Where To Put A Gazebo In Your Backyard

With the right layout and design, your backyard can be a personal oasis, entertainment space, or extension of your living area. A popular addition to the landscape is a gazebo, whether for a dining or seating area or a secret getaway. But where should you put a gazebo in your backyard?

Position your gazebo away from your house for more privacy and a sense of escape. Choose a location away from trees and plants. This way, your gazebo provides shade elsewhere in your yard and also doesn’t cast shadows that could damage certain plants. Select an area of ground that is flat and level with good drainage.

Gazebos come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, but they all have one thing in common: all gazebos provide a covered structure that can elevate your backyard space. Placing your gazebo in the perfect position depends on how you intend to use it and the available space in your yard.

The primary consideration for where to place your gazebo depends on how you plan to use it. If you want it to be a main entertaining space, you likely want it closer to your home. This position puts your gazebo in the middle of the action so people don’t feel removed from the rest of the party.

For example, if you plan for the gazebo to house a main dining area, keep it close to the outdoor kitchen area. If the space’s main purpose is to provide a sheltered gathering place for party guests to mingle, it should be near the main entertainment spaces.

Likewise, if you live in a smaller home, your goal for the gazebo might be as an extension of your living space. Therefore, having it close to your house can help you achieve this effect.

However, if you want your backyard gazebo to function more as an oasis or peaceful retreat, choose a more private location. Aim to put the gazebo between 20 and 30 feet away from the house, so that it provides privacy without being secluded.

But if absolute seclusion is your goal, tuck the gazebo into a far corner of your yard. The more distant placement allows for a sense of a complete getaway. Of course, how secluded the gazebo is depends on the overall size of your yard, but you get the idea.

Another thing to consider when choosing the best spot for your gazebo is how the sun shines in your yard. Get familiar with the sunniest parts of the yard and pay attention to the time of day. If your goal is to create a shady retreat in these spots, you’ll need to know where they are.

For example, imagine you spend a lot of time outside in the afternoons, playing with kids or enjoying a picnic lunch. If midday the sun shines brightest in the middle of your yard, then this is a great spot for your gazebo.

On the other hand, what if you love to read in the mornings in a secluded corner of your yard? However, this spot faces the east, so you end up with lots of sun right where you want to enjoy your latest novel. In this case, this could be the best place for a gazebo.

Once you nail down the primary purpose of your gazebo, look for an area with limited plants and trees. There are a few reasons to find a spot away from lots of foliage.

For one, the gazebo provides the perfect shady spot, so putting it under trees is a bit of overkill. The trees already provide shade to that part of the yard, so choose a sunnier location for your gazebo so you can add another shaded option to your backyard space.

Second, placing your gazebo next to plants will cast a shadow on your greenery. If your plants need sunshine to thrive, you’re taking it away from them. Therefore, know your landscaping and foliage, and consider them when choosing the spot for your gazebo.

Since you can’t control the sun or the size of your yard, it’s important to figure out the how and where first. Then, it’s necessary to think about the foundation. A level plot of ground is essential for your gazebo. It provides better support, stability, and weight distribution for the structure.

Of course, if the perfect spot for your gazebo isn’t level, take the necessary time to level your yard first. Another critical factor is how well that area of your yard drains when it rains. You don’t want your gazebo to end up sitting in puddles of standing water or taking on water for long periods.

You can place a gazebo on grass, but keep in mind you’ll kill the grass beneath it. If you want to keep the grass, look for pop-up style gazebos that don’t have a floor and are open on all four sides. This design allows for optimal airflow and doesn’t block the grass.

If the gazebo doesn’t have a floor, you also have to consider the extra challenge of keeping the grass trimmed. However, if you don’t mind the grass in this area dying, an option is to lay down weed cloth and cover it with an outdoor rug. You could also lay down a grass mat, cover it with crushed stone or gravel, then put a rug on top to create a more finished look.

It’s best to anchor your gazebo in the ground, even if only using it temporarily. Otherwise, you open the door to accidents and mishaps you could easily prevent.

You can use several methods to anchor your gazebo, depending on the foundation. If you put the gazebo on grass, you can use stakes, tent pegs, or concrete footings to anchor the gazebo. When placing the gazebo on concrete, you need to drill into the ground to install the proper anchors.

Consider the style of the gazebo, how and where you use it, and the foundation to choose the most appropriate anchor method. Also, consider whether you want the gazebo to be a permanent or temporary structure.

The best way to ensure you find the perfect spot for your gazebo is to take your time planning. Assess your backyard space and decide how and when you’ll use your gazebo the most. If you want an extension of your living space or an entertainment spot, choose a location close to your house.

However, for a more private retreat, position the gazebo about 20 to 30 feet away from your home. Once you have a rough idea of where you’ll put the gazebo, choose a level plot of ground. Plan to anchor the gazebo into place, and then sit back and enjoy your new backyard oasis.