Throughout history, gazebos have been fashionable additions to a backyard, but they also have served as functional tools. Gazebos provide meeting space for parties or simply shade on a hot summer day. You may be familiar with the fact that the ancient Chinese and Persian civilizations built gazebos and other structures in their yards to add to the natural beauty of nature, but George Washington himself also had a gazebo in his yard at Mount Vernon. These structures are perfect for people who appreciate the intricacies and subtle pleasures of nature. If you are considering adding a gazebo to your backyard, this will be an exquisite addition, but you want to make sure that you pick just the right one to suit the style and size of your yard.

Where will you put it?

To start, where would you like the gazebo to be located? You will want to situate it away from the house, if only so you have something scenic to look at from within your home. You will also want to avoid putting it too close to trees. While there is no set rule forbidding this, the leaves build up on the roof and may help it to deteriorate more quickly. If you already have a pool in your backyard, a gazebo will be both attractive and functional at the edge of the pool area's perimeter. You can have parties in it or duck inside when it suddenly starts to rain. A gazebo can be a great place for Grandma to stay out of the sun as the kids splash around in the pool.

What shape and size fits best in your yard?

The most foundational question in choosing a gazebo is, in which shape would you like it to be designed? As you may imagine by being familiar with gazebos already, there are oval, octagonal, and rectangular shaped spaces. Octagonal may seem like a more traditional choice, but oval and rectangular can be just as attractive. If you are interested in a bigger sized gazebo, a dodecagonal shaped gazebo may work better for you. Are you planning on putting furniture inside? This may affect how big you would like your gazebo to be. If you aren't interested in a lot of furniture, a 6x6 foot gazebo will be a beautiful addition to a modest sized yard. If you are looking to create a large space filled with tables and chairs for parties, you could go as large as 30x30 feet. But of course, these sizes vary and mainly depend on the amount of space you are able to utilize. Whichever size or shape you use, you can also choose from a single or double roof. A double roof has an additional layer or sometimes even a peak on top to give it a bit more height and style.

What colors work well with what is already there?

Which styles and colors would best suit your yard? You can choose from a variety of colors and materials to create a customized outdoor gazebo. Choose from red cedar, treated pine, or even vinyl to get the look and structure that you want. You can even put a bit more style into the roof with red rubber slate shingles or maybe rustic cedar asphalt shingles, set off by a redwood composite floor. Next, consider with what you will surround the gazebo. Are you thinking of hedges or flowers? You could hang flowerpots above the spindle railings. Do you prefer having a screened in gazebo? Maybe then you would prefer to plant your vegetable garden along side the gazebo. Maybe you want to put a small fountain right in front of it. Whatever you choose, it will enhance the beauty of the area and create a relaxing outdoor paradise for you to enjoy. Just make sure that they complement the style you have chosen and fit well in the space that is available to you.

Whether you want it to or not, your gazebo will become the main focus of your yard, so it is vital that you have planned all of these considerations in advance. It doesn't hurt to take a look at what is available online to get an idea of what you like and dislike. As you become accustomed with the designs that are available, you will have an easier time deciding which one you prefer. Whatever you decide, make sure you are making decisions that you are comfortable with to make the best use of the space available to you.

An outdoor gazebo will become a wonderful addition to your home. Just make sure to plan ahead so that you are sure to be happy with the choices you have made.