WOOD GAZEBOS

Wood gazebos represent the oldest segment in the market. Kits can be found in big box stores, local lumber yards and specialty stores. Care must be taken in selecting a gazebo kit. Mass marketers and big box stores often offer low cost gazebos kits that amount to little more than a pile of lumber, a box of screws and some poorly written instructions.

Quality kits provide pre-cut and pre-drilled materials, plus detailed assembly instructions. These pre-engineered systems provide an end product that will last for generations.

Material choices: The type of lumber available will vary somewhat by geographic regions. Most common (and most affordable) are; treated lumber or cedar.

Treated lumber: chemically treated to protect against rot and insects.
pros – less expensive, smooth appearance, minimal ‘slivers’
cons – tendency to warp unless kiln dried treated lumber

Cedar lumber: natural cedar wood, naturally resistant to rot and insects.
pros – all natural, ages gray if left unstained or painted
cons – softer lumber, cracks with age, risk of slivers

Appearance: All wood will change color as it ages. Cedar will gray more than treated lumber. To get an idea what an unfinished cedar gazebo will look like in a few years notice older cedar fences. There’s nothing wrong with this “look”. Some people love the aged natural look. If that’s not what you want, then plan of staining your wood gazebo ever few years.

Structural stability: The design and assembly of your gazebo will determine the stability of the structure. A pre-engineered gazebo will always provide the strongest system.

Vinyl Gazebos