7 Do's and Don'ts for Positioning Deck and Garden Gazebos

7 Do's and Don'ts for Positioning Deck and Gardenall a matter of balance.
Gazebos4. Do Take Advantage of a Raised Area
One of best ways to extend your outdoor livingTo enjoy picture postcard vistas like a beautiful
space is by adding a gazebo. These pretty outdoorsunset or bird's eye garden view, take advantage of
structures were originally used in Victorian times toany raised area in your yard.
shade fashionably pale ladies from the sun. NowOne couple I know built an outdoor gazebo high on a
they're being turned into everything from cozy eatingterrace overlooking their jungle-like backyard and
areas to kid's playhouses, and getaway spaces toused it, not only for dining, but for dancing in the
meditate. But why is it that some gazebos blend somoonlight.
naturally into the backyard like they've been there5. Do Place Gazebos on Decks
forever, while others look stiff, awkward and stickIf you are looking for a little shelter, then a patio
out like a sore thumb?gazebo nestled in one corner of your deck can
The secret is in the placement! Positioned correctly,complement it beautifully. It can also help to break up
your gazebo will add dimension to your landscape.what can be a long, boring space.
Positioned incorrectly, your gazebo will make yourOne backyard I toured had a gazebo on the deck
backyard look disjointed and junky.that was used for dining. The ceiling of the gazebo
Here are some do's and don't to help you get it right!was decorated with dozens of miniature white
1. Do Place Gazebos at the End of a PathChristmas tree lights for a starry sky effect at night.
Gazebos look wonderful and mysterious as a6. Don't Place your Outdoor Gazebo too far to one
termination point at the end of a garden path.side of the House
Visitors get the wonderful feeling that they are beingIf your beautiful garden gazebo is not even part of
drawn into the backyard and that makes it feelyour view, then why bother to spend all that money
inviting and cozy.to build it? Also, too far to one side can make the
2. Do Choose a Spot Close to Wateryard look lopsided if you don't balance the rest of
If your home is on a lake or pond, take advantagethe yard with some landscaping or other structures.
of it. Position your outdoor gazebo on the point thatOff to one side will work o.k. if your gazebo is still
overlooks the water.partly in sight and there is a good reason for it to be
You could also try placing your gazebo near athere. For example, if the gazebo is placed nearby a
backyard waterfall or a trickling fountain and enjoytennis or bocce ball court, it can be a place to sit and
watching the birds splash about. Or how about bywatch the game. It can also hide something
your pool?unattractive that you really don't want to look at like
One family I know built a patio gazebo at the deep7. Do make it the Jewel in Your Garden
end of their rock waterfall swimming pool. It wasAnother great place for your outdoor gazebo is
designed so that you could easily remove the railingsmack dab in the middle of your garden where you
on the pool side and dive right off the gazebo intocan turn it into a quaint tea room or cozy reading
the water.spot. Not only will you able to enjoy looking out at all
3. Don't place a garden gazebo in the middle of youryour magnificent flowers, but you'll be able to enjoy
Yard unless you have a very large backyard.their beautiful aroma too.
A gazebo in the middle of a tiny yard will look like it'sSo remember: For perfect deck and garden gazebo
been dropped from outer space and will overpowerplacement, plan ahead. Know the reason for placing
the yard, but as the centrepiece of a grand estate, ityour gazebo where you want to put it. When things
can anchor and unite the space quite beautifully. It'smake sense your garden design will flow beautifully.