When you're looking for a change from the usual deck or patio, a gazebo can add some charm to your home. Used as outdoor rooms, dining areas, entertaining spaces, and more, gazebos can provide shade and protection from rain or sun and be used as an extension of your available living space.
If you're looking to spend some time relaxing in the backyard, a gazebo may be exactly what you need to take your outdoor space from “okay” to “amazing!” In the following guide, we have outlined what a gazebo is, different types of gazebos to consider, and the many different uses for a patio gazebo.
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a type of freestanding, open structure with a roof that homeowners typically place on their patio or another area of their backyard. A patio gazebo is a great way to add some extra living space to your backyard, whether for relaxing with family, ducking into the shade, or entertaining guests. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it simple to find one that fits with your unique style and backyard space.
Gazebos can be made with metal or wood, with metal being a more long-lasting option that won’t succumb to the elements or insect attacks. Easy to clean and maintain, metal gazebos require only an occasional hose-down to keep them dirt-free and looking beautiful in your backyard.
Where Do You Put a Gazebo?
No doubt, a gazebo can be a great addition to your home. It provides shade and shelter from the elements, and it can also add a lot of beauty to your yard. But where do you put it? Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect location for your gazebo:
- Place your gazebo on a solid, level surface. Gazebos need to be placed on a flat surface that will hold their weight without shifting around in response to wind, rain, and other elements. An existing concrete slab, deck, or patio will do just fine, or you can build a new surface to accommodate your patio gazebo.
- Consider how much shade protection, privacy, and shelter from the elements you will need. Blocking unwanted views, maximizing your shade at different times of day, and keeping wind and rain out of your gazebo are just a few considerations.
- Determine whether you want your gazebo to be freestanding or wall-mounted. Whereas spacious yards are ideal for a larger gazebo, a small yard may be more suited for a wall-mounted gazebo just outside the back door.
What Are the Features and Benefits of Gazebos?
Clearly, gazebos are a great way to enjoy the outdoors. They’re also a good idea for your home if you want to offer family and guests shade and shelter from rain or sun, without having to build an expensive addition. They provide a lot of great features and benefits, but what are some of the most important ones? Read on to learn the many reasons to love your beautiful backyard gazebo.
They Provide Shade
Gazebos offer shade from both heat and sun exposure, which makes them ideal for use during the summer months. They can provide protection from direct sunlight, which makes them ideal when you want to enjoy your time outdoors without getting overheated or exposed to harmful UV rays. Even on rainy days or in the cooler winter months, you can also use a gazebo as an outdoor room where you can relax and sip a cup of coffee or glass of wine with friends while enjoying nature’s beauty at its best.
They Can Help Keep Bugs Away
Mosquito netting is a great way to keep insects at bay while enjoying your backyard gazebo. It provides protection from mosquitoes, flies, and other pests without blocking your view or interfering with your enjoyment.
If you want additional protection from insects and outdoor elements, you can also add gazebo curtains to your gazebo. Most SOJAG gazebos include tinted bug screens that are perforated to allow fresh air to flow freely while keeping bugs out of your gazebo. These curtains also provide privacy and additional shade and protection from the elements when you need it.
They Offer Backyard Privacy
Let's face it: we all have neighbors, and sometimes they can be nosey! Gazebos are great for providing privacy in an otherwise open space, such as an outdoor patio or decking area, because they block out unwanted views into your yard or garden. A beautiful gazebo will give you a private place to enjoy your outdoor space without prying eyes in your backyard.
They Offer Flexibility
From enjoying a morning cup of coffee outdoors before starting your day to hosting backyard parties with shade and seating for your guests, you’ll find that your gazebo provides flexible living space for all your needs. With all of the different uses for gazebos, adding a patio gazebo could be one of the best investments you'll ever make — allowing you to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home and enjoy your backyard in numerous ways.
They Are Built Strong
SOJAG’s gazebos are built to last, with a sturdy aluminum frame and either a galvanized steel roof or a heavy-duty polyester, soft-top roof. No matter what Mother Nature throws your way, your SOJAG gazebo can handle it: The powder-coated finish is extremely durable, resisting chipping, peeling, rusting, and corrosion, making them superior to any kind of wood structure. They are also easy to set up in minutes as well as disassemble should you ever need to move your gazebo.
