Uses of a Gazebo
There are many reasons why people choose to have a gazebo in their yard. Going back to their more traditional purpose, it was very common back in Victorian times for women to hide from the sun in the shade that the gazebo offered, and it became a place where discussion and general gossip could be enjoyed.
No doubt people still use the gazebo for this practical purpose, but they can also be used as support for plants and shrubs that need some support in order to grow. A wrought iron gazebo that is covered in a selection of attractive plants can be a really stunning addition to any garden, and this is indeed one reason why they are so popular.
In most cases, the gazebo is used as some kind of location for relaxing or socializing. Many people use their gazebo as a place where they can escape from the general chaos of the house and enjoy some personal time, quietly reading or listening to music. Some people even go so far as to build a gazebo over a hot tub, providing the ultimate relaxing spot to unwind and which also provides some increased privacy.
Gazebo Materials
Whatever purpose you have for your gazebo, its important to know a bit about the most common materials that they are made out of. One of the most popular choices when it comes to materials is wood. Classic, stylish, and attractive, wood seems the perfect choice for many people. Cedar is a great choice for a spa gazebo.
But beware: wood is a very high-maintenance material. You will need to apply varnish or paint to it on a regular basis if you are to protect it from the weather which can destroy a wooden gazebo in very little time if the proper care is not taken. The most popular woods are hardwoods such as cedar and teak, but even these require great care and attention.
Alternatively, vinyl is commonly used now as a cheap, strong, and low-maintenance option for a gazebo. However, although it will certainly require very little work, some people do not think that it has the charm of wood, and in a way they are right. Many people like the traditional feel of a gazebo, and vinyl struggles to recreate that.
Wrought Iron Gazebos
There is one material that wins on most counts: wrought iron. This sturdy material is build to last indefinitely, and also has a certain elegance about it that cannot be found in the other materials.
There is also another huge benefit: wrought iron can be painted any color you want, meaning you could add some real creativity into the garden, whereas the other materials do not have this option.
Before You Erect Your Wrought Iron Gazebo
Once you have chosen to go with wrought iron, there are a few more considerations you need to make before you go about erecting your gazebo.
The first consideration is whether you would like an open gazebo or a screened gazebo? If you are only likely to use your gazebo in the summer due to the weather conditions in the winter, then you will probably just want to keep it open. However, if you would like to sit in your gazebo throughout the winter months, admiring your garden as the seasons change, then you will need to get it screened. This can be accomplished with doors or windows, and will mean you can enjoy it throughout the year.
Also, consider how large you would like the gazebo to be. If it is just going to be a private space for you, then you will not need it to be particularly big, and perhaps a diameter of 10 feet will be fine. But if you are going to be entertaining the masses inside and around the gazebo then something more substantial will be required, with anything up to a diameter of 20 feet.
Lastly, remember that you may be required to get a building permit in order to erect your gazebo. This is more likely for a large wrought iron gazebo because it may be a more permanent structure, so check before you start in order to save yourself a lot of hassle down the line.