Adding a gazebo, pergola, or ramada in your yard

The weather is finally getting nicer and most likely you'll be spending plenty of time in an outdoor space. Why not turn your backyard into a real oasis by adding a gazebo, cabana, or ramada?

When Shade is Needed

When it comes to your next landscaping project, you'll want to take into consideration where you live and the outdoor space.

When you're designing a backyard landscape, be it adding lush greens, colorful flowers, or perhaps a swimming pool to an outdoor living space, there's one thing you shouldn't leave out: shaded space.

One of the most popular custom backyard features is a covered patio or area. Think of an outdoor shade structure for your outdoor space that might include a ramada, pergola, or gazebo.

As you start dreaming and planning your new outdoor space and how fantastic your outdoor oasis it's going to be, you might be wondering how what the key differences are that these outdoor structures differ.

What is a Ramada?

A ramada is a pitched, fully covered solid roof structure, offering complete shade and shelter from rain and bad weather. It can also make a good pool house for those who have a swimming pool in their backyard.

One main key difference is that the closed solid roof holds heat which can be perfect for cooler seasons. Sometimes, it can be an extension of the home, (add an outdoor sofa, outdoor furniture) though it's typically as a free-standing structure and part of a larger project.

The ramada's ceiling can be vaulted or flat and built with one or more walls to accommodate a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, or even a television. Ramadas can be made of materials such as brick and stone, wood, or concrete and added to give pizazz to an outdoor space.

With its closed roof, a ramada can also support an electrical supply for outdoor lighting, fans, kitchen appliances, outdoor audio/video, and more.

A ramada is a terrific addition to any backyard landscaping or outdoor space project. Even think about adding a ceiling fan for even more cool breezes and lazy summer days. Whether you have a swimming pool, spa, or a glorious garden with outdoor lighting, ramadas work for relaxing and entertaining in your outdoor space.

Pretty Pergolas

Many custom pergolas have an open, latticed roof usually flat, letting in sunlight in your outdoor space but casting a full shadow depending on the time of day. Great for adding some outdoor furniture, an outdoor grill for a perfect place to entertain.

Columns or posts on a custom pergola that have a support trellis structure are great for growing vines and vegetation. Try placing near a swimming pool and/or use it for a pool house or a covered patio area to entertain.

Custom Pergolas are often built with aluminum lattice, or rough-sawn Douglas Fir that's painted or stained. These are great places for extending an existing patio in an outdoor space, placing beautiful outdoor furniture to lounge the day away, and are designed to look like an extension of the home.

You can also build your pergola with a pergola kit that can be purchased at a home improvement store, Sam's Club, or Costco.

Whether it's a custom-built pergola or a pergola kit you picked up from a home improvement store or Sam's Club or Costco, it will surely make an excellent addition to a home. Pergolas are also ideal if adding a spa or pool in an outdoor space.

However, they don't provide shelter from the elements as the lattice design lets in the sunshine or rain, but they are great for hanging out after a swim or while entertaining with friends and family in your outdoor space. Add lights on the roof and voila, you've got a romantic setting when the sun goes down.

Glorious Gazebos

A gazebo is another common share structure with a fully covered, pitched roof, and vaulted ceiling that's nice for an outdoor space. They have an overall circular shape with five or more sides, often octagonal supported by eight supporting posts.

These structures are typically made with wood, though they can also be built with steel or iron, vinyl, or aluminum.

An aluminum hardtop gazebo is usually situated in an outdoor space providing an attractive view and can be screened in on all sides to keep bugs out. They can also be fitted with an electrical supply for a fan, lighting, or television. Because of their open structure, an aluminum hard-top gazebo can make a great addition to a backyard or outdoor space with a garden, manufactured pond, or colorful landscaping. It'll give you the perfect place to sit and relax during the day or at night.

Considerations When Adding a Structure

When while creating the perfect backyard landscape with an outdoor kitchen or a simpler outdoor space, and choosing a structure, there are some main points to consider: location, style, and use.

The climate plays a big role in which materials are best for longevity because you don't want to have to replace the backyard structure after a short time in the outdoor space. The style should complement the backyard surroundings or outdoor space and your home.

As for its use, if you prefer something for entertaining any time of year, you'll want a closed-roof structure. Open or latticed roofs are better for warm summer days and nights in the outdoor space. Based on these considerations, you should be able to choose the best structure to accent your backyard or outdoor space.

Other Ideas for Shade

Trellises are lattices often used as an artistic design element for gardens and outdoor spaces. But if you put a trellis in front of a wall of the house that gets a lot of intense sun, it can create shade especially if covered with vines in your outdoor space.

Latticed arbors can offer shade on walkways in a yard but if you're still needing a little more summertime shade on your patio or outdoor space, a pergola or ramada might be better options.

Placement of Outdoor Structures

If you're planning to add a gazebo, pergola, or gazebo to your backyard or outdoor space evaluate the future location to make sure it will serve your needs and gives the best environment for the backyard structure you're planning to add.

The best sites for outdoor structures for outdoor living spaces are level and flat for the best support and drainage. Avoid adding a new outdoor shade structure to low-lying areas in the yard or outdoor living space where water tends to collect after heavy rain.

Also, avoid building a structure near immature trees or too close to a swimming pool that could interfere with the proposed site or outdoor space as they grow larger.

Think about the paths you will take through the yard to reach the outdoor shade structure. You don't want to place your backyard structure in areas of the outdoor space that will be through a flower garden or possible hazards like tree stumps or sprinklers.

Finally, opt for an area or outdoor living space that's compatible with the intended purpose of the new outdoor backyard structure. If possible, choose a site centrally located to encourage socializing and entertainment.

If you want a more private location place it near fencing, bushes, or trees. If you want to have a morning cup of coffee or quiet dinner in the new outdoor shade structure, place the backyard structure close to the house for easier access.

Research Building Codes

After deciding on the size and proposed placement of your new backyard structure for your outdoor living space, do research about local building codes and building permit needs within your community, and neighborhood.

Also check the rules of your Homeowners' Association before beginning the outdoor project as there may also be specific requirements concerning the distance of structures of your outdoor living space from public roads, utility poles, or other structures, including your home.

If you live in such a development or community of homes, you may also need to get approval from your Homeowners' Association before adding a new backyard structure to your outdoor living space.

Most HOA's limit the height of structures to preserve the site lines of surrounding homes. They may also have regulations regarding how close an outdoor shade structure may be built near fences, walls, or other structures.

Have fun this season relaxing in your pergola, gazebo, or ramada while staying cool and bug-free!

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