CrossTeam Properties Offers Advice on Home and Garden Improvements

Dreaming of a luxurious outdoor space you can use year round that is comfortable and cosy enough to have dinner in, or chat and enjoy a glass of wine in with friends?

A wooden gazebo can add another living space to your home and enhance the beauty of your garden and aesthetic appeal of your property, without the hassle of building renovations.

Gazebos constructed from wood are sturdy, comfortable and versatile; warm on chilly days and cool and airy on summer days. You could enjoy your garden in all seasons.

The accessories and options available are endless. A built in luxury hot tub with elegant wood surrounding it, a dinner table for six or more guests, and gas heating for the chilly evenings can all be added.  A stylish ceiling fan to add a plantation touch to those long summer days, when you can relax on a wicker couch with a long cool drink amid some potted palms could be an elegant touch. A lockable, state of the art barbeque to cook on will provide functionality.

A patio that you perhaps don’t use much can be transformed by adding the luxury touch of a gazebo and relaxing hot tub, providing enjoyment for the whole family.  This would be the perfect place to hold birthday parties and perhaps even a wedding ceremony.

 A canopy and drapes, and some soft furnishings, can add a more personal feel to your gazebo entertainment space.

Garden gazebos come in many styles from elegant to ultra modern, from rustic to sophisticated.   Most are made from weather resistant wood and built to last and add beauty to your home for years to come.

Once your garden gazebo is in place it is important to not just treat it as a space to sit in, but to think about accessories. Adding a few accessories can make your gazebo a really comfortable place in which to relax. 

Many people choose to add some lighting so that the gazebo can be enjoyed during the evening, when the light is beginning to fade. For subtle lighting that looks very stylish, there are many different types of fairy lights that can be wound round the structure’s posts. Other lighting options include solar powered lights that can be added around the sides of the gazebo.

For gazebos that have a built in seating area, adding touches such as cushions and throws will give the gazebo a comfortable feel and make it an ideal space for relaxing. There is also a wide range of gazebo furniture available for gazebos that do not have a built in seating area.

If you wish to use the outdoor space during an evening or during cooler seasons, heaters that are suitable for gazebos can be purchased.  Chimineas can be placed just outside the gazebo and will provide a good source of heat. There are also gas powered heaters on the market which will be equally good. 

Gazebo owners can add a few finishing touches to the look of the gazebo by adding plant pots around the outside to give it an established look and help it to blend into its surroundings.

When considering the style of garden gazebo you want for your garden, it may be worth opting for a very natural look in order for it to blend in well.  Many people are considering thatched gazebos, which are based on the style of huts from Africa and allow the structure to blend in with plants and trees in the garden.

In opting for a thatched gazebo, you will not be compromising on style or size, as they are available in the same range of sizes and styles as standard gazebos. The thatched versions are permanent structures with a wood gazebo frame, in keeping with the natural style.

Many of these gazebos have built in seating. An average sized structure can seat between 8 and 10 people around the wooden table (which is also included), making it ideal for entertaining during the summer months.  The thatched style will help to keep the heat off, providing a cooler shelter during the hottest days of the year.

Thatched garden gazebos can be raised, with a small set of steps running up to the seating area, or they can be constructed so they are flush with ground level, depending upon your needs.  This style of gazebo will last for many years and can be constructed yourself if you prefer, as the gazebo frame can be purchased in a kit form, with the pieces already cut to size. Comprehensive instructions are included, and the gazebo can be constructed in a fairly short period of time.

It sits quietly and regally in the backyard. An invitation wafts out from the open walls and you are drawn outdoors. You bring your book and a glass of lemonade, sinking down in the cushions, cooled by the shade of your sheltering structure. You breathe deep and immerse yourself in the comfort and beauty of your garden gazebo.

The true root word for gazebo is shrouded by the mists of time. Some say it comes from the French expression “Que c’est beau” meaning “how beautiful”. The phrase eventually morphed into the single word gazebo. Another educated guess is the writer William Halfpenny, an architectural writer in the 1700s, added the Latin ending -ebo to the word gaze. Although the word origin is questionable, the history is not. Gazebos have appeared in the earliest gardens known to men.

