It’s been said, “Be in the world, but not of it.” Gazebos can make that possible for all those people who have looked out a window at the rain and the wind and wanted to be there without suffering nature’s ravages. Many people want to sit outside and be enveloped by nature’s power but still return home dry, unbitten, unburned, and completely safe from harm.

Even if you’re not interested in watching storms sweep in, gazebos can still make the outdoors more comfortable, in fact adding another room to your home. A gazebo is any roofed structure offering a 360 degree view of the surroundings. Gazebos take on many different shapes, sizes, and styles but the most common is the 8’-diameter open-sided octagonal cedar wood gazebo with pagoda-style shingled double roof and cupola.

Choosing is not as daunting as it may sound. Spend some time beforehand determining who will be using your gazebo. Is it primarily for just you, maybe a friend or two, and your family – or will you be throwing big parties and accommodating visiting world leaders for the weekend? Most gazebos range from 6 to 22 feet in diameter, and can have sides that are either fully open to the elements or completely enclosed for use as a guesthouse.

Whether the preferred style is simple and rugged or embellished with all the pretty extras, like trellis walls, Victorian gingerbread moldings, and other architectural flourishes, there is a gazebo style for everyone. Choosing to place a gazebo on your property brings up many questions about placement, regulations and permits and other construction details. Call your municipal authority and to find out what you need to know and remember, rules vary from place to place.

Property size and layout determines where to situate the gazebo. A garden border or pond can be highlighted to great effect with a well-placed gazebo. As you plan, make sure you will have enough room for the gazebo and that the style and materials chosen will complement the landscape and physical environment.

Choosing low-maintenance models, furniture options, and spa elements as well as privacy screens can make each gazebo unique. No matter what the specifications, a gazebo can be tailored to your needs, creating another room for your home.