backyard, gazebos, outdoor living

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Extend Your Home’s Living Space with a Gazebo

Transform Your Outdoor Living Space with a Cedar Gazebo

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Looking to enhance your outdoor space and add usable square footage to your home? A cedar gazebo is a beautiful and functional way to upgrade your backyard. Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing solo, or creating a year-round retreat, gazebos offer endless possibilities.

What Is a Gazebo?

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A gazebo is a freestanding outdoor structure with a roof and open sides, typically built in a garden or backyard. Common gazebo shapes include octagonal, hexagonal, rectangular, and square. Some gazebos have half-walls or screens between the support posts, while others are fully enclosed and built for all-season use.

Western Red Cedar gazebos are particularly popular due to their natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay, making them ideal for outdoor use in various climates.

4 Creative Ways to Use Your Backyard Gazebo

1. Outdoor Relaxation Retreat

Create a cozy outdoor nook by adding lounge chairs, cushions, and a small table. Use your cedar gazebo as a private escape to enjoy a good book, sip iced tea, or just unwind in nature.

2. Backyard Entertaining Hub

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Host BBQs, birthday parties, or summer dinners under the shade of your gazebo. Add string lights or lanterns for ambiance. Gazebos near pools make perfect shaded lounging spots to keep an eye on kids while chatting with guests.

3. Fitness & Wellness Zone

Practice yoga, stretch, or meditate in your gazebo. Surrounded by greenery and away from indoor distractions, it becomes an ideal space for mental and physical well-being.

4. Hot Tub Enclosure

Install a gazebo around your hot tub to provide year-round privacy and protection from the elements. A cedar structure enhances the spa experience while blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Why Choose a Cedar Gazebo?

When shopping for a gazebo, material matters. Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular choices thanks to its:

  • Durability: Naturally resists rot and decay

  • Pest resistance: Cedar’s aroma deters insects

  • Aesthetic appeal: Warm tones and beautiful grain patterns

  • Workability: Lightweight and easy to assemble

Cedar also gives your backyard a timeless, upscale look that integrates beautifully into natural surroundings.

How to Get a Cedar Gazebo for Your Yard

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You have a few options for adding a gazebo to your property:

1. DIY Build from Scratch

Purchase raw lumber and design your own gazebo. This option requires carpentry experience, planning, and access to tools.

2. Hire a Professional

Work with a contractor to custom-build your gazebo. This offers more flexibility in design but comes with a higher cost.

3. Purchase a Gazebo Kit

The easiest and most popular option for homeowners is buying a pre-cut or panelized gazebo kit. Outdoor Living Today offers high-quality Western Red Cedar gazebo kits that come with all the required hardware, instructions, and pre-cut pieces.

Gazebo kits allow for faster assembly and fewer design headaches, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your space and lifestyle.

Expand Your Outdoor Living Today

Adding a gazebo to your backyard isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about lifestyle. It provides a beautiful, functional space to enjoy nature, host guests, or simply relax. Whether you’re investing in a hot tub enclosure or creating your personal garden retreat, a cedar gazebo kit makes the process simple, stylish, and satisfying.

Explore Western Red Cedar gazebo kits at OutdoorLivingToday.com and transform your yard into the outdoor oasis you deserve.

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backyard, DIY, gazebos, How to, outdoor living, pergolas, Western Red Cedar

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12 Affordable Ways to Personalize a Pergola or Gazebo

12 Affordable Ways to Personalize Your Pergola or Gazebo

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When it comes to building a pergola or gazebo, there’s a wide range of options to suit any style and budget — from classic Western Red Cedar pergolas to sleek vinyl and metal structures. Whether you’re looking for added comfort, shade, or visual appeal, there are countless cost-effective ways to personalize your pergola or gazebo and make it a centerpiece of your outdoor space.

1. Add Some Furniture

Turn your pergola-covered space into a cozy seating area with a patio table, chairs, or even a hammock. Painting the furniture to match the tone of your pergola adds a thoughtful touch, while placing a hot tub underneath can transform it into the ultimate relaxation zone.

2. Add Extra Rafters or Joists

Most pergola kits come with essential rafters or joists, offering partial shade. But if you want more coverage or support for hanging baskets or climbing plants, consider adding extra joist beams. This customization adds functionality and visual interest.