The earliest gazebos were constructed by all major civilizations. Ancient Egyptians used them in gardens, their heaven on earth. The structures were painted on murals in the burial chamber so the owner could take it to the afterlife. Gazebos have been discovered in early Roman ruins and frozen in time by the volcanic ashes of Pompeii. Persian and Chinese gazebos were far more flamboyant with colourful cushions and tapestries while the Japanese converted their use to teahouses. Gazebos are often called summerhouses, arbours, screen houses, pavilions, grottos and pagodas.

Gazebos have evolved over time into structures of beauty, places of quiet contemplation, a gathering spot and a private oasis, fitting in as beautifully with modern architecture and landscaping, as they did in ancient times. 

You are undecided and can’t choose your gazebo type, perhaps you want to have a patio gazebo or a garden gazebo. A hot tub gazebo would be nice but garden gazebos really add to a garden, perhaps a canopy gazebo could be built as well? A wood gazebo looks great but do I really want the regular maintenance tasks that a wooden gazebo brings? So many choices and decisions to make, but cost is a factor, you want the most for your money without compromising your vision.

A typical gazebo can cost between £60 – £400 depending on the materials, the size, the brand name and the design.

Simple canvas gazebos are at the lower end of the cost range and are generally £50 – £100. You can find these types of gazebos at home improvement stores and discount houses.

The mid-range outdoor gazebo can cost £1,000 to £5,000 and again are sold of the same type of home improvement stores, as well as large department stores. Typically, the mid-range gazebos are wooden or wood-like composite structures.

However, the costs change if you enlist the services of a contractor or build it yourself. Contractors and builders will often charge between £2,000 and £3,000 for planning and constructing your gazebo.

Homemade gazebos depend on the size and design of the structure. Building materials will cost around £1,000 to £5,000, Hardware and accessories will be needed and can be purchased at local hardware stores. Plans for garden gazebos can be obtained for £10 to £30, for a detailed blueprint from online sites or carpentry design vendors.

Remember to calculate shipping costs, labour costs if you decide to hire a carpenter to set it up and there maybe additional costs for flooring or screens.

Discounts on kits and materials can often be found in the fall and winter months as stores offload extra spring and summer inventories.

If you do not have a very large garden a patio gazebo can be a great way to enjoy some shade and shelter during the spring and summer months. Many properties do not have the luxury of a wide open space at the back of a house, so the owners have a patio to relax on instead.

The good news is that garden gazebos can be bought at fairly reasonable prices, depending on size, style and quality, and can even be custom made to cover a small area.

If you are interested in buying a patio gazebo then there are a few things you need to bear in mind before making your decision. For example, how often do you plan on using it?  This will obviously affect the decision that you make regarding the quality required; how much you will spend. Would you like the option to take it down in bad weather or would you prefer a more permanent fixture?  Portable gazebos come in all different shapes and sizes but it may be difficult to find one to fit exactly over your patio – always measure the area you want to cover using a gazebo to help you in your choice. You may have to have a gazebo custom built if no retail versions match the shape and size of your outdoor area.

Patio gazebos are great for keeping a beautifully cemented or paved area dry during a downpour protecting both you and your guests.

While the loveliness of a gazebo is undeniable, the true beauty lies in its simple design. For the person who loves working with their hands or the man faced with a “Honey Do this” list, here are some tips and materials needed to build a gazebo. Determine the type of gazebo you require: a hot tub gazebo, garden gazebos, a canopy gazebo or patio gazebos. Perhaps you require a wood gazebo, whatever type selected, different materials and DIY knowledge will be necessary.

First, you need the required tools. The tools, instructions and materials can often be purchased in a complete kit in a wide array of styles. A complete kit will contain anchors, building blocks, cables, fibreglass, framing squares, screws and staples.

Next, you need to assess the area. Start with the layout, focusing on the centre point. Fix that centre point with an anchor and then dig holes for your posts. Anchor the posts in the holes.

The next step is the framing for the gazebo. The posts are connected to the hangers, which are responsible for the base of the plan. All structures should be connected to one another on a single plane. Once that is completed, the floor decking can be laid. Make sure the columns are connected properly to the foundation and decking points.

