**In fair disclosure, I was approached and asked to share the following post in exchange for compensation. All opinions are my own.**
The thing that is killing me about being back in the Midwest is the short summer I have to enjoy before our next Winter-pocalypse. We’ve been in the new house for nearly three months now, and I haven’t spent nearly the amount of time in our big backyard as I’d planned. Part of that is the perfectionist in me, seeing with a critical eye all the improvements I want to make to it.
Pretty blank canvas, nothing exceptionally exciting. We’ve got some great landscaping, thanks to the previous owners’ efforts, but it’s not quite up to a lounging or entertaining space of my standards.
I’ve been toying with multiple improvement ideas, including lighting, more landscaping, and the possibility of a gazebo to allow for some architectural beauty and shade.
Buying and Looking After a Wooden Gazebo
A wooden gazebo can spruce up any garden and can actually add value to your property. If you’re looking to install one then there are some points to consider when it comes to buying and maintaining this addition to your property.
Wooden gazebos not only look beautiful in a garden or back yard but are the ideal place to relax, read a book or enjoy a coffee, especially during the warm summer months. The good news is that gazebos aren’t a major expense to either buy or maintain. Gazebo kits are relatively inexpensive and can be bought and delivered through online retailers. It also only takes a little maintenance to ensure you are guaranteed many years of enjoyment from your gazebo.
Purchasing your gazebo
There are a few options available when it comes to buying and pricing is one of the main considerations. You can buy inexpensive gazebo kits from many online retailers or DIY stores and these will include a variety of designs as well as different types of wood. If you think the kit option will be too much trouble then you can always hire a gazebo builder who will undertake the job from scratch. This will be a more expensive option but will mean you can actually design your own structure including the type of wood used through to the decking, size and the roofing detail.
Ensure your gazebo lasts for years
Treat your gazebo right and you will have years of enjoyment, and the best way to do this is implement protection from the elements. Wooden gazebos need a specific amount of protection from moisture and sunlight throughout the year. A high quality water repellent sealer should be used to treat the wood and resealing should be undertaken every two years. You can also protect the wood on the roof from direct sunlight by using materials such as tiles or aluminium with the choice dependent on your budget and taste.
Additional gazebo maintenance
A thorough wash with mild detergent will help to keep your gazebo looking pristine and will also help to eradicate mildew. Avoid the use of high pressure washing devices as these can easily harm the wooden structure. Repainting can either be undertaken by a professional or you can reseal and repaint yourself every couple of years using a latex paint specifically made for gazebo wood. After 10 years it may be time to completely sand down, reseal and repaint as an additional maintenance precaution.
A well-cared for wooden gazebo will become a much-loved part of your property. This garden structure can bring years of enjoyment for your entire family for a minimal financial outlay and a small amount of ongoing maintenance.
Would you put a gazebo in your yard?
