When you’re looking for ideas on how to complete your landscape design, you may want to look no further than adding a gazebo. This versatile shelter can become the most prominent and sometimes the most useful feature of your entire backyard. Whether you will use it primarily to enjoy a quiet breakfast on a weekend morning or as the perfect spot for sunset watching, there are many ways a gazebo can enhance your landscape in your Mt. Sinai and Northport, NY.
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a permanent outdoor shelter related to a pergola or a pavilion. A gazebo can be made of either wood, metal, or vinyl. What’s the difference between these structures? Pergolas tend to have open walls and a semi-open roof that allows some sunlight through. Both pavilions and gazebos usually have a closed roof and open walls to keep the outdoor feeling while protecting from the harshest weather. While pergolas and pavilions are simply built on a patio surface, gazebos typically have a purpose-built wooden or stone floor that’s separate from the surrounding surfaces. This lets you locate your gazebo anywhere you like on your property.
Gazebo as the Center of Attention
Gazebos are prominent features, whether they’re grand or diminutive in size. Their prominence is especially useful in helping to create an anchor for outdoor gatherings. When given the right amount of decoration and landscape lighting, a gazebo can be absolutely stunning in both daytime and nighttime situations. When you have a party in your backyard, it will become a natural activity center.
A Shelter for the Ultimate in Relaxation
The structure of the gazebo allows for some comfortable seating and amenities like a mini-fridge that can improve the space and make it feel more complete. You could have the most extravagant benches with plush weatherproof cushions and blankets to take serene outdoor naps. You could even add a hammock or two. Unlike seating on the patio, you’re sheltered in case of a sudden downpour and you’re always in the cool shade of the gazebo roof. While gazebos may have open sides (either fully open or featuring railings) you can always add privacy with lattice screens, a vine-covered trellis, or outdoor curtains to create a serene space for chilling.
Space for Your Hot Tub
One of the most relaxing elements of any backyard is the hot tub. When the hot tub is located in the shelter of a gazebo, it becomes a space more suited to year-round enjoyment. A gazebo can be just big enough to shelter your hot tub, or it can be much larger to also accommodate lounge furniture. Add lattice-screen sides for privacy, and you’ll have a luxurious retreat just steps from the back door.
Space for Your Fire Feature
Another timeless way to relax in a backyard is with the help of a fire feature such as a fire pit, fire table, or even outdoor fireplace. A gazebo can house any gas-fueled fire feature within its perimeter. That roof will also help hold the heat in the space for longer, making chilly nights more comfortable. If you want the grandeur of an outdoor fireplace, the feature could potentially be located in the center of the gazebo. You may even be able to include a wood-fired pizza oven as a separate element of your outdoor fireplace.
Related: HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE CENTERED AROUND A GAZEBO IN OLD WESTBURY AND SETAUKET, NY
