Getting a cabana for your outdoor living area is invariably a great choice.  But, now that you’re set on one, be sure to make the best decision.  While the size of your cabana is dependent on the space you have available, how you’re planning to use it, and possibly your budget, the shape of your cabana is requires more thought.  Are you looking for traditional lines or something out of the ordinary?

Octagon Cabanas:  Octagon Cabanas are great for those who love the traditional look of a gazebo.  The octagonal shape is eye-catching and interesting, and will absolutely stand out among a group of buildings.

Rectangle Cabanas: Rectangle Cabanas are perfect for people that want to decorate a traditionally shaped space.  Arrange your patio furniture in the familiar arrangements of indoor rooms for seamless transitions.

Hexagon Cabanas: The romantic belle roof of the hexagon cabana is unique and striking.  Add some dreamy architectural lines to your landscape to feel like you’re in a paradise every day of the week.  Adding a copper filial to the peak completes the look.  These are great for outdoor living spaces, as well as home offices, studios, and other backyard escapes.

Elongated Hexagon Cabanas: If you love the belle roof, but need a little bit more room, the Elongated Hexagon Cabana is a fantastic solution. Providing more space in a more rectangular layout makes decorating easy and space a premium.  Also perfect for home offices and studios, the elongated hexagon cabana is also great for storage and outdoor dining spaces. Outfitted with a rectangular picnic table, this backyard structure is perfect for dinner parties.

Plan out your intended uses for your cabana, what outdoor furniture or other ideas you have for the interior, as well as how you want your landscape to look overall.  Talk to friends, family members, and a qualified expert about your options… but don’t get overwhelmed!  Choosing the perfect style for your cabana should be fun and exciting.

Most people would benefit from an at-home exercise studio.  Whether they’re a marathon runner or just getting into the race, having a space to work out stress and stay fit is beneficial for both the mind and body.  After all, scheduling work outs around the when the gym is open and when you can get away from the house can be difficult.  And, if you live in an area subject to extreme weather conditions, you can’t always depend on the road being open for your morning run.

Homes without an extra room are still candidates for a fantastic home gym; they’re not as difficult as you might think.  Designing a backyard cabana for use as an exercise studio will give you the home gym you’ve always wanted, without sacrificing a room in your house.

Lighting: You don’t want to feel like you’re in a dungeon when you’re getting fit.  So, design your cabana with a lot of windows.  Natural light will give you lots of enriching vitamin D when you’re exercising, as well as let you enjoy the outdoors when it’s too cold to outside.

Equipment: Depending on the size of your backyard structure, you’ll be able to fit different kinds of equipment.  As a general rule, it’s a good idea to have a place for cardio, a place for strength training, and a place for stretching.  A good yoga mat with some resistance bands will serve well for stretching.  But, when it comes to strength, consider your goals.  A resistance cable system can use space efficiently, as well as transition to more challenging exercises as you get stronger.  A rack of free weights also works well for people who have used them in the past.  Beginners take caution though, free weights must be used correctly to prevent injury.  Treadmills are the stand by for cardio equipment, and they’re a great source for it.  But, don’t discount elliptical, cross trainers, or stair masters either.  Especially if you have joint or knee pain, a lower impact solution might be best.

Colors: Keep the interior, and perhaps even the exterior of your cabana, bright with light colored paint colors and floor coverings.  Especially after a long day, getting yourself to work out can be a chore.  The couch is quite comfortable!  But, having a cheery place to go and work out the day’s stresses will encourage you to do so more often.  Isn’t that one of the best parts of having a home gym? It’s easier to get in your daily work outs because it’s always open, allows you to stay close to home, and never requires a commute!

Many homes would benefit from a guest house.  Whether you entertain often or have in-laws over for every holiday, having a separate guest house can allow both your guests and your home to feel a little more at ease.

