Most American backyards are grassy areas with maybe a few trees or shrubs. Some people have gardens, and some people have pools. But the one thing that all American backyards have in common is that they’re a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There is also another thing that American backyards have in common and that they are huge!
The average size of an American backyard is around a quarter an acre. That’s the largest globally, and some states even have larger averages. So what do you do with all that space?
Many hosts a barbecue, a pool party, or just have a few friends over for drinks. You can also use your backyard as a place to relax and unwind after a long day. However, to accommodate all of these ideas, you’ll need somewhere to do it. Why not a gazebo? It’s easy to build even by yourself. Here are eight steps on how to do it:
Choose the right location
The first step is to choose the right location for your gazebo. You want it to be in a level spot and have good drainage. You also want to make sure that there aren’t any power lines or trees nearby that could potentially damage your gazebo.
Don’t feel bad if you don’t have a good lawn for a gazebo. You can consider getting an artificial lawn installed. These artificial lawns are realistic, durable, and don’t require much maintenance. They’re also great for high-traffic areas like backyards.
Measure the area
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you need to measure the area. This is important because you want to ensure that your gazebo will fit and have enough space for it.
You should also take into account the height of your gazebo. Most gazebos are about 10 feet tall, so you’ll need to ensure enough clearance for them.
Choose your materials
The next step is to choose your materials. For the frame of your gazebo, you can use either wood or metal. If you want to go sustainable, you can choose bamboo, cork, or even recycled plastic.
As for the roof, you have a few options. You can go with a traditional thatched roof, a metal roof, or a fabric canopy. The floor is up to you. You can use concrete, wood, stone, or even grass. And finally, for the walls, you can use either screens or solid panels.
Draw up a plan
Once you’ve chosen all of your materials, it’s time to draw up a plan. This is important because you want to make sure that everything fits together and that your gazebo is structurally sound.
If you’re not confident in your ability to do this, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you. Or you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Assemble the frame
The next step is to assemble the frame. If you’re using wood, you’ll need to cut the lumber to size and then put it together with nails or screws. If you’re using metal, you’ll need to weld the pieces together.
Once the frame is assembled, you can add the flooring. If you’re using concrete, you’ll need to pour it and then let it cure. If you’re using wood, you can nail the boards down.
Install the roof
After installing the frame, it’s time to build the roof. If you’re using a thatched roof, you’ll need to tie the reeds together and attach them to the frame. If you’re using a metal roof, you’ll need to weld it or screw it into place. And if you’re using a fabric canopy, you’ll need to stitch it onto the frame.
Add the walls
The next step is to add the walls. Not every gazebo needs a wall since your foundation or stilts can carry the roof. However, a gazebo without a wall is more prone to storms.
Screens are pretty much the best since you can just staple them or screw them into place. However, if you’re using solid panels, you’ll need to attach them to the frame with hinges so that they can swing open.
Finish the details
The final step is to finish the details. This includes adding any trim, painting, or staining the gazebo and adding any furniture or decor that you want.
An interesting proposition is to hire a local artist to paint a mosaic into your gazebo. That’ll certainly make it stand out. Other ways to make your unique gazebo include adding a fire pit, a water feature, or even some solar lights.
And that’s it! You now have a beautiful gazebo in your backyard that you can enjoy for years to come.
