I’ll never forget the time I saw a gazebo assembled on the balcony of a 10-story apartment building in the center of a busy city. While the gazebo looked very stylish and matched the theme of the building, the owner asked “So… is this going to blow off the roof and kill people?” I was shocked.
I hesitantly asked, “You mean, you didn’t anchor it to the ground?” to which the reply was “I didn’t know I needed to do that”. My jaw felt like it hit the floor. “We need to anchor that ASAP!”
Thankfully it was properly secured before a gust of wind could take it tumbling down into the busy streets below. Our clients need to know: There are important things you should plan for when purchasing your first gazebo or pergola.
Pick a good location
You may not be putting your gazebo on a 10-story balcony, but it's still important to consider a few factors when choosing a location.
The best spots for outdoor structures typically are level and flat. You should pick an area that will support good drainage and avoid low areas where water may pool after rain or using sprinklers. It is also important to avoid young trees, where the roots may grow and tear into the structure as the years pass.
Make sure your structure has an open and clear path as well. You wouldn’t want to create a path that encourages guests to walk through your flowerbeds, or near hazards such as pits, or ponds. Consider where the opening and entrance of your structure will be, and how you will get there.
Lastly, choose a meaningful location. Find the best use of your structure, and consider where you might want more shade, or where you might want to implement a hanging garden. Do you want it to be easily accessible and close to your home? Or is it meant to feel like a private getaway, hidden behind bushes in a remote place? A secret escape in your backyard.
Take Measurements
When referring to sizing remember that the measurements (ex: 10ft x 10ft) are taken from the outermost part of the structure’s roof. If you are planning for a 10ft octagonal gazebo, the diameter should be measured wall to wall.
When doing measurements in the location, make sure to consider how much room you might need for pathing around the structure, especially if it is placed between several walls.
Keep in mind that structures are always measured in even numbers when being created, for example, we would never see a 9ft x 13ft gazebo, with odd number measurements. We build pergolas in even numbers like 10ft x 14ft, this is because it allows us to keep the measurements of everything else in the structure evenly cut and balanced.
We always recommend our customers to buy the largest size structure that fits their area. We have found that most customers who buy a larger structure rarely regret it because they have so many more uses and so much more space to work with. It would be a shame to get a small gazebo, and then realize you want to host extra events in your gazebo, but it's not large enough for your company.
Research permit requirements, building codes, and homeowners association regulations
Every area is a little different, so it's important to check with your local municipalities and township to see if they require a permit for your area.
There might be certain laws that prohibit structures from being built too close to public roads, utility poles, or other public buildings. Most pergolas and gazebos are not considered permanent structures. They may limit the size of your structure, as larger structures may fall under different regulations.
HOAs (homeowners associations) may also have similar regulations to preserve the scenery of a community. The best way to get approval from your HOA is to provide as much detail as possible and explain your project completely.
It could be helpful to plant stakes in the ground where your structure will be and take photos to show the HOA the location. It's also important to show photos and plans of the structure you intend to build so they have a clear idea of what your intentions are.
If your HOA requires more detailed plans, such as detailed drawings of the structure, with labeled measurements and construction instructions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your manufacturer. Most pergola and gazebo companies, including ourselves, are happy to provide these plans upon request.
Our company has a 30-day return policy, though most gazebo and pergola companies do not have this. It's recommended to obtain your permit and permission for your structure before purchasing your structure. It would be unfortunate to purchase your structure, and then you are not allowed to install it. Or worse, not able to return it and get some of your money back.
Site Preparation
It's time to prepare the grounds! When it comes to the foundation, your structure will only last as long as the foundation. It must be a secure location with a strong ability to be anchored.
Clear the area, and make sure you have enough room to work. Keep in mind that whether you are doing it yourself, or an installation team is taking care of it for you, proper foundation preparation may take time, money, and resources.
There are three main foundations that we recommend you use to secure a structure.
- A Concrete Pad- This is the most secure, although you will likely have to get a contractor to come set this up for you. A structure can easily be bolted to the concrete pad.
- A Deck- Building your structure on a deck is another great way to secure it, which again can be easily bolted to the deck. However, make sure the deck is also secured in some way to the ground beneath it. Some of our gazebos have the option to come with a deck. If this is the case, then the deck must also be bolted to a concrete pad beneath it, or be secured with concrete footings.
- Concrete footings- Concrete footings are a great way to secure a structure when you want it over a different type of area, such as grass, paver stones, or a gravel pad. This is also the cheaper option, that most DIY’ers could complete themselves. This consists of digging holes (at least 11 inches deep) and pouring them with concrete. Once the concrete is prepared, the anchor brackets can simply be bolted to them.
Additional help?
There is not one right way to do everything. Different areas will have different needs. In windy areas, you may want extra deep concrete footings. In snowy or rainy areas, you may want extra drainage. Be sure to adjust your structure’s needs according to your area, and don’t hesitate to reach out. You might need to hire professionals if this seems a bit overwhelming. Although we cannot guarantee the accuracy of information elsewhere online, you could consider finding additional videos and tutorials on preparing foundations.
We want to make sure our customers have the best possible experience with their new structure, so we are always available on our contact page. While our installation team doesn’t lay concrete pads, we can help you find local resources in your area if you need help.
In the end, don’t forget to enjoy your structure. A lot more goes into it than what meets the eye. You have set aside this paradise for yourself and your family. Now go out and savor your space!