Everything you need to know about finding a Gazebo Builder

Gazebos are freestanding, covered structures that are located away from the house. They are great for entertaining or relaxing.  You could even choose to locate a spa in your gazebo, allowing you to enjoy it in an outdoor environment while still not sacrificing privacy.  Gazebos are a great focal point in the garden and, designed correctly, make a fantastic, usable feature.

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Considerations

There are some things that you will have to take into consideration when designing your gazebo.  Firstly is what you will be using it for.  If you plan on using it for dining outdoors, then it should be placed conveniently to the kitchen.  This will save long walks back and forth with food and the like. 

Also consider the size of the gazebo.  It should be in scale with the surrounding elements such as the house and existing garden.  If you have a larger garden with mature trees, then a larger gazebo would suit.  Smaller gazebos work well with smaller gardens.  The gazebo and the house should also complement each other.  Repeating elements of your house design in the gazebo will make the whole property look unified.  This can be achieved by using similar materials or colours. 

Gazebos can also be fitted with a multitude of things including screens, windows, doors, built-in furniture, electricity, and plumbing for sinks, toilets and spas.  Because there are so many design choices that can be made, it may be a good idea to talk to a garden designer.  They will be able to help you design something that suits the surrounding garden, and that meets your needs and also your budget.

Types of Gazebos

There are three main types of gazebos – timber, metal and vinyl.

• Timber Gazebos are the most popular type of gazebos as they are suitable for most gardens and blend in naturally with the surrounding landscape. However, there are maintenance tasks involved in order to keep it looking its best.
  
• Metal Gazebos are excellent for entertaining as they are a heavier construction, making them perfect for outdoor functions.  As with timber gazebos, they do require a level of maintenance.
  
• Vinyl Gazebos are becoming popular as they are light and require minimal care and maintenance.  It can be set up and used all the time, or you have the option of using it only when it is necessary.

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Materials

There are several different roofing materials that you can opt to use on your gazebo.  These include:

• Steel – can be easily matched to your house’s roof, is available in a range of colours and is easy to maintain.
  
• Polycarbonate – is available in clear or tinted, is lightweight, strong, and blocks out UV rays.
  
• Thatched – provides an exotic feel to the gazebo.
  
• Lattice – is good for airflow, adds privacy, and plants can be grown over it for additional shade.
  
• Deciduous climbers – woven onto a timber trellis, climbers can provide shade in summer and sun in winter.  The timber can also be painted to match the house or other elements in the garden.

There are also different materials that you can use for flooring.  The most common types are timber decking, paving, and concrete.

As some gazebos may require council permission to build, the professional will be able to help you to liaise with the council to ensure that the project will meet all requirements.

You should ensure that you get a detailed written quote that includes all aspects of your project, and ask to see examples of previous work if at all possible.

How Much Does a Gazebo Cost?

The cost of a gazebo will largely be determined by its size and the materials used. Simple timber gazebos can be built for a couple of thousand dollars, and can escalate in price to in excess of $10 000. Besides the frame the type of roofing used will also impact the overall cost of your gazebo, as will the addition of optional accessories such as windows. Gazebo builders are likely to quote a set price to include labour and materials.