Wooden Gazebos: The Basics

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The gazebo is a structure that has been around for thousands of years and it is no wonder:  gazebos tend to have an inherent quality of peace, relaxation, and sophistication that no other dwelling seems to have.  Modern gazebos are typically made with wood or vinyl but many people feel that wood is the only material that can give the gazebo its classically serene nature.  Here you will find a synopsis of wooden gazebos along with the pros and cons of using certain types of wood in constructing them.

Modern gazebos are no longer limited to octagon-shaped structures with open side walls; they can now be made into rectangular, square, oval, circular, or just about any other shape a person desires.  They be designed with or without doors and windows, with or without screens or other window treatments, and include different styles and designs of balusters and spindles.  The shape of the roof can be quite varied, as well, from a simple angled shape with or without shingles to a double roof of spindle top.

You have the choice of either making your gazebo yourself or hiring a professional to make it for you.  In the latter case, the gazebo will be shipped as a fully-assembled and ready-to-use unit or the construction company will build it on your property.  Either way, it is necessary to prepare a suitable piece of ground to allow the gazebo to safely sit upon.  The companies who make and deliver your gazebo may be able to put you in touch with a reputable landscaper to help you prepare your site if you need it.

The most common woods used in making gazebos are cedar, redwood, cypress, pine, and tropical hardwoods; composite wood is available, as well. All of these can be treated to increase their inherent rot and insect resistance but do not have to be.  All the woods below can be stained or painted, if desired and all will change color over time if not sealed or cared for properly.

PROS                                                  CONS

Cedar -readily available                                 -weaker than the other woods

(Western Red is          -natural color is reddish brown           (use for decorative, not

most common)            -naturally rot and insect resistant        structural, components)

-cost is moderate

-soft, easy to use

-durable, long-lasting

Redwood -natural red color                   -very expensive

-soft, easy to use                                  -lower grades need sealant

-high-grade wood is naturally                 to prevent rot and insect                                              resistant                              d

-very durable, long-lasting                          -less readily available

-for decorative and structural                    -ecological concerns

components

Cypress -naturally tan or red                    -expensive

(Southern or Bald                                    -naturally insect and rot         -supply is limited

Cypress is most           resistant

common)                                                 -durable, long-lasting

-for decorative and structural

components

Pine -greenish-gray color unstained            -must be completely

(Usually pressure                                        -accepts stains very wel  dried before use

treated)                                                     -durable, long-lasting      -needs sealant

-insect, rot resistant                                    -some people can get ill

-least expensive wood                                 from pressure treatment

chemicals

Hardwoods -most durable and long-lasting                         -very expensive

(Ipe, Pau Lope,           -naturally resistant to rot and insects -difficult to come by

Ironwood)                   -beautiful grains and colors                 -ecological concerns

Composite wood -the most long-lasting                                  -quite expensive

(mix of wood and       -impervious to rot and insect                   -does not look like real wood

synthetic such as         damage                                                 -tends to fade over time

vinyl)                                                                                       -not for structural                                                                                                                    components 

You can find more detailed information about the different types of wood used in making gazebos and this is just a guide to get you started.  For the gazebo purist, wood is the only acceptable material to be used and your gazebo's final motif is only limited by your imagination. Wood can be curved, painted, stained, posted, shingled, latticed, and the list goes on and on.  Choose vinyl if you must, but nothing beats spending time in a well-constructed and classy wooden gazebo.

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