Go For The Gusto -- Get A Gazebo!

By Kathy Moran

(HIT)- Fanciful or formal, fun or functional, the gazebo has come a long way since its origin as a rooftop structure. Since coming down to earth, it has worked its way through the ages, gracing countless gardens, from ancient royal palaces, to 21st century homes. Still in transition, it is becoming much more than a backyard structure; in some cases, the versatile gazebo is used as an annex to the main house.

For instance, a gazebo can be integrated with a deck, and used as a detached porch, reading room, dining room, or breakfast nook, close enough to the house for convenience, but removed far enough to afford privacy. With screens or windows, it can be used year-round.

Charming and versatile, the gazebo lends itself easily to a multitude of uses. No one is more aware of this than the designers at GazeboCreations.com, a company that offers a stellar selection of gazebos that can be tailor-made to a customer's specifications. The requests that they receive every day for different features and options have given the word customized a whole new meaning. These challenging questions and suggestions have inspired some outstanding — and astounding — gazebos.

Even without any frills, a gazebo can transform an ordinary backyard into a showplace. Those who love to entertain use their gazebos for everything from weddings, receptions, and cocktail parties, to family reunions, barbecues, and birthday celebrations. Often, the yard is landscaped to reflect the emphasis on entertainment, with a fire pit or a brick barbecue, and picnic tables placed nearby. Arbors and torches, arranged strategically, further define the area, while providing shade, adding privacy, and contributing to the festive atmosphere.

If you're not satisfied with looking at it, or entertaining in it, you can always take your gazebo to the next level, and live in it! Install as many doors and windows as you wish, and enclose it with solid wood walls, or vinyl siding, and a sealed wooden floor. With electricity and plumbing, it can be turned into a cottage, summerhouse, guesthouse, home office, entertainment pavilion, pool house, or cabana. Accessorize it any way you like, with ceiling fans, special lighting, built-in benches and tables, and maybe even a hot tub.

There are as many ways to decorate your gazebo as there are uses for it, and you'll have a blast exercising your creativity as you go. The best part is that it will turn out looking spectacular, no matter what.

Gazebos are available in several shapes, sizes, and styles, and a variety of materials, from classic cedar and pine, to synthetics, wrought iron, and vinyl. To see the entire gallery of exciting possibilities, visit GazeboCreations.com, where you can choose from a selection of pre-designed gazebos, or let the Gazebo Wizard help you to customize one right on the website. Your gazebo will be delivered partially assembled, in an easy-to-build kit. For more information, or to contact one of their professional consultants, call 1-888-293-2339, or go to http://www.gazebocreations.com.

Courstesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center