Gazebos: How to Plan for Size
Nov 22nd, 2010 by Hazel
Looking out on your backyard, you’ve decided to take the plunge into fabulous outdoor living with the addition of a gazebo. Fantastic. But, the dreaming is the easy part. Planning for size, style, material, and customizations can require a lot of thought.
Determining the approximate size of your gazebo is a great first step. Even if you haven’t fully decided on an octagon gazebo or a rectangle gazebo, you can still get an idea of what kind of parameters you’re working with.
Most people determine the best gazebo size for them in a three-step process.
How Much Space Do You Have?: If you have acres and acres of land, this doesn’t affect you as much. But, for those with smaller areas, it’s important to measure your space. I’ve seen Belle Roof gazebos fit into tiny DC courtyards, so never think you simply don’t have enough room! Knowing your square footage and perimeters is the best first step to choosing the right size gazebo.
How Much Space Are You Comfortable Filling?: If you have the majority of your backyard dedicated to a gorgeous flower and vegetable garden, installing a gazebo may mean rearranging some plots. Be realistic about how much space you need for outdoor living and how much space you need for other outdoor activities. But, if you’re someone who cringes at the site of a lawnmower, replacing much of your landscape with a maintenance-free gazebo might be the perfect solution!
How Much Can You Afford: This is the true reality-check! If you have 10 acres that you hate to maintain and want a 50 ft gazebo, budgeting may be an important step to take. On the flip side, don’t skimp on size just to save a few bucks. Having a large enough space to accommodate outdoor entertaining and family get-togethers will be well worth it in the end. Many manufacturers offer layaway plans and extended payment options, so you can get what you really need.
Planning for the size of your gazebo will help you make the rest of your design decisions with confidence. There’s no need to be overwhelmed with the addition of a fabulous outdoor living space. You can’t fit a 20 ft gazebo on a 10 ft patio, so take your time and choose a size that works for your space, your needs, and your budget!
Have Fun!
Hazel.
