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