Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Do you love spending time outside of the house? Whether you’re looking for shade or want to make guests feel comfortable at a party, a gazebo is a way forward. This article will look at the various types, differences between these and pavilions, and more.
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a freestanding structure you place in your garden for privacy or shelter and shade at public events. These garden structures are available in a variety of shapes: rectangular, hexagonal and square. Therefore, there’s a shape, style and size to suit all gardens.
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Purpose of a Gazebo
A gazebo can have any purpose, and they give you the option of taking a party or small gathering anywhere.
Garden Party
When the sun is out, having a party is the common propensity of most people. Gazebos are an ideal garden structure because they can fit into your backyard and bring friends and family together.
Hot Tub
Garden gazebos are great for offering some privacy over your tub while you’re in the garden. And some also come with side panels to further enhance privacy while there’s no roof, so you can enjoy the sun in style. Best of all, you can decorate a gazebo, such as adding garden lights or plants around it to create a peaceful and relaxing mood.
Dining
Place your wood gazebo on the patio to enjoy the sunshine while you eat dinner. It is a great way to spend time away from your property and get some sunshine. Gazebos also provide a great living space come rain or shine.
How to Care for a Gazebo
You must maintain and look after these temples to keep them in tip-top condition. Here are some tips.
Wash the Gazebo
Using warm water and mild soap, mix the solution and apply it to the external structures. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any debris, paying particular attention to the railings and floors. Remove any stuck-on stones or pollen gently. You can easily scratch the surface, leading to a mark or rip in the material.
Use a Waterproof Seal
The last thing you want when you’re chilling inside the gazebo is to feel water coming inside. You can prevent this from happening by applying waterproof sealant every few years. Focus on painting the wood on the roof. A waterproof sealant will keep the wood strong and prevent any leaks in the future, so you can get shade in the summer and security in the winter.
What Is the Difference Between a Gazebo and a Pergola?
The biggest difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the design structures – specifically the roof. In particular, a gazebo offers full coverage from the sun, whereas a pergola welcomes sunlight to shine through. Furthermore, a pergola offers partial shelter while you’re sitting in the garden, whereas a gazebo is covered across all sides. Additionally, a gazebo offers privacy as well as protection against wind and rain.
To further emphasise their distinctive features, here are some pros and cons of each garden structure. These should help you decide whether to opt for a pergola or gazebo.
Choosing a Gazebo
Pros:
- Available in various shapes – such as round, octagonal or hexagonal
- More lightweight than a pavilion
- It has a full roof
- The design is much more practical as it features sides and curtains
Cons:
- Typically has a smaller height.
Choosing a Pergola
Pros:
- Larger, meaning it can house more guests
- Square or rectangular shape, making it easier to squeeze in a garden
- Boasts a more solid structure
- A statement piece that will make it more eye-catching
Cons:
- It has an open roof which may not be suitable for all types of weather.
What Is the Difference Between a Gazebo and a Pavilion?
Pavilions come with a roof and completely open sides with no flooring. These are commonly used to provide a roof for an outdoor seating area or in a patio. Moreover, a typical pavilion can easily accommodate 10 – 12 people at one time, making it great for inviting overextended friends and family. On the other hand, a gazebo is designed for a much more intimate experience and will typically house up to 6 people along with dining furniture.
The Top Benefits of a Garden Gazebo
If you’re not sure whether a gazebo is right for you, let’s uncover some of the main reasons to use one in your backyard.
Shelter
Gazebos provide shelter from bad weather, so you can entertain or chill in the yard without rain or snow stopping the party. Gazebos also provide plenty of protection for your furniture, such as preventing chairs from fading, getting damp, or becoming damaged by harsh elements. At the same time, the roof keeps you sheltered outdoors if it starts to rain.
Furthermore, you can customise your gazebo with drapes and curtains to stop water from getting inside. And, thanks to the side panels, they can also block the wind. Not to mention that the built-in walls protect you from sunlight damage, too.
Privacy
Sometimes, gardens aren’t always private. But that doesn’t mean that you should stay indoors. Adding a gazebo to your patio allows you to enjoy your garden without prying neighbours being able to watch you. The roofs ensure that you’re adequately covered, so you can enjoy a private hot tub or experience the feeling of getting away for a bit of peace while you read a book or enjoying a meal.
Go a step further and make the gazebo a focal point in your backyard by adding florals, trees and shrubs to the surrounding area.
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Provides a Space for Hosting Parties
If you enjoy hosting events outdoors, gazebos give your backyard a look that’s ready to party. A gazebo will make a world of difference to your gatherings by offering people a particular place to relax, have private chats with people or simply eat food undisturbed.
Low Maintenance
No matter which style you choose, gazebos are low maintenance. They’re designed with a weather-resistant fabric that makes them resistant to mould and mildew. Its material is simple to clean and maintain using water and a sponge or soft brush. You can even spray the roof and sides with a garden hose.
Different Types of Gazebos
There isn’t just one type of gazebo, which can make your search both exciting and stressful. But below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular structures and their characteristics.
Lean-To
A lean-to gazebo rests against the outside of your home – typically on the door. They can also be attached to walls for further support. It is also great if you want a more permanent structure. These are typically the most inexpensive gazebos while also temporarily transforming your patio. Choose the right size and shape, and it can accommodate garden furniture, shoes, barbecues and more. Plus, it’s easy to enter and exit the gazebo while still being protected from a downpour.
Freestanding
A freestanding gazebo has a stunning structure that doesn’t require any support like a lean-to gazebo does. You can place it in any area surrounding your house while adding style to the exterior. These typically have a wood look and are often used in a park to provide shelter for guests.
Pop-Up
Pop-up gazebos are extremely popular for outdoor events. They’re a designated space to chill and unwind and are available in various sizes and styles. The best aspect about these products is that they’re great for a temporary decoration in your backyard because they’re easy to set up and take down again.
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Do You Own a Gazebo?
Understanding what a gazebo is and the difference between other garden structures will help you make the right decision for your lifestyle.
With a range of gazebos on the market, it can be difficult to choose the ideal one for you. But at least now, you won’t be scratching your head if you get asked, ‘what is a gazebo?’. If you own one that you’ve had great experiences with, let us know what brand and products you recommend. Also, feel free to share any ideas you have to decorate your outdoor house in the comments.
Amy is a U.K.-based writer and editor with a penchant for helping consumers find the best home products for their needs, as well as providing easily digestible guides for living better at home. Her dedication to her work means she can usually be found elbow-deep in research or hunting down samples of the latest and greatest on behalf of her readers.
An avid DIYer herself, Amy’s passion lies in teaching others how they too can achieve their dream homes by tackling some of those pesky projects themselves! Whether it’s building furniture from scratch or turning an old dresser into a coffee table, Amy is always happy to share what she knows about making your house feel like home without spending a fortune.