We all enjoy a beautiful garden, with its bright flowers, green lawns, and fresh open spaces. But sometimes there may be something missing.
Maybe there is a big patch of free space without any real purpose. Or you would like to have a peaceful spot to relax under the shade.
You could also just want somewhere to wine and dine amongst nature’s splendors.
Building a gazebo will let you tick all these boxes and more. It can be a haven that will add comfort and beauty to your garden.
It is the perfect place to host your guests in an airy environment. You can also make it a personal sanctuary for you to unwind after a busy day.
Whatever the reason, a gazebo is usually a good idea. As with all construction, you will need to look at different plans before you can build.
Not everyone can get their head around blueprints and architectural plans, so we’ve made it easy for you.
Read on and let’s get you through the first step before building the DIY gazebo of your dreams.
Why Build a Gazebo?
Gazebos are great multi-purpose spaces that can be customized depending on your needs. You can choose to use octagonal gazebo plans in the garden or extend your deck with gazebo.
To build a gazebo is to increases the value of your property. This is because you are essentially adding an extra room to your home.
Here are some of the reasons why you should build a gazebo.
- Provide garden and poolside shade
If your garden is exceptionally sunny, a free-standing gazebo is a perfect addition.
Look for roofed gazebo plans that will protect you from direct sunshine and rain. Build a gazebo as a way to create a sheltered backyard and make a shady spot to relax in. - Make an outdoor spa
After investing in an expensive outdoor hot tub, the last thing you want is for it to get damaged by harsh weather.
Building a gazebo around your spa will keep it (and you) protected. Get an insulated gazebo that will also keep you warm during chilly winter months. - Create an outdoor entertainment venue
To entertain guests, a backyard with gazebo offers an abundance of accessorizing ideas. Use outdoor furniture to create a lounge area for afternoon tea or high chairs for an evening cocktail.
For those without patios or terraces, an octagonal gazebo will free up space indoors. This gives you the perfect chance to take the party outside. - Build an outdoor kitchen or ‘grillzebo’
Barbeque lovers will love the ‘grillzebo’ design which as the name implies, houses a standard grill.
As you make plans to build the gazebo, you can even include a bar, complete with glass racks and built-in coolers.
You can take it up a notch and create a fully-stocked outdoor kitchen with all the kitchen appliances.
A gazebo with deck allows for cooking and fine alfresco dining on warm summer evenings. - Make an ornamental garden addition
An eye-catching gazebo can work to beautify your garden and work as a focal point.
Gazebo designs allow you to get creative with woodwork, lattices, shapes, and colors. Plants and lights also create charm when strategically placed in a DIY gazebo.
Types of Gazebo Plans
So you have decided to spruce up your garden and build a gazebo, but have no idea where to begin.
With the variety of gazebos available, choosing from the many plans and ideas may be tricky.
When thinking of ideas for your DIY gazebo plans, also look at the purpose and location of the gazebo.
If you need a place to relax, make sure to build the gazebo away from noisy areas. If you are making a spa gazebo, you may want to place it close to the house for convenience.
Space is also another factor that will influence the type of DIY gazebo plans you choose.
Take a look at the 5 most popular gazebo plans and ideas to guide you when building a gazebo in the backyard.
Rotunda
A rotunda is a gazebo plan that focuses on the domed roof and the use of multiple pillar supports.
The classical round design and pillars give a cultured feel. It also provides shade and ample space for a well-appointed garden.
Like an octagonal gazebo, this gazebo design is perfect for a secluded corner of your garden. You can take some time out for meditation or indulge in artistic endeavors.
Rotundas exude an air of regality and the Zephyrine Drouhin climbing rose is probably the most ideal plant to pair with this gazebo.
It has flexible, thornless stems, grows profusely, and can get up to 3 meters high.
Pagoda
Pagodas originated in Japan where they were used for religious purposes. Octagonal gazebo plans can be made to look like functional or ornamental pagodas.
The oriental style is characterized by the multi-layered roof and intricate woodwork designs.
Traditionally, pagodas were painted in bright, vibrant colors. Nowadays, more muted tones work better for a rustic feel.
Including this type of gazebo in your gazebo plans gives your backyard an exotic touch.
Pergola
Pergolas are one way to add definition and character to your backyard. These gazebo plans feature open roof beams supported by upright posts.
Whether freestanding or as an extension to a building, they are fairly easy to build.
If you pride yourself as a handyman or woman, watch this and build your pergola today.
For a simpler option, take a look at these easy DIY pergola plans.
This gazebo does not offer much protection from the elements but there are some great ideas for decorating pergolas.
Make yours spectacular with lattices, drapes, and lights. Canopies and sunshades will also offer wind and sun protection.
The wooden beams in pergola gazebo plans are perfect for climbing plants and hanging planters.
Add a splash of color to your plans by planting honeysuckle in the ground next to the pergola. By guiding it upwards, a single plant can fully cover a big pergola.
Lavender makes for a great potted addition. Choose this fragrant shrub if you want to avoid excessive plant material close to your house.
It also acts as a mosquito repellant allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in the evening.
If your plans are to build a freestanding pergola, clematis will provide year-round color. You can combine different varieties so they bloom during every season.
For avid entertainers who enjoy alfresco dinner parties, growing moonflowers around your gazebo is one of the best ideas.
These aromatic flowers bloom between sunset to sunrise during summer months. Include these plants in your gazebo plans as they grow wild almost anywhere.
Pavilion
The plans for this freestanding gazebo usually show a bigger structure than the other gazebo plans. With a simple, functional roof, they can be octagonal, square, or rectangular.
Pavilions are traditionally made from wood with stone flooring for easy maintenance. They make excellent entertainment areas when hosting large outdoor gatherings and can accommodate an outdoor kitchen.
For the DIY’ers, finding pavilion gazebo plans is fairly easy, such as this one for a 12×12 timber frame.
On average, it will cost between $3,500 – $8,000 to build a 12×12 gazebo.
When using a contractor, add an extra $1,500 to the cost.
If you have no building experience, use a contractor to avoid making costly mistakes.
Pavilions are flexible structures and plans can be designed for almost any type of home. For a contemporary, modern feel, opt for a square-shaped pavilion, with straight-edged support beams and a flat roof.
For a more ornate design, you can find plans for an octagonal pavilion with a domed or triangular roof.
Your choice of plants should also complement your gazebo plans. For modern designs, jasmine is a fitting decorative plant. Its small, white blooms will match any color scheme.
This fragrant flower blooms year-round in warm areas and can grow up to 15 feet tall in partial sunlight.
Folly gazebo
To create a decorative corner of your garden, folly gazebos are ideal. These intricate structures are meant purely for ornamental purposes.
Folly gazebo plans feature extravagant designs and are perfect for growing leafy vines. This type of gazebo will give your garden character when paired with climbing plants.
Plant grapevines and use the metal poles of the folly as stakes for the vine to attach to.
Even better, you can enjoy your homegrown grapes either as a fresh snack or as raisins. Wine lovers can also grow their own grapes for wine with this simple guide.
Begin Enjoying Your Garden With an Impressive Gazebo
There is no reason why your outdoor living space should be bland.
Take a look at Gardening Channel’s expert advice on how to create enjoyable nooks in your own garden.Find tips on how to grow and maintain climbing plants as well as hanging plants to make your gazebo magical.
Photo from wallpaperflare
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