Save Your Sleep: Nobody sleeps well with house guests.  The hosts are worrying whether they supplied enough towels, the guests are tip toeing around the kitchen searching for a glass only to knock over your pile of cooking magazines.  It can feel like a competition of who can be more accommodating: the guests or the hosts.  But, in the end, no body feels completely at ease.  Have you ever stayed with a friend that has a burglary alarm system?  You hear this phantom beeping in the distance from your pull-out couch and wonder if there’s some problem.  Skip the stress for both parties.  Having a separate structure to serve as your guest house will let guests retreat to their own space, eliminating the need for tip toes on all fronts.

Save the Hassle: A lot of people avoid the hassle of house guests by investing in a hotel room.  But, now meals and activities have to be scheduled around check ins and check outs.  If the best hotel is across town, no one will be traveling to and from during rush hour! Plus, if there are kids along for the trip, they’ll inevitably forget a favorite toy or book, sending a parent back out into the weather and traffic to retrieve it from the hotel room.  Having a separate guest house will allow families to retreat, but only be a few steps away.

Save Some Money: The upfront investment of a backyard guest house will well outweigh the ongoing costs of those hotel rooms.  After you factor the night rate, parking, gas going to and from the hotel, and other expenses associated with hotels, guests will end up cutting travel costs in half when coming to visit you.  Easing travel spending for your loved ones is the greatest gift you can give, especially during the holiday season.

Using a cabana or a pool house as a private guest house is an easy, customizable, and affordable option.  Designing your structure online, you can personalize the tiniest details and choose a size that works for your lifestyle.  The world of garden structures is a lot bigger than open-air gazebos and pergolas, fully insulated backyard cabanas and pool houses are serving as guest houses, home offices, and extra home spaces.

We talk a lot about creating your own at-home oasis.  After all, “stay-cations” have become one of the most popular family destinations as people use backyard structures and outdoor furniture to create beautiful paradises.

But, what about the professionals?  Your backyard haven is just one aspect of the many parts of your home you balance.  But, vacation resorts are completely focused on creating relaxing and rejuvenating environments that will turn people’s everyday stress into invigorating retreats.

Caneel Bay is a luxury resort situated in the pristine natural surrounding of The Virgin Islands National Part on St. John Island.  If anyone knows every detail of get-away design, it’s certainly the island resorts of the Caribbean.  And, the experts turned to our experts for gazebo and cabana design!

First, this open air gazebo serves as a wonderful sheltered outdoor living room.  Using bright teals to add bursts of unexpected color, it reserves an island feel without pushing over into cliché or overwhelming themes.  The outdoor deep seating collection exudes relaxed elegance, as the rich hardwood pulls together the entire outdoor room set that coordinates, but isn’t too “matchy.”

(Click photo to view larger)

This is certainly a design you could emulate in your own home!  For those who do not have a full staff of house keeping, however, you might want to try deep seating that has storage within the arms and back for the cushions.  That way, you can put the cushions away without lugging them into your storage shed, when you’re headed in for the night and rain seems to be on the way.  There are also a lot of stylish deck boxes that could hold your cushions and keep them safe outdoors.  What are your thoughts on it?

And, within sight of this fabulous outdoor living room… is that a cabana?  Why Yes! Can you guess what it’s used for?

Think the ultimate in relaxation…

Yes! A massage space overlooking the ocean proves this resort as one wonderful place!  The hardwood floors, bamboo-style shades, and exposed rafters create a rustic, yet refined feeling of secluded retreat. The palm-leaf style outdoor ceiling fan will keep the sea breeze moving, and fits seamlessly with this tropical décor.  My favorite part is that the rafters are painted white to match the walls, while the exposed ceiling remains its natural wood color.  Such a subtle color choice really brings through the marine feeling of this oasis.

You might be thinking, “What would I do with something like this in my home though?  I can barely get my husband to rub my shoulders!”  Okay, Okay, a massage chair and full spa might be a little over-the-top for your at-home oasis.  But, a cabana with rich hardwood floors, exposed painted rafters, a fabulous outdoor ceiling fan, and bamboo-style blinds can make much more than just an open air spa…  How about a dining area? A meditation retreat? An art or writing studio?  The options are endless. Plus, with walls and a closing door, you can use it for more seasons and in inclement weather!

