Gazebos have increasingly become popular over the years for a wide variety of reasons. For one, they reflect your luxury taste that trickles down to your backyard looking splendid. These additional spaces offer you and your loved ones a cozy area to entertain and relax at the same time without compromising the privacy of the house. But considering the sizes, types, and shapes of gazebos out there, it can be difficult to pick the best option. Below is the process of buying a gazebo in detail so that you can ensure it is worth your time and money. However, make sure to have it installed by a skilled pergola contractor.
Choosing The Right Size
One of the most important decisions you need to make right from the beginning is the gazebo size. This step lays the foundation of the entire gazebo-buying process. As mentioned earlier, gazebos are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Regardless of how much space you have, you still cannot play guessing games or experiment with the gazebo. The best way to start is by measuring the area first. Measuring the length, width, and height gives you a clear idea of what size of gazebo will suit the area.
At the same time, you should have enough space around the gazebo as well to walk around and not feel restricted. Moving on, you will need to define the purpose of the gazebo. Some people build outdoor kitchens or tend to follow their hobbies while others mean to entertain friends and family members.
If you intend to host guests every week, you will need to make space for people. A 10×10 gazebo can comfortably fit a bistro set. But a larger gazebo will allow you to set some tables and chairs. If you have sufficient space available, a 16×16-foot square gazebo is going to be a perfect fit.
Choosing The Gazebo Shape And Style
In addition to determining the right size, gazebos come in a variety of styles as well. The decision to pick the best shape and style depends on the dimensions of the property. Square or rectangle gazebos tend to be the most popular shapes as they ensure that maximum number of seats can be placed under the gazebo as per its size.
On the other hand, octagonal gazebos offer unique visual appeal and often compliment the property along with the natural surroundings. These gazebos are mostly preferred for their aesthetic appeal. Plus, oval gazebos go with curvilinear gardens with rounded footprints. But these gazebos are slightly less popular as they might take up a bit more space than needed.
Choosing The Right Gazebo Material
Now that we have discussed how to choose or pick the right gazebo shape, style, and size, it is equally important that we choose the right one as well. The reason is that the material will decide the overall cost and the lifespan of the gazebo.
To begin with, wooden gazebos tend to be the most popular as they complement not only the natural surroundings but the entire property. These gazebos mature and become timeless over the years and can resist rot and insects as well.
But wooden gazebos tend to be the most expensive as it requires a lot of labor, effort, and time to cut wood in specific sizes and shapes.
Furthermore, vinyl gazebos are a good alternative to wood because they are budget-friendly. Vinyl gazebos are resistant to mildew, moisture, and pests. At the same time, vinyl tends to hold paint well and is available in a huge variety. And, the best thing about vinyl is that it is very easy to clean.
Moving on, steel gazebos are fairly popular due to their strength and durability. If you live in a region where rust and corrosion are common, you can order custom steel gazebos that are treated to fight such factors.
Assess The Durability And Resistance
Assessing the durability and resistance of the gazebo is extremely important as spending on frequent repairs and replacements is going to be heavy on your bank account. If you live in a region that experiences heavy rains and winds, you can opt for reinforced metal roofs and resistant canopy materials like PVC to withstand hail, snow, and high winds.
Moreover, you should also consider insulation if you wish to have a four-season gazebo. Opting for insulation-boosting double roofs keeps the gazebos relatively cooler during the hot season. At the same time, you will have to focus on the floor as well if the gazebo is going to experience heavy foot traffic.
Additionally, if your region comes across rain, snow, and humidity almost throughout the year, you will need to go for elevated floors to allow ventilation and drainage underneath. Therefore, consult a custom pergola builder Port Jefferson to get a gazebo that is right for your region’s climate.
Evaluate The Cost
After deciding on the basics, it now comes down to how much you are willing to spend. Evaluating the cost of buying the materials and installing them will give you a rough idea of the gazebo cost and whether building a gazebo is within your budget.
Gazebos can range somewhere between $2000-$10,000 depending on the materials you choose along with the shape, size, and style. Then, you have to consider the delivery/installation of the gazebo, which can lie somewhere around $1500 to %5,000. But this is also where you can cut costs the most.
You can either transport the materials yourself or install the gazebo on your own. Building a gazebo yourself is going to save you a lot of money but will take a lot of skills, experience, and tools.
In addition to that, you will also have to include the installation of electric wires, lighting, and other necessary pipes to make the gazebo practical. And, finally, you will have to acquire a permit from the relevant authorities for them to be assured you follow the building codes.
Planning Gazebo Placement
After buying the gazebo, you will have to decide where to situate it as it can be a bit tricky even if you have sufficient space available because you have to consider other structures as well like the outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace if you have any or have a plan to build them.
The placement of the gazebo relies on several factors including the direction of the sun, views, and accessibility. If you wish to have some privacy, you can install the gazebo near a corner to keep it a bit secluded from the main house. But you will need to evaluate the terrain as well. If you have uneven terrain, you will need to level it so that the foundation is strong and stable enough to hold the gazebo in place.
For this, you will need to contact an expert who will ensure the terrain is perfectly leveled and strong enough to prevent the gazebo from sinking into the earth as the years go by.
Conclusion
Buying a gazebo can surely be an exciting process. But you should know that picking the right option can be difficult considering the variety. To help you with that, the information mentioned above will cover the basics and keep you in check with your needs and preferences. You should also hire a licensed gazebo builder Long Island to help you with the gazebo you have always wanted.