The Router Maniac

If you are a person who loves outdoor life, then you appreciate the ethereal beauty that a garden gives a compound. A garden has always been the main aspect of landscaping and landscapers have over the years come up with creative additions to make the garden even more elegant. One of the oldest features of the garden is the Gazebo, which is as old as the garden itself. This is a structure with a roof, open walls and a deck. This structure is built on a spot that gives the most magnificent view of the horizon and mostly blends with the landscape.

The origin of the gazebo is a mystery. However, historians and architects point to Egyptian civilization as the probable origin due to references in literature and also paintings in pharaohs’ tombs depicting the structure. The structures date back to 1400 BC according to the murals that have been discovered in Egypt. The term itself is even more mystifying with some claiming it is a play on the word “gaze” and a Latin addition “ebo” translating to “I shall see”. Etymologists quote a 1752 book on Chinese design by William Halfpenny as the first time the word was used. Early gazebos were also common in China and were conspicuous in the homes of the affluent families fro mediation purposes. The spread to Europe more so France during the renaissance in the 14th century was inevitable as architects played on existing designs. Later the designs spread to England and were dominant on Elizabethan gardens. In America, the fad reached its peak during the 18th century and even George Washington had an eight sided one during the time.

For a structure with such an elaborate history, dominance in outdoor design is obvious. Today’s designs come in many shapes and designs from octagonal sided to square ones. In addition, the materials vary from cedar, pine, wrought iron to the eco-friendly vinyl. The uses have also changed from just mediation to entertaining guests and holding functions such as weddings. If you are in need of a good gazebo, there is the option of ordering one from different companies and assembling it from your backyard. This will save you a lot of construction time and you can also select from myriad designs offered.

If you are handy, you can also construct your own from scratch as this will give you the freedom to design exactly what you have in mind. Here is a simple guide on how you can do this;
1) After marking the area where the gazebo is to stand, dig the 30 inch holes for the posts and place the pressure treated posts in the holes firmly using concrete mix.

2) Link the posts using cedar or pine planks with screws and keenly check the leveling.
If you want a deck, you can prepare it at this point.

3) If you have bought the walling kit, assemble it by fitting the tongue and groove boards using screws. If you don’t have the kit, prepare your own boards fro the walls considering a gazebo should have free flowing air.

4) Prepare the roofing by fitting the supporting planks. You can also use boards on the roof before placing the shingles or any other roofing you need.

Building your own summerhouse can be very tedious. Remember this is not just about functionality but also aesthetics. You might have a good garden but your pergola might ruin everything.

Read more articles about building outdoor structures and gazebos.

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