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Uses and Tips

  1. How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for Your Vacation Home

    How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for Your Vacation Home

    How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for Your Vacation Home

    Being able to enjoy the outdoors is one of the best things about having a vacation home or cabin. If you’re ready to take your vacations to the next level, it’s time to start thinking about building a custom picnic shelter.

    An outdoor picnic area can range from a simple covered table to an upscale structure with fun features like a fire pit and a pizza oven. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in the right place! Take a look at these top tips for creating the perfect picnic shelter.

    Choose the Location of Your Outdoor Picnic Area

    First, you’ll need to think about where you would like to place your outdoor picnic area. This will depend on the size and shape of your property, your personal preferences, and how you plan to use your picnic shelter. For example, if you’re planning to build a full outdoor kitchen, you may want to attach it to your home or place it conveniently nearby. However, if you have a large outdoor space, you may find it’s much more interesting to locate your picnic shelter on the outer edges of the property.

    Do you have a beautiful garden or a forested area? You may want to consider placing your picnic shelter nearby as this will give it more visual interest. Just make sure you pay attention to the grade of the land. If you choose an area that is relatively flat, you won’t have to put as much effort into leveling the space. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the area’s drainage and determine if you’ll need to make some adjustments before you lay your foundation.

    How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for a
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  2. How Hollywood Stylist Molly Crist Throws the Perfect Dinner Party

    How Hollywood Stylist Molly Crist Throws the Perfect Dinner Party

    To throw the perfect dinner party, nothing says glamour more than being under the stars. That’s why I love Sojag Gazebos! The best of both worlds - shelter and nature in one (plus I love the mosquito netting for hot summer nights). Typically I love having a dinner party in the late afternoon when the sun is at its finest.

    For your tablescape, think about this…

    • Start the table off with a fresh, seasonal arrangement of flowers. Find a cool container to house the like a vintage vase. Potted plants are also key for a natural vibe. I love ferns, succulents (you can always bring an indoor plant outside for just a night).
    • They say eat the rainbow, but the rainbow is also pretty to look at! Bring a lot of color and vibrancy to your table with plates, placements, or chargers. Don’t be afraid to mix and match plates with different patterns.
    • I love using table runners for a pop of color. If you want a more neutral vibe - think texture like woven fabrics. Don’t have placemats or a runner? Find some flat palm leaves and use them under bowls and plates. Or grab some leaves for Fall nights.
    • Choose foods that have a lot of color and texture differences. And always something green!
    • Lighting is key! Everyone looks good and feels dreamy in candlelight. It also looks great with fresh florals. From lanterns to string lights, think about how lighting can set the mood. I’m all about flameless candles for safety and wax-free mess. And just think, your twinkle lights are holiday ready.
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  3. 5 Fun Ways to Use a Gazebo with Curtains

    5 Fun Ways to Use a Gazebo with Curtains

    When the sun is too hot or if rain threatens to cancel your plans, a shelter like a gazebo can keep the outdoors enjoyable. However, hot weather and storms aren’t the only threat to a good time outdoors. Summer weather also brings out the bugs and hot sun, which can seriously put a damper on an outdoor soirée.

    Beat insects and blistering temperatures at their own game by outfitting your structure with gazebo curtains. This expands your entertainment options by giving you the ability to block out any excess wind and sunlight on all sides. 

    Gazebo curtains also serve as an additional barrier against pesky mosquitoes, wasps, and other nuisance pests. This guide will explain how curtains can make outdoor time more enjoyable and give you some fun gazebo ideas for your next social event.

    Why Gazebo Curtains Matter

    Gazebo curtains add an extra layer of protection from outdoor elements. While most Sojag shelters come with tinted bug screens, these barriers are perforated to allow the open fresh air breezes. Bug screens grant you more exposure to outdoor elements — which is excellent when you’re in the mood for full sun and wind. However, sometimes you want more privacy or protection from events such as a mild rainstorm or a day that is particularly hot. 