So, if you hadn’t planned to go toward the islands this summer… that’s no reason to miss out on fabulous outdoor retreats.  Create your own tropical resort this summer, and enjoy it every day: Not for a week, not on one trip, everyday!

After all, if even the top tropical resorts are turning to us…why would you turn to anybody else?

A backyard cabana is the definition of casual sophistication.  If you’re not sure, exactly, what the modern cabana looks like… let me take you on a small and abbreviated tour of this fantastic backyard fixture.  Originally a Spanish word, a cabaña is a tropical shelter resembling a cabin. Over the years, it has become a structure encompassing vacationing relaxation; a hip and current bungalow embracing the laid-back attitude of the Tropics.  Now, almost all seaside and luxury resorts boast cabanas for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the island atmosphere.  But, you don’t have to shell out the cash for a week long vacation of jam-packed cabana enjoyment… you can create your own backyard oasis to enjoy the sun for as long as you like! Here are five steps to consider when planning your backyard cabana.

1. Quality: Though your cabana will be a place to leave your cares at the door, make sure to take plenty of care when choosing how your cabana will be constructed.  Using substandard materials, building professionals, or designs will just lead to a disaster and a huge headache.  A cabana that has to be worried about is a complete failure of the entire purpose, after all. The old photos of cabanas constructed of rotting drift wood may look romantic, but you won’t feel so dreamy when it collapses during a rainstorm!
2. Materials: The materials you choose for your cabana is a vital and important decision; the aesthetics, durability, and cost of your structure all very much depend on your material choice.  Western Red Cedar is the most traditional option.  The rich wood with its aromatic qualities will completely transform your mood.  Western Red Cedar also contains a high deposit of natural oils that act as preservatives against wood decay and insect damage.  If you’re looking for a cabana that calls back the spirit of yesterday, Western Red Cedar may be your best choice.  Northern White Cedar is a similar material and possesses the same impressive durability.  But, White Cedar does carry a hint of pinkish white that sets it apart from other materials.  The eye-catching hue creates interest and a certain hint of whimsy.  Dura-Temp is an economical choice that will last over twenty years.  The plywood-based panel siding has a smooth surface that looks natural, but resists moisture, dents, checks and cracks.  It also holds paint incredibly well if you’re looking to add a bit of color to your backyard project.  Pine is another material that will take paint without any problems.  With minimal maintenance and still enduring beauty, Pine is a fantastic choice for someone looking for value and beauty.  Finally, Vinyl is the most untraditional choice that might be perfect for you! It will protect your structure from any kind of weather and is virtually maintenance free.  If you’re looking for a cabana with a bit more of a substantial and house-like look, vinyl will do the trick!
   

