There’s just something about a gazebo that beckons us to enter—do you feel that way too? It’s as if tranquility awaits just inside the doorway… I feel as if I could release a contented sigh just thinking about it. You too? Whether they call to you in the same way or not, gazebos create the perfect outdoor living space for many homeowners.
They are often placed near a garden or some other scenic area of the yard. Doing so creates an even greater sense of relaxation.
Most homeowners keep their gazebos to the traditional Amish style shape which is most often an octagon. However, hexagon-shaped gazebos aren’t all that uncommon these days. Others break out of the mold and move away from the traditional look entirely.
The interior design ranges greatly and that’s as it should be. An outdoor living space needs to be an area where we feel comfortable. A place where we look forward to spending time with family and friends. Some homeowners keep to tradition, and wooden benches line the gazebo’s interior—with the exception of the doorway, of course. The center area is left entirely open. It makes a perfect spot for young children to sit and play while their parents relax without fear of anyone wandering off should they get distracted. Others skip the benches entirely and bring in outdoor furniture—a sofa and chairs, for instance.
Add some pillows, maybe a blanket, and a small table or two and you’ll be good to go! It’s sounding pretty comfy, cozy already, but we have to mention that we know how to make your gazebo’s interior even more so. In fact, we’re making comfort number one on our list of three reasons you should consider enclosing the space.
Increase your comfort level
When you screen in your gazebo, you immediately add two levels of comfort. Enclosing the area provides a degree of sun protection—and, here in Florida, we’ll take all of that we can get!
You will also notice an immediate difference in the number of bugs that you have to contend with… as in, there are none! The mesh grid that composes the screen is fine enough to allow even the slightest whisper of a breeze to pass through it, but bugs—even those pesky little no-see-ums—can’t get in.
Go ahead. Picture sitting outdoors on those sultry summer nights without constantly slapping at bugs and mosquitoes…
It’s looking pretty great, yeah?
A sense of privacy
One of the reasons that homeowners enclose their outdoor living areas is the privacy factor. We may not always jump to the word “privacy” when thinking about comfort in this way—especially when we’re talking about our homes! I mean, seriously, privacy can be pretty hard to come by on a pretty regular basis! Am I right?
Still, even if we hang out with our neighbors every weekend, sometimes it’s nice to be able to put a little distance between us and… well… the world in general, these days. Enclosing your gazebo allows you to feel like you’re truly getting away from it all. It also makes it easier, say, to celebrate your child’s birthday on a small, family-scale without all the children living nearby watching longly from their yards.
You can even take things a step further and hire a company that customizes its screens using digital imagery. The dyes used are specifically created to stand up to ultraviolet (UV) rays and are guaranteed not to fade.
Imagine the possibilities! You can use an image from your favorite vacation—a distant mountain range or stunning desert scene, perhaps—or search through a digital catalog until you discover the flower garden of your dreams. Whatever you decide, the end result is sure to astound you.
Upgrades are good
If you’re building a new gazebo, the addition will increase your property value to some degree. However, just enclosing the space could be one of the perks that close the deal for a specific buyer someday. Keeping up with your due diligence as far as maintenance is concerned will keep your screens in excellent condition for years to come.
We should note, though, that it’s important to check with the city to see if there are any laws or ordinances that would prohibit you from adding a structure to your property. For instance, there may be regulations as to how far the structure needs to be from any property lines.
If you’re a member of a homeowners association, check with them too. Associations of this type are known to abide by stringent rules and breaking them could quickly lead to headaches… or worse yet… fines! If the addition isn’t allowed, don’t give up hope. Instead, plan to go before the board and present your case.
Who knows? You could sway them to your way of thinking.
Nothing new under the sun
Found in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia, 4th Century China, Japan, and then, Medieval Europe, gazebos have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular architectural designs in various countries around the world today.
Many people find them alluring, feeling as if they give off a sense of peace and tranquility. They’re aesthetically pleasing to the eye which also creates a sense of well-being. It’s for these reasons, among others, that some homeowners decide to add a gazebo to their property.
Enclosing your gazebo increases your family’s comfort level because you will instantly realize an increased sense of privacy. You won’t be bombarded with bugs and mosquitoes when spending time outdoors either. Lastly, screening in your gazebo affords you a degree of protection from the sun.
We think these are all great reasons to enclose your gazebo. How about you?
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