Adding an Outdoor Gazebo to Your Home

Some common backyard structures in most American homes are decks and patios, and that is because homeowners think it is just easier to install or set up a deck or a patio than to build an outdoor gazebo. But the truth is that with a gazebo, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds and they are just about as easy to set up as decks and patios. Gazebos are salient for providing overhead shelter from the summer heat or the occasional downpour in ways that decks or patios cannot. Having said that, they are just as airy and light as can be. With summer just around the corner, an outdoor gazebo should be on every homeowner’s list. It is truly a place where you can enjoy the balmy summer air, entertain guests or set up a quiet and intimate dinner with that someone special. Here are some reasons why you must consider adding an outdoor gazebo to your home.

Gazebos add not just charm, but value to your property

There are tons of remodeling projects that American homeowners undertake that might look marvelous, but don’t add any real value to their homes. But with an outdoor gazebo, not only are you getting a charming embellishment to your property, you are also increasing its value by almost as much as 50% of its cost or more! So apart from being an awesome place to hang out this summer, it will also help you when and if you wish to sell your home. Now if that isn’t a marvelous enough reason to start building a gazebo in your backyard, we don’t know what is!

There is a wide range of options to choose from

Many homeowners think that if they choose to install a gazebo, it will be just like the one their friend or family member has in their backyard. But this is a common misconception that has no truth in it at all. All gazebos are different and there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to your own outdoor gazebo. Whether you prefer a modern style, a rustic touch or a traditional approach, you can choose a style that complements your home and your own personal taste. Here are some options to choose from:

Vinyl: Vinyl is a rather common material that is used for many home exterior projects, including outdoor gazebos. While these may not be as visually appealing as a wooden gazebo, it is easier to maintain.
Wood: Wooden gazebos are some of the most common ones found in American homes. They add a special rustic touch to any outdoor landscape and add a wonderful sense of warmth to any home. These gazebos are much easier to install as compared to steel or vinyl gazebos, but can be challenging to maintain. Homeowners will need to pay extra attention to ensure that their wooden gazebos are free from termites and rot.
Aluminum: If added privacy is your main objective, then you may want to consider an aluminum gazebo, which has a study structure and offers total seclusion. These however, can be slightly more expensive that the other options.

You can choose to hire a professional contractor or engage in a DIY gazebo project

Gazebos are versatile and easy enough to be a DIY project that you can undertake over a few weekends. But of course, if you would much prefer it, you could also hire the services of a professional contractor who would be able to take on the task.

You can lower the costs for your outdoor gazebo if you so choose

The amazing part about a gazebo is that you can pay as much as you want or as little as you want for it. The total costs of most gazebos depend primarily on its size. Metal gazebos are more expensive than wooden ones. So you can choose which one to install depending on your budget. There are other factors that determine the cost of your gazebo as well. For instance, you may end up spending a bit more on labor and materials if you are planning on putting up a screen for a functional but closed gazebo. In addition to that, you may also have to incur an additional cost for customized shapes. For instance, a common oval, hexagon or square will be cheaper to install as compared to other unusual shapes. The roof of your gazebo also plays an important role in determining the cost. For instance, if you are putting in a roof, choosing asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, tile or slate will be cheaper options.

Gazebos provide added privacy and extra protection

While most gazebos are airy and open, there are some that may offer you more privacy if that is what you desire. For instance, if you have an outdoor hot tub and want a more private space to enjoy it, you can choose a gazebo spa enclosure or add glass windows and screens for extra protection from bugs and other critters.