   An Oval White Cedar Cabana

3. Shape:  Did you think cabanas only came in four-sided squares (I don’t think there are any other kinds of squares…)?  Nope!  Octagons, rectangles, ovals, hexagons and elongated hexagons with belle roofs are all viable and interesting choices for your backyard cabana. Many rectangle cabanas can have porches attached to them for a more dramatic entrance way and belle-roof cabanas give a wistful silhouette.  You will want to consider how many people will be using your cabana on a daily basis and what kind of atmosphere you’ll want to create.  Rectangular and Elongated Hexagon shapes are more likened to indoor rooms, and therefore more apt to traditional furniture arrangement.  But, Octagons, Ovals, and Hexagons will make you feel truly removed from the ordinary.                                                                                                                                                                                   
4. Use: Don’t let anyone define how your cabana should be used for you!  A backyard cabana should be a personal retreat; so just think of the perfect place to retreat to after a long day… and decorate accordingly!  Light some candles, bask in the sun streaming through your skylights, and enjoy an exercise and meditation area.  Install a flat screen for a dynamite place to watch football games and enjoy the grill right outside the front door!  Your designs will reflect your intended use, so whether you are planning to create a serene and quiet retreat, or a neighborhood destination for get-togethers and parties, your backyard cabana can and will be a complete reflection of your style and personality!                                                                                                                            
5. Décor: Now that you’ve decided how to use it, you get to decorate it!  Remember, the materials you use in your décor will define its style of relaxation.  Try wicker, red cedar, cherry, and teak for sophistication and elegance.  Polywood, vinyl, and coated metal all boast maintenance free properties that will keep you feeling relaxed if upkeep is just not on your to-do list.  But, no matter the material, your options are nearly endless.  For tranquil and calm get-aways, use a natural and soothing rocking motion to propel you toward peace.  A porch swing, porch glider, or a classic rocking chair all provide the proven restful motion that will naturally guide you toward more quiet thinking.  There’s a reason your mother rocked you to sleep… it’s a calming motion enjoyed by almost everyone.  Chaise lounges, though stationary, provide the same feeling of ultimate repose and pampering.  But, of course, if your heart is already set on that flat screen TV, try patio groups, outdoor sofas, comfy patio chairs with ottomans, and (of course) coffee tables and end tables for drinks and snacks! A backyard cabana is also a fantastic structure of an outdoor dining room.  Are you tired of traditional dinner parties and mediocre barbecues?  Go upscale with sophisticated outdoor dining sets, picnic tables, and even bistro sets.  Go the extra mile with a Teak Monarch Bar and high bar tables with bar stools.  You’ll wonder why people feel the need to “go out” when you can simply waltz out your backdoor to the swankiest place in town.

The materials and shape of your cabana, as well as the type of outdoor furniture you use to decorate it will define your retreat.  But, such a versatile structure is sure to fit your needs because you can design it to be EXACTLY what you want!  Doesn’t it feel fantastic? What do you have in mind; have you started planning yours yet?

See you in your Cabana!

Hazel.

Landscaping is important, not only in making a yard look nice, but in contributing to the overall appearance – and appeal – of a home.  Although the scheme is traditionally based on the home as the central feature, the dynamics change when there is another building on the property that shifts the focus from it.  The degree to which this alters any landscaping plan depends upon the size and the type of the outdoor structure.  If it’s an arbor, trellis, pergola, or planter bench, it may actually be more of a design feature, such as a focal point, which is essential in any layout. 

On the other hand, if it’s something more prominent, such as a gazebo, sunroom, shed, pool house, or cabana, it deserves the same landscaping treatment as the house, but on a smaller scale.  However, you’re planning to build a pool house or a cabana, there’s a good chance that you also have a pool, so you’ll want to create a design that will link the two together to form an area that will be the center of activity. 

Use the shape of your pool to help you plan the layout.  If it’s rounded, complement it with walkways (made of decorative stones) and flowerbeds designed with similar curves, or counter it with linear paths.  If it’s square or rectangular, use straight or curvilinear patterns to coincide or contrast with it.  

Another influence on the big picture will be whether or not you have a fence around the pool.  Although some people choose not to put one up, if there’s any chance that any kids will have access to the pool at any time, you really should install one.  Fortunately, with the endless options for materials and colors, it won’t be difficult to find one that is attractive, safe, durable, and complementary to the motif.             

While you may want to put in a lot of colorful flowers, it’s best not to plant them too close to the pool, but put them around the cabana instead.  The same goes for large trees, shrubs, or plants, which can drop foliage into the water, clogging filters, and making the pool more difficult to clean and maintain. 

Of course, you can enjoy a cabana, just like any other backyard structure, even if you don’t have a pool; and, at GazeboCreations.com, it’s a cinch to design one.  Using the Custom Cabana Creator, you can build one to your own specifications, choosing the material, style, and size, then selecting from dozens of options, including skylights, cupolas, screened windows, ceiling fans, finished walls and ceilings, insulation, and several colors of shingles.

