Tips On How To Build A Small Gazebo For Your Backyard

Building a gazebo in your backyard adds another structural element that can enhance the beauty of your landscaping. You can use it as a backyard centerpiece, an outdoor cooking area, a viewing shelter or just a quiet place to sit outside and enjoy your garden while having a small roof over your head. Whether you plan on using a kit, hiring a contractor or building one from scratch, here are some tips you can use to help you build a small gazebo for your backyard.

Gazebo Function and Placement

Before you begin constructing your new gazebo for your backyard, you need to think about the specific functions you want it to serve. Gazebos are good for shelter and providing a centralized location for people to gather. The function of your gazebo will also affect the location you choose to build it in. Here are some specific functions of a gazebo that you can think about before you begin construction:

• Viewing area: If your backyard features a view of the city, ocean, hills or mountains, build a small gazebo where you and your guests can enjoy the view while sitting and conversing. The gazebo should be built in an area of your backyard where you can get the most out of your view. Building on a raised area works well for this gazebo function.
• Outdoor cooking area: Some people like using their gazebo as an outdoor cooking station. This allows you to cook or grill, no matter what the weather conditions are. You'll want to build this type of gazebo where you have easy access to the kitchen.
• Sitting area: A gazebo used as a sitting area would work well in a corner of your backyard, away from the patio and the rest of the home. This creates an area for quiet contemplation or relaxation. It also creates a separate conversation area for parties and other social gatherings held at your home.
• Centerpiece gazebo: You can use a gazebo as the main focal point of your backyard landscaping. Create walkways and paths leading to your gazebo, and plant thick vegetation to surround it.

More placement tips:

• Build your gazebo where it can take advantage of other structural elements of your landscaping like a fountain, pool or pond.
• Consider the climate for your area and use it to your advantage. For example, try building your gazebo in an area of your backyard where you can take advantage of a cool breeze during the spring or summer.
• Unless you are planning to add a hot tub or spa to your gazebo, you might want to build away from any water sources to prevent any deterioration or damage.

Gazebo Shape

Now that you have an idea of where you want to build your gazebo and what purpose it will serve, you can start planning your construction. The shape of your gazebo and how many sides it has will play a major role in determining its size and aesthetic appeal. Here are a couple of gazebo shapes to consider:

• Four-sided gazebo: A four-sided gazebo is basically a box. This is a suitable shape for portable gazebos, and probably the most simplistic of all the shapes. Four-sided gazebos are typically utilized as outdoor covers for sitting or dining areas, barbecues and hot tubs or spas.
• Six-sided gazebo: Six-sided gazebos are the least common style of gazebo. They are shaped like a hexagon.
• Eight-sided gazebo: An eight-sided gazebo is probably the largest shape you would want to go with for a small gazebo for your backyard. They are shaped like an octagon.

Gazebo Material

Here are the most common construction materials used for constructing a gazebo:

• Vinyl: a good material for gazebos since it doesn't need to be repainted or weatherproofed.
• Pine: easy to work with and cheap, but deteriorates rather quickly.
• Redwood: resistant to insects and natural decay, and is very attractive, but also expensive.
• Cedar: lightweight, beautiful and very sturdy; one of the most common materials used to construct gazebos.

Gazebo Construction

There are several options for constructing a gazebo, and they all depend on your skillset and budget:

• Hire a pro: Hiring a pro is the easiest way to go about constructing a small gazebo for your backyard. A professional contractor can handle everything, from start to finish. All you have to do is decide upon the location, size and visual aesthetics. You also have the option of finding your own architectural blueprints, or having a separate contractor draw them out for your builder. This is the most expensive option for constructing a gazebo.
• Build from scratch: If you have a great deal of architectural and building experience, you can draw out your own plants and construct your small gazebo on your own. You can also download free gazebo plans online, or find them in landscaping books. This is the least expensive option for constructing a gazebo, but requires the most skill.
• Gazebo kit: Another option for constructing a small gazebo in your backyard is to purchase a ready-to-install gazebo kit. These are very useful for the average homeowner who is handy with a hammer and saw, but has limited experience in building small structures. These kits come with instructions, prefabricated parts and all the materials you will need to construct your own gazebo.

Extra Tips for Building a Gazebo

• Contact your local municipal office to find out if there are any specific zoning laws dealing with the construction of a gazebo in your backyard.
• Get information from your local utility companies to determine if there is a line or pipe you need to be aware of before you begin construction.
• You have the option of having a built-in floor and foundation for your gazebo or using a foundation that is already in place like cement flooring that is a part of your landscaping.