Outdoor Gazebos

Outdoor gazebos can be used as living quarters, holding wedding receptions and as a bar or to hold an exhibition. The outdoor gazebo is not limited to any country or nation but can be found all over the world. In the Middle East the Arab tribes would live in gazebos. Even nowadays some receptions that are held in the desert are held in gazebos.

Outdoor gazebos are rather like large tents and the basic structure of an outdoor gazebo resembles that of a tent. The roof is held up by a metal or wooden frame and the sides are opened during the day to let in fresh air and drawn at night to keep out any pests that may happen to come visiting.

Weddings that are conducted in an open space which could be a park, a garden a vineyard or just about anywhere that the ‘to be’ married couple set their hearts on are generally held in gazebos. The gazebo for such occasions will have conical shaped roofing and the side supporting posts are covered with cloth. Because an outdoor gazebo is fairly easy to assemble and can hold a large number of people that is why they are so popular for outdoor functions. The outdoor gazebo has to look pleasing and also be practical. The reason for the gazebo top being conical in shape is that rain water does not accumulate on the roof and cause the entire structure to collapse.

Canvas gazebos are available in kits and can be had in different sizes. They are not very expensive and are fairly easy to assemble. When not in use they can be taken down and stored away. The frames are usually made of aluminum which is fairly light weight. One can also design and build one’s own gazebo.

An outdoor gazebo can also be a bar. In parks and on beaches outdoor gazebo bars are quite popular. The open space feel of an outdoor gazebo bar makes people feel comfortable and non cluster phobic. Another advantage of the outdoor gazebo bar is that people passing by can be attracted to visit the bar.

An outdoor gazebo could also be a living place. In olden days when kings or princes used to go out for battle or on hunts they would live for days till the battle or the hunt had ended in gazebos. The outdoor gazebo can be fairly large and elaborate and have different areas for living and entertaining. It is virtually a large tent house.

Lighting for the outdoor gazebo can be as simple and rustic as hanging paraffin or kerosene lamps, placing candles or then electric lighting. Nowadays electric lighting is popular all one needs to find near the gazebo is a suitable electrical outlet. One has to be careful in the placement of the lights as they do generate heat and if placed too close to a fabric could cause a fire. Also the wires used for lighting should be properly concealed and firmly joined to avoid sparking or contact with a conductor. The wiring should run through the frame of the roof and not across the floor.

Outdoor gazebos are temporary structures and should be taken down in stormy weather. During the day the outdoor gazebo allows one to admire the surroundings and at night the sides are drawn to provide privacy. Plans and kits for outdoor gazebos are easily available on the net and are accompanied with detailed instructions regarding the assembly, usage and storage of the gazebo. With proper care an outdoor gazebo can last one’s lifetime. Wooden frame gazebo kits are freely available however they are heavier in weight as compared to the aluminum gazebos.