| From their origins as rooftop structures, | | | | constructed. Radiant, durable Western Red |
| used mainly for observation, to their present | | | | Cedar, for example, has natural oils that |
| status, gazebos have taken many forms. | | | | protect it from decay, while its dimensional |
| Throughout their colorful history, they have | | | | stability helps to keep it from warping. |
| been known as summerhouses, screen houses, | | | | Cedar may be sealed and stained to maintain |
| kiosks, pavilions, pergolas, arbors, grottos, | | | | its reddish hue, or allowed to weather to a |
| and pagodas. | | | | rich gray. |
| | | | |
| The word 'gazebo' first appeared in the 1752 | | | | Pressure-treated pine also makes a sturdy, |
| book, New Designs for Chinese Temples,' by | | | | long-lasting gazebo because it is highly |
| architect William Halfpenny. Though no one | | | | resistant to decay and insect damage. A |
| is certain, etymologists speculate that | | | | kiln-drying process, before and after |
| Halfpenny invented the word by playfully | | | | pressure treatment, minimizes warping, |
| adding the Latin ending -ebo, as in videbo | | | | checking, and twisting. As with all wood |
| ('I shall see') to the word 'gaze' to get the | | | | gazebos, a stain/sealer should be applied to |
| meaning 'I will look.' | | | | the entire structure, including the floor and |
| | | | the roof, once a year, to protect it from the |
| Prized by members of Egyptian royalty, | | | | elements. |
| gazebos were essential parts of their | | | | |
| gardens, and have been found, depicted in | | | | Vinyl gazebos are made with treated pine that |
| murals, in tombs dating to 1400 b.c. They | | | | has been covered with an attractive vinyl |
| were also popular with the aristocracy of | | | | coating, which results in an exceptionally |
| ancient Rome and Pompeii, and were built as | | | | durable, maintenance-free finish. |
| summerhouses along the Mediterranean. | | | | |
| | | | When choosing a material, don't forget to |
| Today, gazebos have grown so popular in this | | | | factor in your region's weather. If your |
| country, that they are almost as common as | | | | area is subject to heavy rain or snow, high |
| garages. Although some are still used as | | | | winds, or severe storms, you may want to |
| quiet places to enjoy the beauty of a garden, | | | | consider one of the new Category 4 Hurricane |
| others have been elevated to loftier | | | | Gazebos from With heavy-duty metal, high |
| positions, as summerhouses, or lavish | | | | wind load brackets and hangers, and |
| entertainment centers, with doors, windows, | | | | reinforced posts, braces, floor joists, |
| screens, decks, electricity, and plumbing. | | | | rafters, and other components, these gazebos |
| Many have special lighting, hot tubs, fire | | | | can withstand 150 mph sustained winds. |
| pits, and brick barbecues. Arbors, | | | | |
| ornamental fountains, bird feeders, | | | | boasts a wide selection of pre-designed |
| birdbaths, wishing wells, koi ponds, and | | | | gazebos in all of the popular shapes, sizes |
| bridges, are also popular landscaping | | | | and materials, or you can follow a few simple |
| accessories for gazebos. | | | | steps to design your own custom gazebo. All |
| | | | gazebos are delivered in easy-to-build, |
| From wood to synthetics, there are several | | | | partially assembled kits. |
| types of material from which gazebos may be | | | | |