Pavilions and Pergolas and Gazebos, Oh My!

Well to be truthful, most people do not even know what a pergola is, mostly likely gets “Googled” a lot.  We’re probably all a little more familiar with “pavilion” and “gazebo” but these structures actually are all very similar.

So what IS a pergola?  Technically it is ” a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained. As a type of gazebo, it may also be an extension of a building, or serve as protection for an open terrace or a link between pavilions.”  according to Wikipedia.  The idea behind a pergola is to provide shade and architectural interest, and when attached to the side of a house with climbing and/or hanging plants…. it simply looks stunning!

The more familiar pavilion differentiates itself from the pergola by having a closed in roof. These are commonly used for weddings, parties, and can be seen at most public parks in the picnic areas.  Sometimes, you will even see 2 pavilions connected together by a pergola.  Pavilions are normally free standing structures, whereas sometimes you will see a pergola attached to a building.

THEN, to add more confusion into the mix is the gazebo.  Gazebos certainly add a touch of elegance to a yard or outdoor area, and can been seen in square, round, and oval shapes. Gazebos typically have a domed roof and can be screened in.  Their uses are more varied today from their traditional uses…now we see people using gazebos to relax and read in, as a spot to do yoga, and even as a primary entertainment space. And as with the pergola and the pavilion, some chose to even use a gazebo as the perfect compliment to their hot tub.

All of these structures come in a variety of material such as plastic, metal or wood….however, the recommended material is not only wood, but cedar wood.  it won’t rust like metal, fade like plastic and wood holds up better to snow loads for those in a colder climate.  Additionally…the wood is usually treated with decay resistant qualities. On top of all that, you simply can’t beat the beauty of natural cedar!

 

Uses for a Gazebo

Great article to share on gazebos and their uses!

http://its-my-blog.com/tag/gazebo-uses

Have you been thinking about purchasing an outdoor gazebo for your yard, but your unsure of which style would be best? Fortunately, there are many different outdoor gazebos styles to choose from. Perhaps the only drawback to this is might take a while to determine which one will work best for your needs.

In addition, gazebos can be enclosed entirely, or made the traditional way where it has a roof and sides, but standing inside you are able to see everything outdoors. Gazebos are perfect for family outings or just reading a book under in the cool breeze. Gazebos come in many styles, colors, and materials, which suits everyone’s tastes.

Gazebo Uses

Having a gazebo in the backyard can be very advantageous because of the numerous uses they offer. Unfortunately, there are families that have beautiful gazebos in their yards, but never use them. Here are just a few ways you can use a gazebo:

Gazebos make ideal play areas for children. The gazebo can be set up where it can be viewed from the house, allowing parents to keep a close on eye on their kids. Add some children’s furniture and some games and your kids will love having their friends come over to play.

You could install a hot tub in your gazebo, providing the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hectic day. This can also serve as an ideal romantic retreat.

If you are able to work from home, you could use the gazebo to set up an outdoor office. Imagine how productive you’ll be with cool breezes and singing birds inspiring you. You could set up a complete office with a desk, chair, portable filing cabinets, a cell phone, and a WiFi connection.

Another great way to make use of a gazebo is placing an exercise space in it. You can add all sorts of lightweight equipment inside the gazebo in order to get a good workout while you are outdoors.

Garden Gazebo and Patio Gazebo

Patio gazebos with cement flooring are ideal for use as an office or a clean play area for the kids.

However, a garden gazebo with grass as flooring works well for entertaining, barbecues, exercise, and relaxation.

Closing Ideas

If you are considering buying a gazebo or already one own, you can now see that it can be used in a variety of ways. Gazebos can be used in so many ways, which is what makes them so popular with homeowners.

 

Your Garden Gazebo-Not Just A Pretty Lawn Ornament!

The garden gazebo has been around for much longer than you might have imagined-even appearing in murals found in tombs dating to 1400 B.C.  As expected, it was mostly royalty that were able to experience the joy of owning one. As popularity of these structures grew, they could be found from Egypt and the East, where it was used primarily as a tea house.  Arriving in Europe in the Middle Ages, the main use was for large scale entertaining.

Today, outdoor garden gazebos can be found across the globe.  Most people are aware of their existence, but perhaps the wide number of uses of the gazebo might escape their attention.  Below are a few of the more common uses of garden gazebos and perhaps, a few you might not have thought of.

Heartland Seaside 12ft Round Gazebo with Floor

1)  EXERCISE SPACE
Yoga, Tai Chi, stretching, and most marital arts can all fit into your gazebo.  The rails can even be used as a bar to help you stretch.  Place a mat down on the floor and enjoy the breezes as you exercise your body and mind.

2)  PLAY AREA
What a fun little “fort” your gazebo could make for kids with just some pillows and perhaps an old sheet!  It can be an army headquarters for boys and a pretend house for girls-guaranteed to utilize the imagination for both genders of kids most ages.  An added bonus is the shade it helps provide.

3)  MEDITATION AREA
Sitting in a gazebo in your garden, viewing the leaves changing color, or enjoying spring blossoms, can only bring peace to the most occupied of minds.  Being out in nature has been proven to have a calming affect and your gazebo makes it possible to be only a few steps away from your house, yet feel worlds away.

4) ENTERTAINING
This is perhaps the more common of uses for a gazebo-who wouldn’t love a decadent dessert while sitting in one of these?  Also gazebos make the PERFECT place to serve coffee, tea, cappuccino, etc, and just sit around and chat.

5) SPA GAZEBO
Sitting in a hot tub placed in a gazebo watching a light rain falling sounds like heaven to me.   You can add screens for privacy, and sit and watch the stars come out.  Add some tables with some small votive candles in glass containers and you’ll want to spend more time in the gazebo then the house.

6)  RELAXATION AREA
Similar to meditation, this gazebo use can be expanded a bit by doing such simple things as adding a chest or cabinet that would keep your books safe from the elements, a comfy chair, and making your own personal library.  Or placing some hanging lights around, some thing comfortable to sit in, and bring your wireless computer out there for both business and leisure.  

Heartland is proud to be able to offer 2 sizes of gazebos, oval and round, made from cedar wood.  Cedar gazebos are the most preferred as cedar wood stands up to the elements over time better than metal or vinyl, is made from renewable resources, and is the most appealing aesthetically.  Hopefully this helps start the imagination of how a gazebo might add to your life.  They look great in any garden, and have more uses than one might realize!