They Increase Curb Appeal
Adding a soft-top or hard-top gazebo to your yard is a great way to boost curb appeal and possibly even your property value. If you're planning to sell your home now or in the future, a backyard gazebo may help convince potential buyers to put in an offer. And with more and more people beginning their home search online, you can gain an edge against the competition by including some stunning photos of your backyard gazebo. If you're looking for ways to improve your home's curb appeal, adding a gazebo could be just what you need!
How Can You Use a Gazebo?
Gazebos are a beautiful addition to any yard or garden, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your yard year-round, regardless of the weather. Add a gazebo to your deck or patio, and you’ll create the perfect outdoor oasis where you can relax with family and friends at any time of year. Take a look at some of the primary uses for gazebos below.
For Outdoor Dining
Whether for a family dinner, a dinner party with friends, or a romantic dinner for two, a patio gazebo is the perfect setting for your outdoor dining experience. The rooftop will provide plenty of shade so everyone can enjoy their cocktails and meals without the sun beating down on them. Add a table and chairs, a fire pit, and/or an outdoor kitchen or grill, and you’ll have a comfortable, inviting area for all your outdoor dining needs.
As an Outdoor Den
One great way to use a backyard gazebo is as an outdoor den. With lounge chairs, a sofa, an outdoor rug, and an end table or two, you’ll have the perfect spot to curl up with a good book when it's time to relax. Or if you have small children at home, they'll love having their own secret hideout where they can play with toys and spend time outdoors in the shade.
With more and more people working remotely nowadays, a backyard gazebo can also serve as an office space. If you work from home or own a small business, a gazebo is an excellent place to set up a work area for checking off your to-do list or joining virtual meetings. It provides privacy from neighbors and passersby but still allows light into the area for optimal productivity.
As a Pool Cabana
A covered area near your pool is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine while poolside. Place some lounge chairs and other outdoor furniture in the gazebo, and you’ll have instant shade when you’re ready to get out of the sun. Also, consider adding curtains to create extra shade protection when it’s blazing hot outside.
With curtains, you can even use your gazebo as a changing room for your family or guests! And if you need a spot for storing pool supplies, simply place a deck box inside your gazebo to keep items tucked away when not in use, helping to extend the life of your pool toys, rafts, balls, and more.
As a Hot Tub Shelter
We all know that gazebos are great for relaxing in the shade, but did you know that they can also make your hot tub experience even more enjoyable? With a hot tub gazebo, you can shelter from the sun and even rain or snow, allowing you to spend time in your hot tub year-round despite the weather.
And while hot tub covers are made to protect your tub from all sorts of weather conditions, they don’t always get the job done in inclement weather. That's where gazebos come in. Many hot tub owners choose to add an outdoor gazebo that provides additional shelter for their hot tub from leaves and other debris, which protects your hot-tub investment and cuts down on cleaning and maintenance.
As an Outdoor Viewing Room
If you have a projector and some outdoor speakers, you can set up your patio gazebo as the perfect spot for a family movie night. Just put down some blankets and pillows and enjoy the show. This gives you the feeling of being at the theater without having to leave your home!
Or if you want to throw a party or other event out in your backyard, you can set up your patio gazebo as a themed area for photos, create an outdoor bar for cocktail hour, or use your gazebo for special viewing events — not only movies but also the Super Bowl, awards shows, or premieres of your favorite shows.
Lastly, if you have children, you know how much they love watching movies with their friends. It can be hard to find a spot that's private enough for them and large enough for all of their pals. With a gazebo, you can set up an outdoor movie space with lights and sound equipment, so there will be plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the show. Don’t forget the snacks and drinks!
Ready to Start Gazebo Shopping?
With so many uses and benefits for a patio gazebo, your only question now is probably which kind of gazebo to buy. Ultimately, purchasing a gazebo with your needs and budget in mind is the best bet for finding the right option for you. Whether you're looking for a small, simple design or something larger and more elaborate, we can help you find one that fits your vision. A good place to start your research is with our Knowledge Center, where you will find a vast number of articles, such as this one, to help you decide on the best size, shape, and style of patio gazebo for your needs.
Without a doubt, there are as many different kinds of gazebos as there are reasons for buying one. That makes sense, because no two yards or lifestyles are the same. If you are in the market for a new patio gazebo, be sure to consider the different uses and specifications we’ve outlined above. And if you can't decide on a gazebo that suits your particular needs, don't hesitate to ask us here at SOJAG — we are here to help you find the best option for your yard and budget and create a space you will love for years to come.
