Which Roof Do You Want on Your Gazebo?
The dimensions of your gazebo play a big part in how it will look when assembled. It is important to measure the total width and length of the roof that you are planning to buy.
Roof Pitch on Your Gazebo
Roof pitch is the angle of the roof, which affects how well water runs off. The steeper the pitch, the quicker water will run off the roof and vice versa.
Another factor to consider when buying a wooden gazebo is roof material because it can affect your final choice of roofing style or type of roof. The roof material can also influence the height at which you place your gazebo as some materials such as tiles require more headroom than others.
Roofing styles and types include:
- gable,
- lean-to,
- flat,
- half-hip and
- hip roofs.
GABLE ROOFS
A gable roof on a wooden gazebo is very popular and is easy to construct, as it doesn't require complex angles. However, a gable roof creates an unequal division of space.
If you plan on having many people in your gazebo then this might not be the best option for you because it can get crowded. A lean-to wooden gazebo is one that is attached to a building and has a slanted roof. This style of gazebo can be altered by placing it at different angles or elevations to suit your needs.
FLAT ROOFS
A flat roof on your wooden gazebo provides you with an open area for relaxation, but many people find these roofs plain and dull. If you do choose this type of roof then you can decorate it by adding plants.
HALF-HIP ROOFS
Half-hip roofs are similar to gable roofs, but they also feature two equal sides that run perpendicular to the roof's ridge. This type of roof creates a balanced look and is great for providing shade in open areas.
HIP ROOFS
A hip roof has no vertical supports running down the middle of it like gable and half-hip roofs. Hip roofs on wooden gazebos are usually made up of four planes that meet at a central ridge and can be used for many purposes.
When choosing a roof you should consider whether the roof is predominantly for function or for looks, as they each require different types of material and construction techniques such as:
ROOFING MATERIAL OPTIONS:
- shingles
- tiles.
ROOF SHAPES:
Shapes of roofs that are predominantly for looks include dome, pyramid and cone shaped roofing materials such as: ceramic, concrete or plastic.
When you're looking for a wooden gazebo there are many factors to consider but it will all come down to personal preference in the end.
However, if you decide to go for a gable roof then make sure that there are enough supports to hold it up. If the pitch of the roof is too flat then rain water will be able to pool on it and you could end up with costly repairs.
Make sure that your wooden gazebo is equipped with gutters and eaves so that rain can't run inside. It's also important to consider the roof overhang, as it will affect how shade is provided from the sun.
LENGTH & SIZE OF YOUR GAZEBO
The length of your wooden gazebo is very important because it affects what you can do with the space inside.
For example, if you want to have a hot tub in your gazebo then be sure that its length exceeds that of your hot tub or it will be too cramped for use. Most standard widths of wooden gazebos are between 3 metres and 4 metres, so you should consider how many people can comfortably fit inside your gazebo.
If there are only 2-3 people than a 3 metre wide wooden gazebo might be sufficient, but if there's more than that you'll need a wider one. The floor area of your wooden gazebo is important because it affects the amount of people who can be inside at once and how much furniture, such as tables and chairs, can be placed inside.
If you have a larger family or you often have large gatherings then consider going for a bigger wooden gazebo, even if it's more expensive.
Which roof is right for your gazebo will depend on the intended use of your wooden gazebo and its location.
If you have an open area where you want to place plants then using a slanted roof might be best because it lets water run off easily. However, if you're looking for a more formal gazebo then choosing something with a straight roof will help maintain its elegance. The shape of your outdoor wooden gazebo will influence the amount of shade that it provides so you might want to consider how much sun your area gets.
QUICK ROOF TYPE SUMMARY:
A hip roof has no vertical supports running down the middle of it like gable and half-hip roofs. Hip roofs on wooden gazebos are easy to construct but they are also more expensive.
A half-hip roof has a hip part and a gable part but it doesn't have vertical supports running down the middle. This type of roofing system is easier to construct than other types so it's popular on wooden gazebos.
Gable roofs are very common on wooden gazebos because they give you maximum headroom and they are less expensive compared to other roof types. Gable roofs on wooden gazebos are popular because of their simplicity but it's important to note that they require vertical supports running down the middle.
Having a clear idea of what you want your wooden gazebo to look like will help you find one that matches your needs. The size of the gazebo is obviously an important consideration but it's also worth thinking about which material you want to use, what type of roofing you want and whether you want extra features like a porch or an attached hot tub.
A wooden gazebo can be used for any occasion so they are popular throughout the year. If you want to make use of your gazebo all year round then choosing one with a solution for every season will help it last longer and look great throughout the year.