Garden Gazebos

Choosing the Right Gazebo for your Garden

Gazebos make a great addition to gardens of all sizes and styles. They fulfil a wide range of uses and many homeowners will buy a gazebo for a specific purpose such as housing a hot tub, hosting outdoor parties or conducting a wedding ceremony. With such a wide range of uses available it is important to ensure that the gazebo you choose will be well suited to its purpose. With this in mind, the following are some criteria to bear in mind when choosing your gazebo.

Material – Gazebos come in a range of materials, including wood, metal and canvas, and the ideal material for you will depend on several factors. Firstly, your preferred look will be the primary consideration; you may already have a preference in mind. However, it is worth bearing in mind some of the practicalities of various materials. Wood is warm and comfortable and works particularly well if you are planning to house a hot tub in your gazebo, for example. Metal gazebos often have a more ornamental look but they do have the practical advantage of being low maintenance. Marquee-style canvas gazebos are well suited to one-off or occasional use, such as for weddings or garden parties, as they can be put up, taken down and stored. If you are on a budget then metal and canvas gazebos that you construct yourself are an affordable option.

Size – Obviously your gazebo must fit your garden (and your budget!) but there are other considerations when deciding which size to choose. For instance, if you intend to put a hot tub in your gazebo then a carefully measured fit is crucial. Equally, if you are planning to host al fresco dinner parties then you need to be sure that your table and chairs will fit inside. A small and ornate gazebo will provide a stunning focal point for a wedding ceremony and only really needs to be large enough for bride, groom and vicar. A compact style will also provide an ideal setting for wedding photographs.

Screened or open – Considerations such as shelter, warmth and privacy will affect whether you choose a gazebo that has curtains/screens or is open to the elements. If you are planning to use a hot tub on chilly nights then the ability to close screens may be a desirable option. The same goes if your garden is overlooked and you would like some privacy in your tub. If you plan to entertain in your gazebo then curtains can be useful for keeping bugs out at night. Also, screens will help to protect any items that you leave in your gazebo, such as furniture, children’s toys or gardening equipment. Alternatively, you may want a more decorative or minimalist look, in which case screens might not be suited to your needs, and could obstruct views of your garden.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a gazebo, but with such a varied selection of beautiful garden gazebos on the market you are sure to find one that is perfect for you.