    This is why Sojag makes summer curtains that you can add to your gazebo. They are useful accessories for a shelter that needs coverage beyond bug protection. They add more privacy and shade from the sun and can block wind-driven rain. 

    When you have both bug screens and curtains, you get the best of your yard while leaving out all the elements that make it difficult to sit outside long-term. You don’t need to slather on bug repellent or sunscreen every time you enter a gazebo with double curtains because you’re entering a protecte...

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  4. Treat Your Home to a Backyard Makeover

    Treat Your Home to a Backyard Makeover

    Outdoor upgrades are one of this year’s most popular home improvements. In fact, according to a recent survey, 90% of Americans agree that their outdoor living space is “more valuable than ever before.” Sadly, the survey also found that 88% of people are currently dissatisfied with their outdoor spaces.  

    If you’re part of this majority, don’t fret. A backyard makeover is easier and less time-consuming than you might think. Whether you want to increase your curb appeal or create a completely new outdoor living space, there are many simple projects that will help you reach your goal. Best of all, you can complete most backyard projects in just a few days. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

    Shop this look for your Backyard MakeoverShop this look for your Backyard Makeover

    Refresh Your Deck or Patio

    If your home’s deck or patio has seen better days, a simple refresh will go a long way. You can easily restore your deck by making repairs, cleaning the surface, and adding a fresh coat of stain. Not only will this improve the look of your deck, but it will also seal the wood, incre...

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  5. Should You Choose an Outdoor Metal Gazebo or a Wood Gazebo for Your Backyard?

    Outdoor metal gazebo or wood gazebo

    Outdoor gazebos are a great addition to any backyard.  They're perfect for relaxing in the shade or hosting a game-day party. Gazebos can also be a stylish and functional detached garage for parking your car, storing a boat, or organizing your tools. But choosing the perfect gazebo for your backyard isn’t an easy decision. This guide helps you choose the right gazebo for your home.

    The Differences Between Outdoor Wooden Gazebos and Metal Gazebos

    Both metal and wood gazebos are popular choices for a detached garage, but how do you know which style is right for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing between an outdoor metal gazebo or wood gazebo.

    Style

    If you want a traditional look and feel, you may be considering a rustic wooden gazebo. They’re usually made of pressure-treated wood that’s painted or stained to match your backyard design.

    Outdoor metal gazebos are made of aluminum or galvanized steel. These sleek, contemporary gazebos are the perfect addition to a modern yard. You can create an elegant feature in your garden and enjoy a sophisticated detached garage.

    Durability

    Wood gazebos are durable structures that can last for many years. However, they’re very susceptible to weather changes. If they’re not well cared for, the wood can shift or crack when exposed to severe temperature swings. Wooden gazebos may also chip, warp, or even rot.

    Outdoor metal gazebos are extremely stable and durab...

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  6. How to Choose the Right Aluminum Patio Gazebo

    How to Choose the Right Aluminum Gazebo
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  7. Plan a Vacation: Even If It's Local or In Your Backyard

    Plan a Vacation: Even If It's Local or In Your Backyard

    We all need to plan time off from work to spend quality time alone or with family and friends and recharge our minds. However, taking paid vacation time is something not every American worker is doing. According to the U.S. Travel Association, American workers left an average of 33% of their paid time on the table last year.

    National Plan a Vacation Day, which is the last Tuesday in January (this year, it’s January 26), reminds us to plan our vacation at the start of the year for the rest of the year. The earlier you plan a vacation, the more ready and relaxed you’ll be when your vacation time gets here...

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  8. The Important Benefits of Gazebo Curtains

    The Important Benefits of Gazebo Curtains
    Gazebo curtains aren’t just a convenient way to add privacy to your gazebo and protect you from the elements in rain or shine — they are your secret weapon to creating your very own backyard oasis with vibes reminiscent of a luxury hotel. Don’t believe us? Google luxury hotel gazebo, look at the pictures, and you’ll see that the majority of them have curtains. It’s not a coincidence, folks. Putting curtains on a gazebo is like putting curtains on windows, it helps define the space, and provides a sense of privacy. Plus, it’s another tool to help capture the atmosphere you’re after whether that’s: luxury cabana, whimsical oasis, or all-season lounge. Are you ready to transform your gazebo into a stand-alone statement feature that makes you feel like you’re at a five-star resort? Still, have questions about gazebo curtains and what all the fuss is about? We'll cover all that and more.

