather proofing. If you are using a color and not a stain, you will want to put a couple coats of weather proofing on the bare wood, paint the gazebo, and then add some more clear coat.

No matter what your taste is, there is a gazebo that will fit your home's design and your personal needs. These can great spots to collect yourself and relax, for kids to study, to catch a romantic dinner under the stars, or for several other reasons. They are a great addition to any home and can give you much more than you have to put into them. These little nooks of relaxation will provide many years of pleasure and beauty for you and your family.