backyard, gazebos, outdoor living

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Extend Your Home’s Living Space with a Gazebo

cedar-gazebo-couple-relaxing Like to have more living space? How about getting that space and enhancing the look and feel of your garden by installing a gazebo?Besides being aesthetically pleasing and creating a focal point in the garden, a gazebo creates a shaded place in your garden that can be used for entertaining, leisure activities, relaxation, and taking in the lush beauty of your garden. It helps to expand your living space where you can enjoy the different aspects of outdoor living.

What is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a free-standing structure in your garden with open sides and a roof. It can be a rectangle, square, or round in shape. The typical formation of a gazebo is either eight-sided or six-sided. The roof is supported by posts, but you also can have a gazebo with low walls between the posts that can be used to fix screens, windows, and/or doors.If you are adding walls, you also can fix benches to them to have a permanent seating area. Then there are enclosed gazebos, which are referred to as all-season gazebos, as they can be used throughout the year, even in winter when the weather outside is not conducive to outdoor living.

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gazebo

The use of a gazebo is limited by your imagination. Gazebos can be used in many different ways and each way will help maximize your living space and add value to your life.

Relaxation

It is an amazing place to rest and relax. Depending how big your gazebo is, you can add tables, cushioned chairs, and even recliners to enjoy the lovely warmth of the summer sun and absorb the beautiful greenery around. A gazebo is the perfect place to get some me-time with your favorite book and a glass of chilled lemonade.

Entertaining

You can use your gazebo to entertain guests. Whether you are looking to host a birthday party or summer barbecue, it is a fantastic place to create fun memories with guests and loved ones. You can install your gazebo near the pool, so that you have a shaded refuge to sit back and keep an eye on the kids while talking to friends and family.

Fitness

You may have never thought of it, but your gazebo can function as a place to perform yoga and meditation. Surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers, you will be able to do the yoga or meditation without getting disturbed by the sounds and noises that prevail in most homes.

Hot Tub Enclosure

Today, many people want to enjoy soaking in a hot tub to de-stress themselves and soothe aching and tired muscles. You can create an enclosure for your hot tub by erecting a gazebo. It will offer you privacy and also protect you and the hot tub from the elements.hot-tub-enclosure-gazebo As you can see there are many uses of a gazebo. You can get your easel and paints out to use it to paint or you can even pot plants in the shade if you want to escape the scorching sun without neglecting your garden. The use of a gazebo is unlimited, so you can do just about anything you want.

What Should Your Gazebo Be Made Of

western-red-cedar-gazebosWhile you can get gazebos made from metal, stone, and vinyl, it is best to go with wood. Wood has its own natural charm and fits seamlessly into a garden without looking out of place. The most preferred wood is cedar. It is a soft wood and light in weight. Hence, making it easy to work with it to erect the gazebo. However, the most attractive features of cedar are that it is naturally resistant to decay and rot, making it the perfect choice for this outstanding outdoor feature.Furthermore, cedar has a natural scent that keeps other pests at bay and the scent is extremely calming and soothing. So when you use your gazebo, you will immediately feel relaxed and rejuvenated.Make sure you flip the switch for Western Red Cedar, which is renowned for its durability, beautiful appearance, and longevity. The Western Red Cedar variety is more resistant to decay compared to Eastern Red Cedar.

How To Purchase Your Own Gazebo

You can have your own gazebo in three different ways. One would be to buy the wood yourself and build the gazebo from scratch. However, this would require you to have outstanding carpentry skills and access to a gazebo plan that you can follow.If you don’t have the necessary carpentry skills, you may want to use the services of a professional. While this will allow you to design and build a gazebo to your precise specifications, it will cost you a little more.The last and the most preferred way to have a gazebo in your garden is to go with a high quality gazebo kit. Such a kit will be in the form of either a panelized gazebo kit or precut gazebo kit. The kit will have the necessary hardware and easy-to-follow instructions so that you can assemble your gazebo without too much stress. What many people don’t realize is that gazebo kits come with a huge variety and you can choose a gazebo design to suit your home’s architecture according to your particular lifestyle.If your garden doesn’t have a gazebo, you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to create a focal point and a unique place to rest, relax, and enjoy. Go ahead, get a gazebo kit today and see what a difference it can make to your home, garden, and life. You won’t regret it!
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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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