Aside from having a nice outdoor seating area where you can lounge, fixing up your outdoor living space and having a nice seating area in it can
add value to your home too — something to think about if you’re planning on selling your home in the future, even if it’s not soon. And while you can certainly leave it to the pros, DIY-ing your outdoor space to look good is a very doable and more practical option.
Don’t know where to start? How about
adding a gazebo to your outdoor space? All that seating could go to waste if you didn’t have anything that would shelter it from the sun or the rain so investing in a gazebo is crucial. But, a gazebo is a pricey investment so figuring out which is the right one for the setup you’ve envisioned for your outdoor space is important. In this article, we’ll talk about two of the most popular types of gazebo, aluminum and hard top, and see which one is the right kind of gazebo for your home.
Aluminum Gazebos: Lightweight, Durable, and Modern
There are plenty of reasons why people love
aluminum gazebos: they’re lightweight and easy to install they’re highly customizable and they fit right into any backyard and blend seamlessly into any decor style or aesthetic. Here’s a deeper dive into the pros and cons of using aluminum gazebos for your home.
Pros of Aluminum Gazebos
1. Rust-Resistant and Weatherproof
Though the mere presence of rust in your backyard is not inherently dangerous to human health, there are potential health hazards and property damage risks associated with it. Thankfully, aluminum is naturally rust-resistant. This means you don’t have to worry about your gazebo developing those unsightly stains even after being exposed to the elements outside. You wouldn’t have to worry about the aluminum top and frame of your gazebo corroding and collapsing either so you can lounge under it in peace.
2. Lightweight and Portable
With proper planning, most DIY projects are quite easy. The difficult part lies in getting all your supplies from the store, transporting them back home, and lifting them to get them to the proper places. Because aluminum is a lightweight material, however, transport, assembly, and disassembly become non-issues. From building the whole thing up from scratch to moving it around your patio or your backyard for parties, DIY enthusiasts are sure to appreciate how easy it is to deal with aluminum gazebos.
3. Minimal Maintenance
Love the idea of having a cozy outdoor space complete with a gazebo but hate the idea of having to clean it all the time? Aluminum gazebos might just be what you need. Aluminum’s rust-resistant nature means you don’t have to worry about complicated upkeep. A quick wash now and then is all you need to keep your gazebo and your entire outdoor space looking fresh and clean all the time.
4. Sleek and Modern Appearance
There’s nothing modern about aluminum. This material has been used in construction since the 50’s and the 60’s. Still, thanks to its simple but sleek appearance, aluminum has the ability to add a nice, modern touch to any space. It is easily customizable with paint or different finishes as well so you don’t have to worry about it clashing with the rest of your outdoor space’s aesthetic.
Cons of Aluminum Gazebos
1. Reduced Stability in Harsh Weather
Because aluminum is so light, an aluminum gazebo might not do well in extremely harsh weather conditions. It could blow over during tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy storms so it’s important to anchor your aluminum gazebos to the ground properly if you live in areas that are prone to these kinds of weather conditions. Even then, it would be a wise idea to also look into heavier and more sturdy counterparts.
2. Limited Insulation
One of the reasons why people install gazebos in their outdoor spaces is to get some protection from the sun, the rain, and the snow while an aluminum gazebo while an aluminum gazebo can do all that, its thin material might not be the best at keeping the heat or the cold at bay.
Hardtop Gazebos: Sturdy, All-Weather Protection
If you want a gazebo that can stand up to all kinds of weather, a
hard-top gazebois a great choice. Unlike other options, hard-top gazebos are built to last. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something more permanent for your backyard, and not just a temporary fix. With a solid roof and strong materials holding the rest of it down, this type of gazebo is designed to protect you all year round, whether it's from the blazing hot in the summer or cold and windy in the winter.
Pros of Hard Top Gazebos
1. Built for All-Weather Durability
Living in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions isn’t easy and the last thing you need is to worry about your outdoor stuff flying off and causing damage to your home or others. With hard-top gazebos, these won’t be a concern. They’re built to withstand strong winds, heavy snow and rainfall, scorching summers, and freezing winters. Compared to aluminum gazebos, these are less likely to blow over, making them a great investment and a safe addition to your home.
2. Better Insulation and Comfort
A hard-top gazebo doesn't just provide shade; it offers serious protection from the elements too. The solid roof helps block out more than just the sun's rays—it can also provide insulation to keep the area beneath it cooler in the summer and a bit warmer in the winter. This makes it a great option if you want to make your outdoor space usable all year long.
3. Adds a Permanent, High-End Aesthetic
Hard-top gazebos typically have a more substantial and luxurious appearance than their aluminum counterparts. They look more sophisticated and don’t have the same DIY vibe that an aluminum gazebo would have (though there’s nothing wrong with showing off a weekend project that turned out nice). They are often used as permanent structures in outdoor spaces, such as patios, gardens, and poolside areas.
Cons of Hard Top Gazebos
1. Heavier and Less Portable
One thing you need to know about hard-top gazebos is that they’re heavy. You can’t move them around by yourself on a whim so you need to plan where you’ll put it in your outdoor space very well. This type of gazebo is better suited for homeowners who are looking for a permanent installation in their backyard or patio instead of something temporary that they can take down and/or put back up whenever they want.
2. Higher Initial Cost
Because of the difference in materials used and the overall quality, durability, and longevity of hard top gazebos, they tend to be more expensive than most other types of gazebos including aluminum. Despite the higher upfront costs, though, hard-top gazebos could be considered a money-saving investment for your home in the long run as there would be fewer needs for replacement and repair.
The Best Gazebo For Your Home
Choosing the right type of gazebo for your outdoor space depends on a number of things including (and mainly) your budget, how you plan to use it, and the overall vibe you're going for.
Love moving things around in your home and dressing your space up to host outdoor get-togethers at home? An aluminum gazebo might just be your best option! Aluminum gazebos are easy to move so you can set it up wherever it fits best for the occasion. It’s also rust-resistant so you don’t have to worry about cleaning and maintenance, even with frequent use, and it doesn't cost a fortune so it’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts who don’t want to spend a large amount on a home improvement project.
If you’re after something that’ll stick around for the long haul, however, a hard-top gazebo is the way to go. It’s built tough and sturdy, so it can handle extreme weather conditions like a pro. And while the price tag is a bit higher, in the long run, you won’t need to repair or replace it so you’ll end up saving money as well. Not to mention, having a gorgeous gazebo on your patio or your backyard gives it a more polished and more curated look which can up the overall value of your home.
So, whether you’re all about flexibility or durability, picking the right gazebo can transform your outdoor space into something special for years to come.
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