An outdoor gazebo is a roofed structure—open, latticework, or screened on all sides—that is, according to Webster's dictionary, “built on a site that provides an attractive view,” and is sometimes used for entertaining or dining. The term gazebo can also apply to a pavilion, a bandstand, a summerhouse, a belvedere, or a cabana, even a vendor's booth. It is a centuries old concept, the idea of making a comfortable place to relax or entertain outdoors.
Outdoor gazebos come in many shapes, sizes and materials and can be installed to be permanent structures or temporary or seasonal structures. Some types of gazebos are extremely lightweight and portable. Many styles can be bought as do-it-yourself kits.
Your new gazebo may well become your room of choice all summer long once you have designed it for maximum comfort. With any type of gazebo, the decorating options are endless. You can furnish your covered outdoor living area any way you please by installing side panels, curtains, or mosquito netting to keep out the elements and the bugs. You can install electrical wiring to your gazebo for low voltage outdoor lights and iPod speakers. You could purchase a portable patio heater to extend the season. You could create your own spa by installing a hot tub in your gazebo! Your imagination and budget are all that determines how involved your outdoor gazebo can become.
Outdoor gazebos on the market today are made from aluminum, coated steel and iron, wood, vinyl, and resin. They come in a variety of sizes, from quite large (room size) to small trellis like structures big enough only for two. Aluminum gazebos are commonly erected for special occasions or seasonal use, and there are models light and compact enough to take to the beach or use as a vending booth. Aluminum and other metal gazebos are easy to customize and can be a terrific way to create privacy for small urban rooftop or courtyard gardens. The "roofs” of aluminum gazebos are sloped and ideally made of waterproof canvas coated with UV protection.
Consider the idea of creating a stunning greenhouse using a small gazebo made out of pvc resin. You can purchase models that come with clear vinyl sides and a zippered doorway and enough room for shelves. Using a greenhouse like this is a great way to start vegetable and annual plants for an early start to the growing season.
Wrought iron gazebos, and every type of brand new garden accessory claiming to be wrought iron are actually made of other types of metal such as steel or bronze and then coated with a matte black finish. The term "wrought iron is used in a loose way to mean something that is made to resemble "wrought iron" or what we think wrought iron should look like. In reality, wrought iron is not used much today. It is quite heavy and can be very brittle. The only true "wrought Iron" around these days is old and antique, and valuable. The beautiful wrought iron fence surrounding the Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts was being stolen at an alarming rate until they were forced to replace parts of the fence with chain link.
Wooden gazebos are probably what most people think of when they picture a gazebo. Wood can be carved, shaped and constructed into the decorative gingerbread gazebos that we associate with Victorian houses and gardens. But really any style, from modern contemporary to Japanese is possible with a wooden structure.
The best woods for outdoor building are Southern yellow pine (Pinus palustris), Northern white cedar (Thuja Occidentalis) and redwood, all American woods that weather beautifully without the need for staining, painting or pressure treating. There are also new products that mix wood particles and polymers to create a wood like material that is almost impervious to weather. A wooden gazebo is more likely to remain as a permanent structure in your garden or landscape and is therefore the best kind of outdoor gazebo to get if you like the idea of using it as a comfortable outdoor living area.
Garden Ideas Outdoor Living
Think about garden and patio decorations just as you would if you were designing a room in your home. We always hear of interior decorating, so now think about exterior decorating! A well-decorated patio can have sitting areas, dining areas, and center pieces. Because you're outdoors, garden and patio decorations let you become creative in really fun ways.
The garden decor you select will give your outdoor "rooms" style and character... so go with what appeals to you. Are you formal and elegant, or informal and casual? Whatever approach you take, keep in mind that too many garden and patio decorations will give you a crowded look. Plants and flowers should play just as big a role in your decor as structures and furnishings... let them compliment each other.
Visualize Key Furnishings
First, envision your patio, deck or garden area. Plan out a few different layouts for the main, larger decor items that will need to fit within your space. These would be chairs, benches, tables, and grilling or cooking stations. If you work at home, you can even design an outdoor "work station" for your laptop and office work.
Weather-proofed wicker, wrought iron, cedar, or teak garden furniture are excellent choices for patio and garden furnishings. Functionality is important, but go for comfort and style, too!
There are some great designs in outdoor patio furniture, guaranteed to fit your personal style. Make sure what you buy is very durable and weatherproof, since your furniture will be exposed to sun, wind and rain. Be patient and shop for the most attractive furniture that meets these standards and you'll save money in the end.
Outdoor Lighting Sets the Mood
Once you identify your main furniture pieces, add even more atmosphere to your garden and patio with outdoor lighting. Lighting arrangements can change the entire feel of your outdoor area. You can go for festive, subdued, ornamental, warm, or bright!
Outdoor patio lights are made to endure all the elements, and feature insulated and weather-resistant components. There are quite a few styles you can choose from. The possibilities include freestanding lamps, table lamps, shaded and globe lamps, lanterns, umbrella lights, BBQ lights, string lights, and ground lights. Shop around for what appeals to you, as well as what's practical for your purpose.
Choose Your Accents
There are no rules to garden and patio decorations? and lots of choices! Here are some great accents that will add life and charm to any yard:
Garden Benches: Have you ever noticed a rustic bench placed "just right" in a garden? It's a very inviting sight. It doesn't need to be fancy? just a spot to sit down and relax.
Decorative Planters: To create a pleasing focal point, set out a few planters filled with beautiful flowers in different areas of your garden. You can move them around, and replant them with different flowers as the season goes by. These are perfect for the patio, too.
Don't forget, an old container you have lying around can easily be tuned into a planter ? perhaps an old watering can or a pickle barrel. All they need is some form of drainage. Try one or two planters and see the difference they make!
Garden Fountains: Fountains add a great deal of atmosphere to any garden setting. The varieties range from grand fountains made of stone or bronze, to modest and charming garden fountain kits. Garden fountains have such a pleasant, tranquil sound that their beautiful effect is immediate and captivating.
Garden Sculptures: Garden statuary is usually made of bronze, marble, stone, wood, or resin. Choose themes from cherubs and saints to deer, rabbits and frogs. Garden sculptures can really develop your garden theme, and are great fun to design with! Tuck them into a corner, or display them openly as a main focal point.
Sundials: This ancient device has brought beauty and charm to thousands of gardens. Sundials are terrific accent pieces and come in different designs, such as tabletop and pedestal. Some sundials double as birdbaths!
Garden and patio decorations can be as elaborate or quaint as you wish. Simply keep in mind it's just like fixing up a room in your home ? when you like what you see, you've added your own personal signature to your outdoor living place!
Both Kate Wilkins & Robert Mosse are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kate Wilkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Gardening. . Kate Wilkins's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Robert Mosse has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Beauty Tips and Gardening. Robert Mosse is a gardening and lawn care specialist and author of the "Easy" Lawn and Gardening Book Series. Visit Robert at for grea. Robert Mosse's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Weight Lifting Dont expect to get an ideal shape within few days.Above weight lifting tips will surely help to build a muscular body like Arnold swarzneger. Enjoy building your body without any tension and stress
