Floridians tend to spend a lot of time outdoors and, although we don’t hit sub-zero temps, winter is winter, right? According to the groundhog’s prediction, the nation will experience an early spring this year. Our change in seasons isn’t as dramatic as it is in northern parts of the country. Still, it’s a good time to plan for outdoor projects, say installing a gazebo or pergola, because waiting until summer kicks in makes those jobs tougher to tackle.
If you’re planning to build your outdoor structure yourself, it’s a good idea to schedule that project sooner than later. The soaring temperatures and high humidity levels can make working outdoors miserable. If you’re not accustomed to working in them, you’re in danger of succumbing to the heat. If you intend to hire someone to handle the build, it’s a good idea to finalize your budget, choose your contractor, and get on their schedule because business ramps up in the summer months despite the heat.
Have you made the choice?
Gazebos and pergolas are both popular outdoor structures here in the Sunshine State. The names are sometimes used interchangeably even though there are distinct differences. If you haven’t decided which structure is best for you and your family, we’re listing the differences here.
We hope it helps you make your final decision.
Gazebo
Gazebos cause many to conjure up images of summer as soon as one comes into view. Of course, we can’t all relax seaside when we retire to the gazebo after a long day. However, the traditionally shaped structure seems to beckon to many as being a place where they can rejuvenate body and spirit when they come under its roof.
Traditionally, a five-sided structure, gazebos are a beautiful addition to landscaping in and of themselves. Homeowners often place them near vibrant flower gardens or the water’s edge if an option.
The distinct roof design is known as a “gazebo roof” within the trade and offers full protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The pitch of the roof is also distinct and is designed to allow rain to run off completely. Some gazebos are built with walls and one large, open window space on each of them. Others are far more open with a railing-style border around the structure. Doorways are large and open as well.
The gazebo floor is usually finished and slightly raised off the building surface. They often have benches built around the inside perimeter for seating. Gazebos protect you from the rain to a fair degree due to the solid roof, however, if the wind is blowing, you’re apt to retreat indoors to stay dry.
Often wooden structures, “soft-top” gazebos have become a popular choice for many homeowners. They are lightweight and portable, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing to the eye. They create a cozy atmosphere and often have curtain-type barriers that can be released for privacy.
Enhance privacy and more
Gazebos, while traditionally known to be open structures, can be enclosed for added privacy. Mesh screens allow for free airflow, too, meaning you aren’t going to miss a single breeze. Bugs, on the other hand, stay out of your airspace! The finely woven mesh blocks all manner of bugs and flying insects. Mosquitoes and noseeums included!
And regarding that seaside setup–it can happen! Some companies, like ours, for instance, offer to customize the screens using digital imagery. You can feel as if you’re relaxing in your favorite spot in the entire world every time the door closes behind you.
The dyes used to print the images contain added UV protection so your screen scenes remain vibrant for years and years.
Pergola
Usually designed to be rectangular, the roof structure is the most defining difference between a pergola and a gazebo. Pergola roofs are an open horizontal lattice of interlocking beams of some type. Wooden, aluminum, steel, and even PVC are all viable materials. The structure offers some degree of shade but zero protection from the rain.
Traditionally, pergolas were also defined by some type of greenery, usually vines, growing up and over the lattice roof. The plants increase the level of shade and also create a cooler, more serene atmosphere.
Pergolas are built to be free-standing structures without an added floor. Homeowners often build one on an existing deck or hard-surface patio. Driving poles directly into the lawn is another option, of course. A pergola doesn’t usually have built-in seating but it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. Some homeowners place outdoor furniture in the pergola but others choose to avoid that due to everything being exposed to the elements 24/7.
Setting up lawn chairs when the space is in use works well for many. And, because the roof is open-air, gathering around the firepit to settle in for the evening is a popular setup.
Winter is waning
We get antsy for spring just like the rest of the country does even if our winters aren’t as rough. The days are longer and that means more time to be outdoors! Deciding to create a special place for family and friends to gather is a choice you’ll never regret making.
Especially since more families are choosing to spend time at home due to the way the economy is looking at the moment. The stress and strain of making ends meet might knock out any big vacation plans this summer. But choosing, instead, to invest in a permanent place where your family can happily spend time together, isn’t being frivolous by any means.
It’s going to be there for years down the road. Moreover, the bond of unity it helps your family build by spending time there together will be evident forever.