Indeed, the cabana has come a long way since the days when it was merely a seaside shack used for changing into and out of swimming apparel.  Now, it’s right up there in status with the gorgeous gazebo and the stunning sunroom (which is much better than a sunning stunroom), taking a back seat to no other outdoor structure.  In other words, the cabana is no second banana.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy   

These days, everywhere you turn, someone is getting a makeover and/or competing for some kind of prize.  In fact, these contests have becomes so widespread that they no longer involve only humans, as animals, and even buildings, are getting new looks.  That’s what’s happening now in the world of backyard structures, as they vie for the “Most Popular” title; and, among the contenders, the pool house is making a big splash. 

Although it has been on the scene for years, there is a new wave of interest in it, sparked by a spectacular makeover that has given the structure many extremely desirable new traits.  Now, besides being as practical as it is beautiful, it very deftly combines the best characteristics of its competitors, the gazebo and the garden shed.

Indeed, the pool house is not only as drop-dead gorgeous as a gazebo, but it is available with the same highly sought-after options, such as finished walls and ceilings, screened floors, cupolas, skylights, double-paned, shuttered windows, insulation, and steel doors. 

It also has quite an extensive wardrobe, which includes a rich, luxurious cedar coat, as well as vinyl siding in several luscious colors.  To top it off, the pool house also sports over a dozen colors of durable shingles, as well as a cedar shake roof, and accessorizes with eight shades of trim.    

Another of its many attractive attributes is its willingness to be seen in a less-than-glamorous role, as it performs all of the same duties as a shed, holding safe anything and everything that a person can to stuff into it, without losing its composure.  It also acts as the quintessential cabana, where people can change into and out of their swimwear.  Furthermore, just like gazebos and sheds, pool houses can be furnished with beautiful porch chairs, settees, lounges, and accent tables, and used year-round as spare rooms, guesthouses, home offices, entertainment rooms, or anything else that one wishes to make of them.

At GazeboCreations.com, you can customize your own pool house in a few, easy steps.  You can create as many as you want, dress them up any way you like, and save them to your own, personal gallery, where you can compare them side by side and choose your favorite.  As a matter of fact, you can do the same with their gazebos, sheds, cabanas, and sunrooms.  The best part of all is that, no matter which one you select, you’ll be picking a winner!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy 

Many customers call us to ask if they need a permit to add one of our large garden structures to their backyard.  The simple answer is:  Maybe. 

Permit Law

The permit rules vary from state to state, county to county and even township to township.  What you may need a permit for your friends just a few miles away may not.  Sound a little crazy?  It is, but a simple call to your local building department is usually a quick and easy way to sort things out.  If you need help, Cedarstore.com will be glad to assist you. 

Some states such as California, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey seem to require a permit for everything, even building a pergola or porch!  However, exceptions often exist for outdoor structures under 120 square feet. 

Other states prefer a more common sense approach, which allows residents to build any structure, including a deck, Pergola or arbor, as long as it maintains a proper setback from the property line and does not interfere with the rights of others.  Again, a quickie call to your building department usually clears any doubt.

Permit Requirements

If a permit is required, the next thing to ask your building department is, “what is required to obtain the permit?”  The same states which are most stringent in requiring permits usually have higher standards to obtain them, also.  Fortunately, CedarStore.com has dealt with hundreds of departments across the country and we have the necessary paperwork to get you through the process!

Unique Situations

If stamped and sealed engineer drawings are required for your new Patio, Deck, or Garden Structure, we can provide them!  Our engineer will examine your local codes to ensure the structure meets the requirements.  Some places have unique codes, such as Florida requiring structures to meet 140mph wind loads, and parts of Utah requiring high snow loads.  In cases of extreme requirements, additional charges may apply to modify our structure to meet your code, but the cost is typically minimal. 

For most places, simple spec charts and shop draws are acceptable in the permit process.  CedarStore.com provides those drawings free of charge, and you can find them on our web page.

If you need assistance getting through the process, call us immediately.  We’ve helped many clients through difficult processes.  And if we’re not able to help, chances are we know somebody who can.  Call anytime, 1-888-293-2339.

Have a wonderful day!

Shari