Archive for 'Gazebos'

Wood Arbors and Pergolas

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A wood arbor or pergola is the perfect way to transform a boring garden into something magical and spectacular. They are perfect in backyards as well. Arbors are simple and charming, and because there are so many styles you will have a lot of fun picking one out for your home.

But first, what exactly is an arbor, also referred to as a pergola? It’s simply an archway constructed of wood or other materials, although arbors were traditionally made up of leaves and branches. Today when you purchase an arbor, it usually includes elegant latticework that you can cover with vines and flowers.

At the same time, you don’t have to have plants or vines covering an arbor or pergola. It is perfectly acceptable to leave it on its own to work as a focal point in your garden. Arbors also make beautiful entrance ways. Most people choose a wood arbor or pergola just because it is more beautiful. Also, wood matches many different styles and only adds to the natural beauty of your garden or backyard. You can find many different shapes and sizes as well.

When picking out an arbor or pergola, keep the following things in mind:

arbor-victoria-trellis Red cedar is the most popular choice for pergolas  because it’s very durable. It’s also rich in color, easy to work with if you’re building your own pergola, and resistant to moisture and insects – perfect for outdoor use. Pergolas are available in other types of wood as well. In the end, what you choose really depends on your personal circumstances.

The most important thing to look for is the style of arch. Arches are either round, flat, pointed. A different arch results in a different look, so choose an arbor or pergola with an arch you think will go well in your garden.

What styles are available?

• Gable Arbors: Designed with a gable style of roof
• Gothic Arbors: Made up of interesting lines and a whimsical look
• Arch Arbors: This is the classic look with a round roof most people imagine when they think of arbors and pergolas

But arbors can also include other features, such as a bench or seat, a gate, planter boxes, side wings, or a central swing.

Some arbors and pergolas come with a loveseat. Although most pergolas provide little more than something nice to look at, this is the kind of arbor that actually has a function. You can sit under the arch and enjoy your beautiful garden. Wood arbors are great for accentuating certain parts of a backyard and making it look more beautiful. Sometimes they’re used as entrance gates to welcome guests.

Arbors and pergolas can range between 3ft. and 7ft. tall. Select an arbor based on the purpose it will have in your backyard or garden. Some arbors are even adjustable. Other than wood, you can purchase arbors and pergolas constructed of copper, vinyl, and wrought iron.

What to Look For When Buying a Gazebo

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A gazebo makes a beautiful and practical addition to your outdoor living area. Use it as a place to entertain friends on a beautiful summer evening, or as an oasis of serenity in your own home where you can slip away to read, soak in the sun, or have a quiet chat. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a gazebo that will fit your needs and be a joy to your family for years to come.

Learn How To put up your very own Gazebo and what materials to use.
1. The Gazebo Fits Your Outdoor Area

Before you take steps toward buying a gazebo, you want to decide how much room that you have to devote to it. Pick your location – will it go near the pool, under some shady trees, or be set into your porch? Remember that a flat, level ground surface is important to a stable foundation. It’s a good idea to block off the area where you intend to build the gazebo with stakes and string so you can ensure that it doesn’t obstruct any necessary paths or prevent your family from enjoying outdoor games and activities.

2. Gazebo is in Proportion to Your Home

Next, you’ll want to consider how the gazebo will look compared to your home. A gazebo that is too large will look out of place next to your house. One that is too small will seem dwarfed in comparison to your home.

3. Gazebo Large Enough for Your Purposes

How you intend to use your gazebo is another important factor when choosing a size. Are you intending to use it for weddings or large dinner parties? Maybe you want your gazebo to provide privacy for a hot tub or a changing room for your pool? Or perhaps you just want a cozy area for reading and unwinding. Your decision can help you decide how large a gazebo you need.

4. Style Fits Your Personal Preferences

People oftentimes think of a gazebo as offering only the classical octagonal, Victorian style. However, gazebos actually come in a wide range of looks, from wire frames that can support flowering trellises to Polynesian styles that look perfect on a beach setting or outfitted as a Tiki bar. Discover the look that calls to your own personal sense of style.

5. Gazebo’s Style Matches the Setting

The placement of your gazebo will also help determine the style that looks best on your property. A gazebo overlooking a lake or beach calls for a different style than one placed in the midst of an English garden.

6. Additional Features for Your Gazebo

When considering your gazebo’s use and style, you’ll also want to think about which extra features are important to you. Would you like to have screens that keep out insects? Is privacy an important issue? What about having a trellis for climbing flowers, large windows for sunlight, or a garden swing for extra relaxation? Thinking about the extra features you really want in your gazebo will help you pick the perfect model for your home.

7. Gazebo is Made from Appropriate Material

Selecting high-quality material will ensure that your gazebo will last for years to come. This is especially true for challenging environments, like the corrosive salt air of a beachfront property or locations with a lot of rain or harsh winters. Consider the environment when choosing your gazebo, and ensure that you receive high-quality treated lumber that is resistant to weather and insects if you use wooden materials.

8. Gazebo Offers Easy Assembly

Unless you are hiring someone to install your gazebo for you, you’ll want to purchase a kit that is easy to assemble. A gazebo kit can save you thousands of dollars when compared to hiring someone to build your gazebo, but you want to ensure that you can put it together quickly and easily, without unnecessary hassle.

9. Gazebo Receives a High Rating from Other Buyers

One of the best ways to decide whether a gazebo is worth the money, if it’s built to last, and if it is easy to assemble before you try it yourself is to read about the experiences that other people who have bought that model of gazebo have had. Customer reviews and opinions can help you narrow down your choices and weed out mistakes that could otherwise be costly.

10. Gazebo’s Price is Right

Finally, you’ll want to ensure that the gazebo fits your budget. In order to do this, you’ll want to focus on the most important features, cut costs where you can, and shop carefully for the best prices. For example, building the gazebo yourself from a kit allows you to have more features and higher quality for the same price when compared to hiring a craftsman to custom-build and install one for you.

A gazebo adds to the beauty, the grace, and the functionality of your home at a fraction of the cost of most home additions. Why not start shopping for your perfect gazebo today?