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The Enduring, Alluring Gazebo
From their origins as rooftop structures, used mainly for
observation, to their present status, gazebos have taken many
forms. Throughout their colorful history, they have been known
as summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas,
arbors, grottos, and pagodas.
The word 'gazebo' first appeared in the 1752 book, New Designs
for Chinese Temples,' by architect William Halfpenny. Though no
one is certain, etymologists speculate that Halfpenny invented
the word by playfully adding the Latin ending -ebo, as in videbo
('I shall see') to the word 'gaze' to get the meaning 'I will
look.'
Prized by members of Egyptian royalty, gazebos were essential
parts of their gardens, and have been found, depicted in murals,
in tombs dating to 1400 b.c. They were also popular with the
aristocracy of ancient Rome and Pompeii, and were built as
summerhouses along the Mediterranean.
Today, gazebos have grown so popular in this country, that they
are almost as common as garages. Although some are still used as
quiet places to enjoy the beauty of a garden, others have been
elevated to loftier positions, as summerhouses, or lavish
entertainment 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 material
from which gazebos may be constructed. Radiant, durable Western
Red Cedar, for example, has natural oils that protect it from
decay, while its dimensional stability helps to keep it from
warping.
Cedar may be sealed and stained to maintain its reddish
hue, or allowed to weather to a rich gray.
Pressure-treated pine also makes a sturdy, long-lasting gazebo
because it is highly resistant to decay and insect damage. A
kiln-drying process, before and after pressure treatment,
minimizes warping, checking, and twisting. As with all wood
gazebos, a stain/sealer should be applied to the entire
structure, including the floor and the roof, once a year, to
protect it from the elements.
Vinyl gazebos are made with treated pine that has been covered
with an attractive vinyl coating, which results in an
exceptionally durable, maintenance-free finish.
When choosing a material, don't forget to factor in your
region's weather. If your area is subject to heavy rain or snow,
high winds, or severe storms, you may want to consider one of
the new Category 4 Hurricane Gazebos from GazeboCreations.com.
With heavy-duty metal, high wind load brackets and hangers, and
reinforced posts, braces, floor joists, rafters, and other
components, these gazebos can withstand 150 mph sustained winds.
GazeboCreations.com boasts a wide selection of pre-designed
gazebos in all of the popular shapes, sizes and materials, or
you can follow a few simple steps to design your own custom
gazebo. All gazebos are delivered in easy-to-build, partially
assembled kits. For more information, visit Gazebo Creations, call
888-293-2339, or e-mail cs@gazebocreations.com
Gazebo Creations is a division of Cedar Store, specialists in Outdoor Furniture.
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