It is common to think of gazebos as summer structures that have to be packed up and put away come fall. This is especially true of cheap gazebos that should be packed away come winter anyway. But if you have invested in a solid structure, you should want to enjoy it year-round. The good news is that with a few thoughtful additions, your gazebo can become the most enjoyable spot in your garden in any season!
Why Your Gazebo Works in Winter
There is something special, and a little exhilarating, about being outdoors in winter. The air is crisp, and the garden is a different and quiet scene. You can enjoy being in your garden while much of the world sits indoors. The gazebo provides shelter from any drizzle and relieves the biting winter wind. It’s about making the space functional for winter garden enjoyment rather than just enduring the elements.
Heating Options That Actually Work
The biggest challenge to being able to use the gazebo in winter, is warmth. You probably don’t want to turn your gazebo into a tropical paradise, but it should be comfortable enough for your to spend time in.
If you’re looking at options for your patio heating set up, patio heaters are the best option, but keep in mind the running costs. If there is an outdoor socket nearby, electric models are more straightforward to set up. If not, gas heaters are easier to place anywhere. The taller, standing heaters are more suitable for bigger gazebos, as they heat a wider area. Just make sure the unit is advertised as outdoor safe because using an indoor heater in a covered outdoor area can be a fire hazard.
You can also feel the warmth from a fire obstruction and enjoy a real flame from a fire pit or a chiminea. They are amazing for creating a special atmosphere. If your gazebo doesn’t have side walls or is open to a side, they are a great option. The fire can have a natural flow, the smoke can escape, and they also provide the heat when needed. Just be smart and keep the area around the fire clear of flammable obstructions.
If you have a smaller area to heat or just want to have the option of heating up a bit more, outdoor heated blankets are a great option. They have improved greatly recently. They are especially useful for the colder autumn evenings when turning on the heater feels unnecessary.
Making It Weatherproof
Any gazebo is susceptible to strong winds and sideways rain. Installing removable side panels completely changed the structure. Opt for heavy-duty outdoor curtains for a softer look. The emphasis is supposed to be removable, you want to be able to open things up for heat.
Before weather winter weather really begins, you should inspect the gazebo roof. Minor holes and tears are not a problem during dry weather, but they do become an issue later. Saving yourself the hassle of sitting under a drip is worth it.
Furniture That Can Handle the Cold
This is where people make mistakes the most. Your summer diy furniture is probably a bad idea for this. Pick pieces that won’t suffer from rising damp, and cold temperatures.
Wooden furniture works, but it needs weatherproofing. Bring cushions back into storage after use. Rattan furniture is a great look, but not ideal for winter weather.
Throws and blankets are a good way to maximize comfort while layering them. Wrapping them up outside is indeed a whole other level of cozy. Because of this, you want to look for outdoor specific fabrics that won’t get musty from moisture.
Winter Lighting
Good lighting is a must during winter days. It’s dark by half past four, and this means that you want to have some good lighting available. String lights are a great addition for the ambiance and work all year around. Battery powered LED candles give off the flicker of a candle without the frustrations of getting blown out by the wind. If you’re looking for something a little more permanent, outdoor floor lamps designed for covered spaces can work.
This lighting needs to be bright, you’re trying to set an atmosphere rather than be flooded with lights. Make sure to go with a warmer color temperature so you’re creating a more welcoming atmosphere.
What actually makes you want to use it
It’s boredom that is the main reason winter gazebos are left and not used. Finding something special to use it for is the key to getting it some use. If you want to give it an outdoor bar be my guest. Another good option is to set up a coffee station. If you have to work and you’re on the phone, which gazebo takes your gaze off the same four walls, you have an idea of palm reading while looking for a buzzy. Reading works great in this nook, just make sure you have decent lighting.
Very often, hot tubs and gazebos are placed next to each other, most likely because they have a really good connection. You have an area to relax, and your shelter from the rain. You are also able to use the gazebo when it is cold outside. If the winter cold isn’t something a gardening like, you can use the gazebo to plot your gardening and it can serve as a potting station.
Fungus and Green Stuff
Wintertime can be really depressing when there is a a lot of gardening, but it doesn’t have to be. You can include plants like bushes, and it can help the place be more put together and help it have a theme. Some plants like winter jasmin and hellebores can help add bright colors to your garden as well.
You can use materials like vases and put some of them using some branches, and they can help bring some class to the winter to go along with the plants.
The Practical Bits
If you want to have a fire in the gazebo, make sure you pack the matches and put them in a place where you can access them easily. You should also pack some other materials like a blanket to tuck in when it is really cold. If you don’t have these materials, it can become a real hassle counting them and it can really suck the mood in the whole area.
If you are using winter heater, make sure to put the cables in a place where they no interact with wet grass. If something bad goes with the wet grass and cables, you can have something like outside rated extension leads to help with the cables.
If your gazebo does not already have gutters, we recommend installing some. Getting soaking wet from water cascading off the roof and cold water splashing on the ground as you try to walk in and out of the structure is pretty unpleasant for everyone. Getting the water away from your gazebo also helps avoid the unpleasantness of a bog forming in the area surrounding the gazebo.
Making It Work for Your Situation
Not every gazebo is suitable for year-round use. For example, pop-up models probably won’t stand up to bad weather and aren’t worth adding a heater to. On the other hand, if you have a permanent structure with a solid roof, it is a great idea to use it in the winter.
How your winter is can also play a role. In some places, the winter is truly harsh with heavy snow, so you can only use the structure on the milder days. But for the majority of the UK, where winter = a lot of rain and cold, you can setup the gazebo in a way that extends your outdoor season for many extra months.
The first initial cost of adding heating and lighting to the structure and weatherproofing can seem considerable. However, if you spread it out over the years of use it won’t seem so bad, and it is ultimately satisfying to have an outdoor structure that can be enjoyed in any weather.
Winter can be contemplative and quiet, with the beauty of the surrounding nature to be enjoyed. Instead of only being able to enjoy the gear and wait for spring to arrive, let your gazebo be the outdoor structure that you can truly enjoy.