Gazebos:
The Perfect Spot for Backyard Entertaining
Forget
the deck: If you're looking for an eye-catching
addition to your backyard that will give you
maximum usability per square foot, you want a
gazebo. "We see a tremendous interest in gazebos," says
Peter Lang, general manager for the Western Red
Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA). "Homeowners
have always chosen cedar for all kinds of outdoor
projects, but cedar gazebos are true showpieces
where people can make a real statement."
 What makes these mini-pavilions so appealing?
For starters, the fact that they're covered.
While decks and patios depend on weather conditions
to be usable, gazebos offer shelter from the
rain and shade from the hot sun. They provide
a natural focal point and work well for gatherings
large and small.
Early summer is the perfect time to build a
gazebo. It can be done in a single weekend, giving
you the rest of the season to enjoy your newly
created outdoor living area.
Ready to get started? Here are some considerations:
Plan it on Paper
Typical
gazebo designs are eight-sided, with railings and
a peaked roof. However, sizing and architecture
can vary greatly to fit your yard, giving you a
private retreat or a wide open seating area. Finishing
touches such as lattice or a cupola can add distinction.
If you're looking for ideas, you'll find several
free gazebo designs at www.cedar-outdoor.org.
Detailed sketches and descriptions give you the
direction you need to plan your project. The
more thorough the plan, the fewer trips to the
lumber yard.
Say it in Cedar
One
of the most popular building materials for a gazebo
is still western red cedar. Many people choose
it because of its aesthetic appeal and physical
properties.
"For centuries, cedar has been known for its
exceptional beauty, versatility and longevity," says
Lang. "Cedar brings an exceptional all-natural
look, warmth and character to outdoor spaces,
and cedar is environmentally responsible."
Cedar can be combined with other materials to
give unique results. For example, by incorporating
opaque acrylic panels between cedar posts, you
can turn an open gazebo into a private teahouse.
Decorate it for Drama
Gazebos
lend themselves to events, whether birthdays, weddings
or holidays. With a little imagination, you can
theme your gazebo to match the occasion, making
it a festive location that enhances the moment.
The large amount of exposed lumber gives plenty
of surfaces for attaching decorations. For instance,
you can show your patriotism this Fourth of July
by hanging red, white and blue bunting from the
roof, streamers on the railing and flags at each
corner.
Fill it with Foliage
Strategically
placed plants can form a seamless transition between
the gazebo and the rest of the yardscape. Cedar
planter boxes are simple to build and can dress
up your new gazebo when filled with colorful flowers.
Best of all, they can be easily changed out to
keep the look fresh.
Light it Right
Before
you build is the best time to think about your
lighting needs. Planning ahead will enable you
to incorporate channels for electrical wiring
and eliminate the need for unsightly extension
cords later on. Lighting adds ambiance and gives
you the flexibility to extend your outdoor gatherings
past twilight.
For more information on western red cedar, visit
the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association Web
site at www.realcedar.org or call 1-866-778-9096.
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This article has been supplied courtesy of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
www.wrcla.org
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