The Gazebo as a Patio Space

Gazebos were once seen in backyards of many larger country homes. Over time many people have avoided the free standing structure in favor of a patio or deck. However, for some the gazebo may be the better choice.

Most homes today do have a patio or deck that leads to a quiet area overlooking the backyard. For all practical purposes the patio often leads into the kitchen area. This makes cooking out much easier and creates less traffic through other rooms in the house. However, for some homes having a deck can be a bit impractical. Homes built on hilly terrain can be a bad choice for a backyard attached deck or patio if there is a steep downhill slop close to the house. Or, in some cases, adding a deck or patio may be impractical because of the interior design of the house. For example some back doors open into an enclosed garage — not exactly ideal for a patio without actually building a door where a wall exists.

For that reason and others, the gazebo has made a comeback in backyards across the country. Gazebos are free standing and open on all sides. They have a roof that is automatically a part of the concept of the gazebo. In some areas, home owners create a screened in area to keep mosquitos away from guests without blocking any possible summer breeze.

Gazebos come in a variety of sizes and styles. In fact, if a patio or deck off the back of the house is impractical as an addition, the family can build the independent structure in the backyard following the color scheme and style of the home. Gazebos are, in many cases, more useful than the open deck or patio. In case of rain or too bright a sunny day, the roof of the gazebo will provide protection. We have all been at the patio cookout when the summer rain showed up and left family and guests scurrying to get into the house. With a gazebo those worries are gone.

Selecting a gazebo when a patio or deck is not structurally practical or when the family just wants quiet time away from the house could be the best substitute possible.