    Benefits of Gazebo Curtains

    If we haven’t totally convinced you that you need to get your gazebo some curtains pronto, here are all the benefits that gazebo curtains can provide.

    Weather Protection

    One of the most useful parts of curtains is the additional weather protection that they provide. Most gazebo curtains, like all of SOJAG’s gazebo curtains, have water-resistant material to shed rain. Plus, they can block harsh wind or harmful UV rays. In the summer, you can use the curtains to shield yourself from the hot sun and make sure your gazebo stays nicely shaded. Then, during the colder months, close off all the curtains, add a portable patio heater and you’ve got a cozy little area to spend time relaxing with friends and family.

    Privacy

    Curtains can let you turn your open-air (and open-view) gazebo into its own private lounge that keeps any curious eyes out. Especially in crowded cities or suburbs, it can be a challenge to...
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  9. Wall-Mounted or Freestanding Outdoor Gazebos: Which is Best for You?

    Wall-Mounted or Freestanding Outdoor Gazebos: Which is Best for You?

    Imagine starting your day with a great cup of coffee in the shade of an outdoor gazebo. You can turn this dream into a reality with a stylish backyard gazebo from SOJAG, but how do you know which type of outdoor gazebos is best for you? A wall-mounted gazebo creates a protective cover over your back deck or patio. On the other hand, a freestanding gazebo will create a shady spot anywhere in your yard. Here’s everything you need to know about outdoor gazebos to help you make the right decision.

    Wall-Mounted Gazebos

    Wall-mounted gazebos are the perfect way to upgrade your backyard deck. As the name suggests, wall-mounted gazebos are attached to an exterior wall of your home. SOJAG wall-mounted gazebos have powder-coated aluminum frames that provide stylish support. The galvanized steel or polycarbonate roof provides protection from UV rays and heavy rain. They’re also strong enough to withstand snowstorms in the winter. On hot days you can enjoy the cool breeze wafting through the three open sides of your wall-mounted gazebo. Then, on cool evenings, you can opt for added protection from bugs or cold weather by using mosquito netting or curtains. You can enclose the gazebo to create a sheltered space and extend your outdoor season well into the fall or winter.

    Freestanding Gazebos

    Unlike wall-mounted gazebos, ...

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  10. Using a Gazebo on a Commercial Property

    Using a Gazebo on a Commercial Property
    Metal gazebos can be a great way to make your commercial property more appealing, enjoyable, and valuable. There are many different ways to utilize a gazebo on commercial real estate in an easy and cost-effective way. The best thing about metal gazebos is that you can tailor them to match your style whether that’s elegant, modern, romantic, or quirky.

    What Is a Gazebo?

    At the base level, a gazebo is a roofed structure with open sides meant to provide shelter from the elements and add a beautiful outdoor decoration. Most gazebos are self-supported, though some can also attach to a garden wall or other structure. Gazebos typically require a solid, level foundation of soil or grass, concrete, or wood. The traditional gazebo shapes are hexagonal, square, or circular with a pointed roof, but you can also get creative with exactly how you want your gazebo to look. For a more enclosed feeling, gazebos can also have railings around the outside or curtains or bug netting that you can draw around the perimeter. Gazebos come in a variety of different materials including wood, metal, vinyl, or a combination. Many also can have cloth roofs.

    Benefits of a Metal Gazebo For a Commercial Property

    Metal gazebos made of aluminum or steel are popular among homeowners and businesses for their durability, modern look, and affordable price point. Standard gazebos tend to have powder-coated aluminum or a combination of aluminum and steel. Superior gazebos use a mix of polycarbonate and steel. Premium gazebos offer the ultimate sophistication and durability with rust-resistant galvanized steel. ...
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