How to Choose a Garden Gazebo

A garden gazebo is a wonderful way to spend quality time outdoors. Choosing one must be thought out carefully, not only for the cost involved but also because of the lasting benefit it will have for family and friends. How you want it to look, what you will do with it, and how much effort you want to put into assembling it are all factors in purchasing your garden gazebo.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide if you want a metal, wood or vinyl gazebo. Wood provides the most traditional look but requires the most maintenance because it requires staining. With metal comes the option of different colors. Vinyl gazebos are usually the cheapest. Vinyl also requires very little maintenance.

2. Determine how big you need your gazebo to be. Gazebos come anywhere from 6 feet in diameter up to 22 feet in diameter. For relaxing by yourself or with a few family members, 6 feet in diameter is good size. However, if you plan to entertain, you may need 20 feet or more. You will want a space that all of your guests can comfortably fit in.

3. Choose a gazebo that matches the style of your house. Like houses, gazebos have architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Oriental.

4. Evaluate how much time you want to put into building your gazebo. If you are proficient with carpentry and have the time, you can build it yourself. However, if you want something quick and easy, check out home improvement stores for kits that allow some customization; these will be much easier to assemble.

5. Pick a screened gazebo if you want to use it during periods of inclement weather. Open gazebos are good for nice weather but not handy when it's cold, windy or raining. You can also choose a gazebo with a removable screen if you want the best of both worlds.

Resources

• Find information on gazebo plans and kits at Gazebo Web.