Gazebos

As old as the idea of the garden itself, a gazebo offers elegance and functionality to a home's outdoor living space and these beautiful structures are available in so many different materials, shapes and styles that it's often difficult to choose a favorite.

To the surprise of many, the gazebo has literally been around for thousands of years with remnants of the structures found in Egyptian gardens that bloomed over five thousand years ago. Ancient Rome and Greece were also home to many gazebo-like structures often made from fine marble and used to worship the gods, and the structures were also commonly used in China, France, Italy, and Persia.

It wasn't until the mid 1800s when gazebos became popular in the United States, and then again even more so after the 1930s when they became a status symbol of sorts in the day and age of The Great Depression. Now, gazebos can be seen gracing the front and back yards of all types of homes as well as in parks and nature areas around the world.

Choosing a gazebo should begin with considering its intended purpose followed by the available space you have, and of course, your budget.

When deciding on a shape, the classic octagonal variety with a double roof and cupola continues to be the favored type of gazebo. But, to make the most out of a gazebo's square footage for hosting gatherings, parties or other types of events, rectangular gazebos are ideal.

For those who want the best of both worlds in terms of the classic appearance of the octagonal gazebo along with the greater space and functionality of the rectangular model, an oval shaped gazebo with eight sides exudes timeless Victorian appeal and offers a solution for both needs. The larger dodecagon gazebo with its 12 sides resemble the octagonal version but with more space as well as additional support and durability due to the extra sides.

After choosing the shape, style and type of materials for your gazebo you might want to consider amenities such as a screen kit, which will keep pesky critters out of the gazebo but still allow fresh air to flow through.

If you envision entertaining in your gazebo frequently, or perhaps just spending some quiet time there alone, you may also want electrical wiring installed for convenience. With the addition of wiring, an overhead fan is possible as well as the advantage of having lights while enjoying a warm summer's evening.

Today the gazebo offers all of the same benefits of those used throughout the ages but with the benefits of modern construction materials and techniques. Because gazebos can be designed and built to the buyer's exact specifications, the possibilities to create unique and beautiful structures to adorn the garden are simply endless.

The largest of gazebos are often used for beautiful outdoor weddings while the taller, thinner models are frequently seen peeking out from a lush flower garden or adorning the front yard of a home.

In addition to providing a special place to retreat outdoors, a gazebo can serve other purposes as well, such as the greenhouse gazebo complete with glass panes. Some gazebos like those constructed of redwood and cedar serve the important purpose of covering a swimming pool or hot tub, and those made from marble may house exquisite garden fountains.

A gazebo undoubtedly adds interest and elegance to any outdoor living space and will surely be enjoyed and admired for years to come.