Gazebo Buyers Guide
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Gazebos & Awnings BUYER’S GUIDE AWARD LEISURE www.awardleisure.com AWNINGS ... YOUR PATIO OASIS A patio is a perfect addition to any home, as it gives you the ability to sit down and relax while enjoying your outdoor space. However, no patio is really complete without a patio cover to maximize its use. Awnings enable you to enjoy being outdoors in all weathers, protected from hot sun or a sudden shower of rain. Awnings are in fact a very cost-effective solution to acquiring more living space — much less expensive than a house extension or a sunroom. At the same time, they increase the resale value of your home, as they are a type of home improvement that is much in demand by house purchasers. So installing one is a highly affordable project that quickly pays for itself. Of course, outdoor Awnings do far more than provide shade. They protect your garden furniture from the elements, meaning you can leave it outside most of the time rather than having to keep dragging it inside and then outside again. With Awnings you can virtually use your patio as an extra room, thus extending your living space. A patio cover is essentially a roof, and if its supports are attached to the house, as opposed to being freestanding, you may want to choose a style that CREATING MORE complements or matches the exterior of the house. LIVING SPACE FOR Usually the roof shape for your patio cover will be either sloping or flat. Flat roofs are very popular, and can be either solid or lattice. Lattice has the advantage of providing shade from rain, snow and the sun’s heat, LESS MONEY. while still allowing more natural light to enter. You can make it especially attractive by encouraging vines and climbing flowers to grow over it. 2 3 METAL Metal patio covers also require less maintenance than wood. In fact, they MATERIAL ... may not even require painting, especially if they come with a surface protector, such as Teflon. They also offer a great deal of flexibility and versatility, as they come in so many different styles and textures. THE BEST CHOICE? Metal patio covers made of iron or steel have the virtue of being extremely strong, so they are worth considering if you live in an area that is prone to heavy snowfalls. A metal cover may even allow you to continue your barbecue during a rainstorm, without having to rush indoors carrying all the food and dishes. Their appearance makes them very good for complementing the exterior of your house. NATURAL WOOD Metal patio covers may consist of iron, copper or steel, with a zinc coating, but by far the most popular material is aluminium. Wood patio covers are popular, not because they are the cheapest or the most durable, but because they look beautiful and attractive, and are often the best for Aluminium covers are extremely durable and can withstand most blending in with the landscape and with the exterior of the house. In fact, generally types of weather. However, they will not stand up to a heavy no other style of patio covers can compare with wood for style and charm. snowfall, as will other types of metal patio covers. The big disadvantage of wood patio covers is the amount of care and One downside of aluminium for a patio cover is that many people maintenance required. The wood needs to be stained and sealed on a regular consider that it doesn’t provide a very attractive appearance. basis — preferably every year — and also treated for termite resistance. It can also develop mould and wood rot if exposed to too much moisture, so is not recommended for damp or humid climates, or for areas near to the sea. FABRIC Canvas patio covers or awnings, create a colourful focal point for any patio or garden. Canvas shades can be housed in a cassette or fitted as a sail. VINYL/PLASTIC They are extremely versatile and can cover a wide area. Vinyl patio covers are virtually maintenance free, and this is making them increasingly popular with home owners who cannot spare the time and effort that wood requires. The canvas usually includes fibres like polyester or acrylic, to make it more weather-resistant. Canvas patio covers can be operated manually, Vinyl is a highly durable material that won’t warp, rot or decay, and vinyl patio or can be motorised, and operated with a remote control. covers are highly affordable and very easy to install. In fact, they are often available as kits for DIY patio covers, and don’t usually require professional installation. They have the advantage of not needing supporting structures to block the view from the patio. However, they should not be left out during bad weather, as they A further advantage of vinyl patio covers is that you can get them are not strong enough to withstand snow, winds over 8mph, hail or storms. in a simulated wood grain finish. This means you can have the appearance of wood without the maintenance problems. Vinyl can also be supplied in recycled materials, making this option very environmentally friendly. 4 5 GAZEBOS ... YOUR GARDEN OASIS Gazebos are a beautiful feature for perfect for both everyday use and social gatherings. They provide an outdoor escape or can be used to add a privacy or weather cover for a hot tub / swim spa installation or simply as a gathering point in the garden. There are an array of gazebo shapes, sizes, materials, and roof types available. Different styles are available, from simple frame-and-canopy structures for temporary use - to elaborate, decorative customised structures. When selecting materials to cover your outdoor area, buyers should strike a balance between price range, aesthetics, and durability. Durability is an important consideration particular is important for outdoor structures in the U.K. as buying a cheaper solution often means replacing it many times over time. Pay particular attention to how secure the roofing materials are, what they are made of and how they are secured to the joists and framework. Many of the heavier, more substantial gazebo structures do not need foundations or indeed securing to the ground but offer a much more permanent garden feature ideal for family get togethers or a moment alone. Award Leisure have many choices and options to create the perfect garden escape area including unique roofing options such as thatch or skylight. MAKE YOUR GARDEN We can help you find the perfect solution to fit your garden, landscape and price range. INTO THE BIGGEST Our gazebos can offer you long term protection from the UK weather and open ROOM IN YOUR HOME up an entirely new outdoor space for you to use and enjoy with family and friends AND USE IT ALL YEAR all year round for years to come. ROUND. 6 7 5. DO I NEED A BASE? 7. TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS In order for a garden gazebo to Make sure that you talk to your 7 TOP THINGS TO be safe and stable, it has to be set neighbour about your project. up so the weight of the gazebo is evenly distributed across all Most of us don’t want to have the CONSIDER ... of the main support posts. gazebo/awning right up against our own homes and this means that many times The optimum surface is a level lawn, and it’s installed very close to property lines. 1. HOW MUCH WOULD I PAY? the worst surfaces would be damp clay or on an incline. Rocky terrain is suitable This can cause problems with You may prefer to have your patio covers for an outdoor gazebo as long as the neighbours, especially if they feel as if professionally installed, but DIY patio covers supports are independently levelled. you are encroaching on their property. are cheaper, and are easy to do if you are reasonably handy. Most kits are supplied with We are not all blessed with great everything you need for installation, apart 6. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? neighbours and even if we are it’s from the tools. Suppliers usually also provide One of the best things about having always respectful and also just a nice detailed instructions, and many in addition are a covered garden structure in your gesture to inform them of your plan. very generous with advice and information. garden such as a gazebo, awning or garden pavilion, is that you have Who knows, they may end up a private getaway from the regular spending us much time as you 2. BENEFITS OF COVERING YOUR PATIO household activities and noise. under your new shelter. Here’s to Outdoor areas nowadays are about more than just new friends and good times. strolling in the garden. They are as much a part of You have a place where you can sit living and home design as any room in your house, quietly, read a book, take a nap, have While it’s not necessary by any and require as much attention and creativity. outdoor meals, or even sleep overnight means, just the act of doing so can during the warm summer nights. ease an uptight neighbor’s tensions Awnings are an essential aspect of this The great thing about gazebos is that and save you and your family years creativity, and make your outdoor space an they come in many shapes, sizes, of aggravation and problems. integral part of your social and family life. structures, and forms to fit your needs and to match your style and garden. It’s a simple gesture that can really be worth it! 3.