3. Erect Trellis or Lattice

Trellis or lattice panels can be installed on one or more sides to create a “garden room” feel. Ideal for climbing plants like roses, clematis, or honeysuckle, lattice also provides privacy and shade. Be sure to use durable 1/2- to 1-inch thick wood, and pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.

4. Close One End for Added Privacy

While pergolas are often open-air structures, adding a lattice wall or solid panel to one or two sides offers both privacy and a decorative touch. It softens the lines of the structure and enhances its room-like feel.

5. Include Colorful Flowers

Introduce vibrancy with flowering plants like sweet alyssum, marguerite daisies, or spider flowers. Whether they climb up a lattice or sit in pots around the base, flowers bring warmth and seasonal beauty to your pergola.

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6. Opt for All-Season Use

Protect your pergola with a solid polycarbonate roof or retractable canopy. These additions allow you to enjoy your outdoor space through rain, snow, or scorching sun — extending usability year-round.

7. Swing Seating Pergolas

Add a built-in swing beneath your pergola for a fun and relaxing touch. Perfect for two people, swing seating makes the space more dynamic and provides a great spot to unwind.

8. Hanging Seats from the Rafters

Replace standard seating with hanging cushioned chairs to create a laid-back, breezy vibe. Hanging seats add movement and charm, making the pergola feel more like a retreat.gaz screen 1024x1013 1

9. Match Pergola to Your Deck

Stain your pergola to match the deck it stands on to create a cohesive look. Add potted plants and soft seating for a secluded, calming vibe that feels like a natural extension of your home.

10. Paint for a Bright Finish

Choose a classic white or go bold with color. Painting your pergola can give it a refreshed look that aligns with your backyard’s style. For cedar pergolas, use an acrylic, non-toxic paint that won’t harm nearby plants.

11. Install Glass Blocks for Privacy

Want a unique twist? Sporadically placed glass blocks provide privacy and visual interest while letting light through. Pairing wood and glass creates a stunning modern contrast.

12. Mix Function with Fun

Add pillows, fairy lights, or outdoor curtains to complete your pergola personalization. These finishing touches offer comfort, style, and charm for entertaining or unwinding outdoors.

At Outdoor Living Today, we offer premium cedar pergola kits that are easy to assemble and ready to personalize. Whether you’re looking for shade, structure, or a statement piece, our customizable backyard structures are built to last.

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backyard, DIY, gazebos, How to, pergolas, Western Red Cedar

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How to Maintain Your Outdoor Pergola | Cleaning, Sealing & More

How to Maintain Your Outdoor Pergola and Keep It Looking Beautiful Year-Round

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An outdoor pergola is a stylish open-air structure perfect for creating shade and adding ambiance to your backyard. Whether covered in climbing vines or paired with retractable canopies, pergolas made of wood, vinyl, plastic, or metal require regular care to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Here’s a complete guide on how to properly maintain your pergola and ensure it lasts for many years.

1. Hose It Down Regularly

Regardless of your pergola’s material, the first step in maintenance is a thorough rinse. Use a high-pressure hose to remove surface dirt, pollen, or debris. Start at the top and work your way downward. Be sure to clear the area of furniture and décor to avoid damage during the process.

2. Clean with the Right Tools

Choose a bristle brush and a suitable cleaner for your pergola’s material:

  • Wood: Use a wood-safe cleaner and remove any peeling paint or splinters.

  • Metal: Scrub away any rust buildup using a wire or bristle brush.

  • Vinyl: Follow manufacturer guidelines—usually, mild detergent works well. Use a toothbrush to reach tight corners or areas around hardware.

3. Remove Mildew and Rust Stains

Combat mildew with a mix of one cup of oxygen bleach and one gallon of water. Apply this solution after the initial rinse and let it sit until the mildew stains begin to fade. Rinse again thoroughly with soap and water.

If you notice black or brown rust stains from fasteners, consider replacing corroded hardware with stainless steel or aluminum options.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

After applying cleaning solutions, rinse again using a hose to remove all residue. Check for spots that may need a second round of cleaning and repeat as necessary.

