The Enduring, Alluring Gazebo

The Enduring, Alluring Gazebo
By Kathy Moran, Tue Jan 10th

From their origins as rooftop structures, used mainly forobservation, to their present status, gazebos have taken manyforms. Throughout their colorful history, they have been knownas summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas,arbors, grottos, and pagodas.

The word 'gazebo' first appeared in the 1752 book, New Designsfor Chinese Temples,' by architect William Halfpenny. Though noone is certain, etymologists speculate that Halfpenny inventedthe word by playfully adding the Latin ending -ebo, as in videbo('I shall see') to the word 'gaze' to get the meaning 'I willlook.'

Prized by members of Egyptian royalty, gazebos were essentialparts of their gardens, and have been found, depicted in murals,in tombs dating to 1400 b.c. They were also popular with thearistocracy of ancient Rome and Pompeii, and were built assummerhouses along the Mediterranean.

Today, gazebos have grown so popular in this country, that theyare almost as common as garages. Although some are still used asquiet places to enjoy the beauty of a garden, others have beenelevated to loftier positions, as summerhouses, or lavishentertainment centers, with doors, windows, screens, decks,electricity, and plumbing. Many have special lighting, hot tubs,fire pits, and brick barbecues. Arbors, ornamental fountains,bird feeders, birdbaths, wishing wells, koi ponds, and bridges,are also popular landscaping accessories for gazebos.

From wood to synthetics, there are several types of materialfrom which gazebos may be constructed. Radiant, durable WesternRed Cedar, for example, has natural oils that protect it fromdecay, while its dimensional stability helps to keep it fromwarping. Cedar may be sealed and stained to maintain its reddishhue, or allowed to weather to a rich gray.

Pressure-treated pine also makes a sturdy, long-lasting gazebobecause it is highly resistant to decay and insect damage. Akiln-drying process, before and after pressure treatment,minimizes warping, checking, and twisting. As with all woodgazebos, a stain/sealer should be applied to the entirestructure, including the floor and the roof, once a year, toprotect it from the elements.

Vinyl gazebos are made with treated pine that has been coveredwith an attractive vinyl coating, which results in anexceptionally durable, maintenance-free

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finish.

When choosing a material, don't forget to factor in yourregion's weather. If your area is subject to heavy rain or snow,high winds, or severe storms, you may want to consider one ofthe new Category 4 Hurricane Gazebos from GazeboCreations.com.With heavy-duty metal, high wind load brackets and hangers, andreinforced posts, braces, floor joists, rafters, and othercomponents, these gazebos can withstand 150 mph sustained winds.

GazeboCreations.com boasts a wide selection of pre-designedgazebos in all of the popular shapes, sizes and materials, oryou can follow a few simple steps to design your own customgazebo. All gazebos are delivered in easy-to-build, partiallyassembled kits. For more information, visit Gazebo Creations, call888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.comGazebo Creations is a division of Cedar Store, specialists in Outdoor Furniture.

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