Now comes one of the more important aspects of building a gazebo. The roof is one of the most vital elements in your gazebo, Proper placement is essential. The kits will contain cross braces to form the base of the roof frame.

Another design element that is extremely important is the ready-to-use-railings. Be very careful with your measurements because the railings and the roof frame must be an exact match. Once all the dimensions are measured, you can cut the roof for the gazebo.

The finishing steps are best followed through the instructions with your kit, and you will end up with a basic gazebo structure. The last step is all about colours and designs that will enhance your new outdoor gazebo.  Let the creative juices flow and before you know it, your finished outdoor gazebo will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Gazebos are traditionally thought of as small wooden buildings of Victorian origin sitting in someone’s back garden or the neighbouring park. Gazebos have advanced with the rest of the modern world. They come in all types of materials and designs, adapted to the uses of the 21st century.

When planning a gazebo, it is smart to decide on the best location and the reason you want the structure for your home. Gazebos are used as covers for hot tubs, children’s playing areas, shelters for quiet meditation and reading, a smoker’s haven away from others or a place for family gatherings and barbeques.

You want the location of your gazebo to reflect the purpose. If it is for children, you want a clear view of the gazebo from the house. A gazebo meant for tranquil activities is better placed in a secluded area away from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.

There are now temporary gazebos, which can be set up and dismantled with ease. Resembling an open-sided tent, they can be stored when not in use. The older foldable gazebos were made from canvas but the new, lighter versions are made of a synthetic fabric. They are more water resistant and the price is comfortable for those on a budget.

Garden gazebos may be as elaborate or simple as you like. There are no artistic boundaries with the structure. It is designed to be adaptable, comfortable and charming. Whether it is a plain two-seated structure for quiet reflection or one big enough to accommodate a small wedding party, the gazebo is an addition that you will enjoy for years to come.

Garden gazebos can be a great way to enhance your garden, providing it not only with a focal point but also shade from too much sun – if you’re lucky – and a retreat from a more likely shower. The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing one that’s right for you, as they come in all shapes and sizes, with price tags to reflect the materials and design.

At one extreme you can pick up a canopy gazebo of the type used in church fetes that can be erected and dismantled again in minutes. At the other end of the scale, you may opt for a hand-built, permanent garden gazebo with a thatch or cedar shingle roof, made by skilled craftsmen using environmentally friendly timber products and with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

It’s really up to you what you choose, but most people opt for something in between. In these uncertain economic times, a full garden extension is often postponed in favour of a patio gazebo, which sits on the patio and can be chosen to blend in with existing structures.

Canopy gazebos are very popular with those who don’t want a permanent gazebo as they can be taken down in minutes and are great for parties. Hot tub gazebos, as well as providing chic, romantic champagne-sipping venues, are guaranteed to keep the kids out of trouble during long school holidays in the summer.  

Or just go for a small, wrought-iron arbour with a couple of seats built in, the perfect refuge from a modern, hectic lifestyle.

Building a boundary fence can be one of the most straightforward types of DIY project. Popular types of fences include garden perimeters, driveway fences, neighbouring property divisions or internal garden divisions.

Common types of fences are those made of wooden panels or other sturdy material such as woven willow, bamboo or even plastic. The key to success is to ensure that you have enough material to construct the entire fence or fences that you have planned, which includes both the main material as well as fixings such as nails and screws. 

You must of course make sure that the fence supports are sturdily fixed in the ground; you may consider using a concrete mix around the base of posts or can use the modern metal fittings that are driven into the ground to support the uprights. Bear in mind that the latter method although easier to install will not stand up so well to a high wind. 

Always make good use of your spirit level and line to ensure that everything is straight and upright.  Nothing looks worse than a crooked garden fence.  It is also necessary to thoroughly clear the area in which you plan to put the fence before you start, and clear away any obstructions. You may have to cut back shrubs or trees before you can start with the fencing work.

Especially, though not exclusively, in the case of a fence to mark the end of your property in relation to your neighbour, it is important to check local rules and regulations. You may need planning permission before commencement if the fence is above a certain height – usually six feet.