Garden Gazebos Atlanta GA

In Victorian times, a garden gazebo was a place for the ladies to retreat from the sun so as not to mar their perfect, porcelain skin. Today, gazebos can be used in a multitude of ways and can be designed to fit into any landscape. If you are thinking of adding a gazebo to your yard, there are some basic questions you will need to consider.

1. What function will your gazebo serve? Gazebos can be used as a quiet place to read or relax. They can also be used as a place for your children to play, or for large, relaxed outdoor gatherings. An idea that is becoming increasingly popular is to build a gazebo over your hot tub for shade and privacy. The way you will use your gazebo may help determine other factors, such as size and style.
   
   
2. What type of material would you like for your gazebo? Today's gazebos can be made from a large variety of building materials. Most of these fall into three categories: wood, metal or vinyl. Historically, gazebos have been made from wood, so if you're a traditionalist, this may be the way to go. Wood requires a bit more maintenance than metal or fiberglass; it needs to be stained or painted regularly to prevent weather damage. There are many types of wood that are appropriate for building a gazebo. Teak is a very hard, very durable wood that weathers to a beautiful silvery-gray color over time. It is the most expensive of the woods that are commonly used for outdoor furniture, but also the most resistant to warping and rotting. Cedar is also very long-lasting. If you want to maintain the unique red-brown color for which cedar is known, you'll need to apply a clear sealant every two or three years. Otherwise, it, too will become light gray. Cedar has the added advantage of being a natural bug deterrent. The disadvantage, of course, is that it is quite pricey. If you want to paint your gazebo, the best lumber to use is pressure-treated pine, as it will absorb paint much more easily than either teak or cedar.
   
   Metal gazebos are usually made of wrought iron, although steel and aluminumcan also be used. Wrought iron gazebos usually have a powder-coated aluminum finish. These finishes come in a variety of colors, so you can have a wrought iron gazebo in almost any shade imaginable. Most steel and aluminum gazebos have a metal frame, but the roof and possibly the sides are made of a weather-resistant fabric.
   
   Vinyl gazebos are usually the least expensive and also have the advantage of being nearly maintenance-free. They weigh much less, so many vinyl gazebos are even portable. The major disadvantages are that you may not like the artificial look of vinyl, and it won't last as long as wood or metal.
   
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Author: Tonya Sandersfeld