5. Touch-Up and Repair Damage

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Use a touch-up or repair kit to fix cuts, dings, or gouges. Wood or metal putty can patch small damage, and many vinyl pergolas include specialized kits for surface restoration. Sand down any rough spots before refinishing.

6. Seal and Stain for Longevity

If you have a cedar pergola, you’ll notice it gradually turns from a rich reddish tone to a silvery gray. To preserve its original hue:

  • Clean thoroughly

  • Apply a translucent oil-based wood stain for cedar

  • Let it dry and then seal Reapply stain and sealant every other year to maintain appearance and protection.

7. Address Fasteners and Loose Hardware

Inspect all fasteners and replace any that show corrosion. Use rust-resistant stainless steel or aluminum. Tighten loose bolts and screws to keep the structure secure.

8. Paint for Added Protection

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In hot, dry climates, UV rays can cause wood pergolas to crack and fade. Apply a durable, heat-resistant exterior paint for long-term protection and aesthetic appeal.

9. Trim Vines and Greenery

While creeping vines add beauty and shade, overgrowth can increase the pergola’s weight load. Trim vines a few times a year to reduce stress on the frame. They’ll grow back quickly and stay healthy with regular care.

Conclusion With proper maintenance, your outdoor pergola can remain an attractive and functional centerpiece in your backyard for years. Regular cleaning, careful inspection, and minor seasonal upkeep can prevent costly repairs and preserve the pergola’s beauty and strength.

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DIY, gazebos, How to

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5 Gazebo Foundation Options for a Level and Lasting Build

🏗️ The Best Foundation Options for Your Gazebo

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Not all yards are flat, and not all gazebos are the same — but every solid outdoor structure begins with a stable foundation. Whether you’re building on soft soil, a slope, or a rugged backyard, choosing the right gazebo base will ensure your structure stays level, secure, and long-lasting.

Here are five of the most common (and effective) foundation types you can use when installing a gazebo.

🪨 1. Patio Stones

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Best for: Flat terrain, structures under 14 ft.

Patio stones are the simplest and most cost-effective option for small- to medium-sized gazebos. Available at most building suppliers, they provide even weight distribution and a level surface without the need for concrete.

Tips:

  • Place one stone under each corner and a few under the center.

  • Ensure stones don’t extend past the gazebo’s floor perimeter (so skirting fits properly).

  • Use cedar shims or other materials to level the floor.

  • For added support and drainage, place the patio stones on top of compacted crushed gravel.

🧱 2. Cinder Blocks

Best for: Slightly uneven terrain where affordability and strength are priorities.

Cinder blocks (8″x16″) are easy to use and provide reliable support. However, they can sink into soft ground unless properly installed.

Tips:

  • Use overlapping rows of blocks for stability on soft ground.

  • Add a cedar skirt to hide the foundation and prevent critters from nesting underneath.

🪛 3. Super Spikes

Best for: Raising one side of the gazebo on uneven surfaces — without pouring concrete.

Super spikes are metal ground anchors that can help level a structure on sloped terrain. They’re especially useful in warmer regions without ground frost.

Tips:

  • Always check your local building codes before using them.

  • If elevating the structure, consider adding a skirt, lattice, or steps for a polished look.

🏗️ 4. Sonotube / Concrete Footings

Best for: Larger structures, uneven terrain, or when permits are required.

Sonotubes provide a permanent and code-compliant solution for supporting heavier gazebos. These concrete columns are sunk into the ground to create a rock-solid base.

Tips:

  • Hire a contractor familiar with local regulations.

  • Not included in gazebo kits — must be purchased and installed separately.

🧱 5. Concrete Pads

Best for: Large gazebos, hot tubs, pool equipment, or permanent structures.

Concrete pads offer the strongest and most durable base. While expensive, they’re ideal for setups that involve plumbing, heating, or electrical components.

Tips:

  • Professional installation highly recommended.

  • Consider topping the pad with flagstone for a stylish, rustic finish.

✅ Final Word

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Whatever your ground type or structure size, there’s a foundation option that will support your gazebo for years to come. From simple stone pads to professional-grade concrete, the right base ensures durability, safety, and peace of mind.

Browse our full collection of Western Red Cedar gazebo kits and start planning your project today!

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