Installing a Gazebo Around Your Spa
By Denise Bates Enos
As a garden ornament or a spa shelter, adding a gazebo to your backyard setting is a time-honored way to enhance the overall atmosphere. But do not let a gazebo's traditional appeal fool you, as gazebos are a changing with the times. We have asked some pros in-the-know to tell us what's new, and what to look for when purchasing a gazebo.
What are the most popular construction materials for gazebos?
Craig Cohen, Gazebo-works Too: While there are many different types of materials available, such as vinyl, plastic, metal or wood, we use nothing but the highest grades of redwood because of their outstanding characteristics. Redwood's natural resistance to decay, warping, splitting and cracking and its strength-to-weight ratio make it the ideal material for outdoor use.
Chet Beiler, Amish Country Gazebos: Wood gazebos are the most popular, although vinyl gazebos are growing in popularity as design details are refined. During the past four years, we have seen a steady increase in the demand for vinyl gazebos. Last year, nearly 30 percent of our gazebos were vinyl, while 70 percent were wood. The one outstanding benefit of a vinyl gazebo is that it is maintenance-free.
How should wood be cared for and maintained?
Beiler: If your gazebo is made of wood and it is left natural, you may want to seal the wood with a clear wood finish or even a tinted finish in order to preserve the new look of the wood. Some homeowners are happy to let the wood weather to a nice silver-gray appearance.
What are the latest developments and special features that consumers should look for in gazebos?
Cohen: Let's break it down to three different categories. The first category is the traditional gazebo. This gazebo is decorative, usually octagonal in design, and it is placed in the backyard or garden area.
The second category of gazebos is the open-air or lathe gazebo. It is made to fit around a spa and to add ambiance and, perhaps, some privacy. This type of product would have anything from a lattice privacy panel to a louver system that can be opened and closed. It can have a built-in bar with stools and a beverage holder or even a towel rack. It does not provide much protection from the elements.
The third category is an enclosure. It typically has doors, operational windows and a solid roof. There are many options available, such as locking doors and windows, sitting bays with storage benches, bay windows, alcoves, "stained glass" acrylic windows, skylights, bars and even gas fireplaces. The options go on and on.
Beiler: Most of the gazebos we provide have a concealed electrical wiring package and ceiling light/fan fixture. Many folks also like to have benches included, and homeowners in southern and eastern states usually like to have screening installed.
What construction techniques should shoppers look for in a quality gazebo?
Beiler: First, look for quality lumber that is free from defects in the wood and from knots that may fall out. Second, study the fasteners. Screws and bolts are structurally far superior to nails. And thirdly, we recommend using 4 x 4-ft. or 6 x 6-ft. posts for your gazebo, as well as strong, substantial lumber throughout.
How should a site be prepared before a gazebo is installed?
Cohen: As with any structure, proper foundation is essential. A foundation can consist of a cement slab or a wooden deck. Your local building department should be contacted for any requirements and/or permits, which vary widely from state to state.
It is important not to assemble directly on bare ground, as the ground will expand and contract with the changes in the elements, causing the structure to move and pull apart.
Beiler: It is also important to have a level site. Depending upon the soil conditions, you may want to pour a solid pad with footers or simply use footers. A gazebo can be secured directly on top of a concrete or brick pad if you are careful to use the appropriate ties and hardware to secure the posts to the pad. If your gazebo has a wood deck, the floor joists should be 2x6s, and the decking should be made of strong boards as well.
What about roof options?
Beiler: Most quality gazebos can carry the weight of either a cedar-shingle roof, composition roofing or even some kind of tiles, if the roof is properly reinforced.
Cohen: Consumers can order anything from the standard wood roof to a metal roof in an array of colors.
How can a gazebo be used in a pool and/or a hot tub/spa setting?
Cohen: A gazebo can offer privacy, shelter, security, and it can be used simply as a gathering place for family and friends. It can also protect your spa from UV rays.
Beiler: Some of the most breathtaking settings for the gazebos that we have installed all across America have been by pools. When the reflection of a gazebo is part of the backyard scenery, you can feel as though you have your own private resort right at home.
Experts' Bios
Craig Cohen, Owner, Gazebo-works Too
Craig Cohen founded his company in 1984 to fill the niche market of modular shelters being built to accompany spas. His company has been in existence for 19 years and has a distribution network of over 200 dealers. Mr. Cohen is a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute.
Chet Beiler, CEO, Amish Country Gazebos
Chet Beiler started his company in 1989 after working for two years in a family service business. Over the years, he expanded his company into national distribution, with plants in Pennsylvania and California. Mr. Beiler has a B.A. from Pepperdine University.