Outdoor gazebos are a great addition to your backyard if you are willing to spare some money and space. Today, gazebos are popular for all the right reasons you can think of such as spending some time relaxing with your friends and family members or hosting dinners and gatherings. But homeowners are most commonly confused between wood and metal gazebos. Each has its pros and cons that should be properly studied by the homeowners before consulting a gazebo and pergola contractor. Here are some important details to know.
The Differences Between Wooden And Metal Gazebos
Both wooden and metal gazebos are a popular choice. But the decision comes down to your personal preferences and style. Below are the common differences between them.
Style
Wooden gazebos are made using pressure-treated wood that is painted or stained to match the theme or vibe of your backyard. The reason the wood is treated is to make it perform better in the outdoors. Wooden gazebos tend to give your house a natural and traditional look.
Regardless of the size or dimensions of the available space, you can never go wrong with a wooden gazebo. But you will need to look after it as well. Although it is treated to bear extreme weather conditions as well, but with time the coating will become weak.
As a result, the wood will experience cracks and damage. The only way to ensure your wooden gazebo lasts several years is by choosing high-quality wood, which is going to be expensive.
A big advantage of wood gazebos is that you can choose from a wide variety of styles and designs because working with wood allows customizations. So, the gazebo can be made to look exactly as you want.
On the other hand, metal gazebos are made with either aluminum or galvanized steel. If you wish to make your backyard appear modern, this is the right option. The biggest advantage of a metal gazebo is that it will last decades considering aluminum and galvanized steel are thoroughly treated to be weather-resistant.
Durability
As mentioned previously, you cannot beat wooden gazebos when it comes to their charm and aura. But no matter how strong the wood is, it will still be vulnerable to weather changes. If wooden gazebos are not properly looked after and are left to rot outside, you won’t be able to get the best out of them.
Wooden gazebos require maintenance but not that much. All you need to do is make sure they are free of cracks, and damage and fix them on the spot if you find some. Plus, wooden gazebos may also warp, chip, or even rot.
Meanwhile, metal gazebos are extremely stable and durable. These gazebos are made with powder-coated aluminum and steel that can easily withstand extreme weather conditions. Plus, metal gazebos do not fade in the sun or rain. Also, they are least affected by the changes in temperature, which prevents warping.
Maintenance
Wooden gazebos in some cases may require a lot of upkeep especially if you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions and fluctuations throughout the year. This makes these gazebos susceptible to mold, damage, or termite attacks.
If a wooden gazebo is not properly cared for, do not be surprised if it settles, shifts, or warps over time. And, the worst part about all this is that you can’t fix a warped wooden gazebo. You will need to remove the existing one and then install a new structure.
That said, to maintain a wooden gazebo, you will need to re-paint it each year, which is going to be expensive. Plus, if the gazebo has experienced chipping or cracks, you might need to replace the damaged or cracked wood. Moreover, if you have an outdoor fireplace near the gazebo, you should be make sure you’re following safety practices.
On the other hand, metal gazebos require very little upkeep as they are made of metal and already treated with weather-resistant materials from the factory. This way, you do not have to spend considerable amounts of time inspecting, repainting, or maintaining the gazebo. Plus, they are not vulnerable to termite attacks either.
All you need to do is remove the dirt and dust accumulations from time to time using a cleaning agent and you will be good to go.
What Is The Cost Difference Between A Metal And Wood Gazebo?
When it comes to the price difference between a metal and wood gazebo, there are a lot of factors that come into play. For instance, wooden gazebos usually have a higher cost than metal gazebos due to manual labor. Plus, the wood itself tends to be more expensive than metal in some cases. Also, you will need to factor in the maintenance cost as well. To know the exact cost, contact pergola builders Port Jefferson.
On the other hand, metal gazebos offer exquisite style and luxury at a lower price point than most wooden gazebos. In addition to that, metal gazebos are made to look modern, last longer, and offer more versatility in terms of easy-to-install options like mosquito nets and curtains, etc.
You have to keep in mind that the overall cost of your gazebo, may it be wooden or metal will depend on the size, dimensions, and style. Gazebos come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. You would want to have a unique gazebo, which will require designing and consulting an expert.
This could add to the cost and make it a lot more expensive than the regular gazebos out there. So, you have to consider all such factors before placing an order.
How To Select The Right Backyard Spot?
Once you have decided on the type of gazebo you want, you will need to look for the right spot in your backyard for the gazebo to be installed. You have to keep in mind that your gazebo will only look good if it is installed properly and in the right spot. You might think that you have enough space and the gazebo will look good anywhere but that is not the case.
The best way to select the right spot for your gazebo is to first define the purpose. If you intend to use it for relaxing with friends, you will need to place it a bit further from the house to maintain privacy. Furthermore, you will have to analyze all the angles and pick a spot from where your gazebo will look the best from all angles.
You would not want to choose a spot that comprises the natural view and beauty of the house. Most importantly, you will have to check if the ground is level. If it isn’t, the gazebo will not stand properly and look tilted in one direction. So, you might have to get the foundation fixed first before installing a gazebo.
Conclusion
The decision between metal and wooden gazebo is all about how you want your backyard to look. Plus, you will also have to consider factors such as budget, maintenance, weather conditions, available space, etc. Installing a gazebo is not something you can do on your own. You will need to talk to a gazebo builder Long Island who will guide you in the right direction. All this information combined will help ensure every penny spent is worth it.
