Thinking of adding an amazing outdoor living space to your home? There’s a rising trend among Indian families that seek ways to profit from the beauty of their gardens while still being able to shield themselves from a scorching sun or an unpredictable shower. In that case, a gazebo would be a perfect fit for you. The trend of these outdoor structures is spreading rapidly in different cities of India, encompassing stylish terraces in the heart of Mumbai, as well as beautiful, vast open areas of bungalows in Bangalore. Whether you need a tranquil corner for sipping tea in the morning or an outdoor area decorated for upcoming festivals, gazebos give the perfect answer to changing climatic conditions.
What is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is an independent outdoor structure that usually has a roof and open sides. It is a room that allows you to stay in contact with nature and at the same time keeps you comfortable. Such structures differ in shape – circular, square, or rectangular, and can be made of different materials such as wood, metal, or bamboo.
The primary function of a gazebo is to offer a habitable outdoor space that is protected from natural elements. A gazebo can be used to sit and relax in the garden during the monsoons when it is raining heavily outside. In summer, it can be a place where one can get relief from the scorching heat.
Types of Gazebos
Patio Gazebo
Patio gazebos are mainly built for outdoor seating and as a relaxation area. They are commonly 10×10 feet or 12×12 feet, so they are very suitable for Indian homes with medium-sized outdoor spaces. These constructions generally have built-in seating or space for outdoor furniture.
Pop-up & Party Gazebo
Party tent gazebos are large, impressive structures perfect for hosting large gatherings, accommodating 20-50 people. Ideal for Indian joint families who love to host celebrations, they provide ample space for entertainment. On the other hand, pop-up gazebos are great for temporary events and festivals, offering quick, tool-free assembly. These versatile gazebos provide flexibility and convenience, making them perfect for smaller events or outdoor gatherings, ensuring comfort and shelter for your guests.
Permanent Gazebo
Houses with permanent gazebos are constructed to be there for a long time with a strong foundation and high-quality materials. They require careful planning and, in most cases, need building permissions in urban areas. These buildings increase your property’s value considerably.
Canopy Gazebo
Fabric tops and metal frames are the main features of canopy gazebos, which are cheap alternatives to typical gazebos. They can be disassembled during a thunderstorm or other harsh weather conditions, making them very user-friendly during Indian monsoons.
Grill Gazebo
Grill gazebos have the addition of a ventilation system and heat-resistant materials due to their feature of enabling outdoor cooking. They’re turning out to be more popular in Indian metros, where people love doing barbecues on weekends and conducting outdoor cooking sessions.
Pergola-Style Gazebo
Pergola-style gazebos feature open tops with crossbeams or rafters, allowing partial sunlight to filter through while maintaining their elegant structure. These gazebos not only serve their functional purpose but also enhance beauty when complemented by the right choice of climbing plants, creating a harmonious blend of nature and design.
Pavilion Gazebo
Pavilion gazebos are large, rectangular structures that resemble traditional Indian pavilions, often adorned with intricate design details. These versatile gazebos are frequently used as outdoor dining halls for extended families, providing ample space for gatherings and adding a touch of grandeur to any outdoor setting.
Wooden Gazebo
Traditional materials like teak, sal, or mango wood are the main materials used for wooden gazebos which are visually beautiful and also have great natural durability. In the case of teak, these gazebos can be between ₹80,000 to ₹2,50,000 based on the size and level of workmanship of the handcrafted piece of work.
Metal Gazebo
Metal gazebos constructed from steel or aluminum are very sturdy and almost maintenance-free. Such constructions can survive strong winds and even heavy rainfalls. However, they require special coatings like paint or polish to survive humid climatic conditions.
Bamboo Gazebo
Bamboo gazebos are a sustainable option and have become popular all over the country. They cost less than the wooden ones by a large margin, generally ₹25,000 to ₹70,000. In addition, they are a very good match for traditional Indian architectural styles.
Pros and Cons of Gazebos
Advantages
- Gazebos profoundly expand your available outdoor area, thus allowing you to relish your garden throughout the year, no matter what the weather is like.
- They become the main factor for your property to rise in price- usually, they can increase the value of your home by 6-8% based on Indian real estate experts’ assessments.
- These buildings are ideal to provide protection from the harsh sun and sudden showers, while offering the ability to enjoy the fresh outdoor atmosphere.
- They are the best places to have your guests entertained during festivals and family gatherings as they can easily take in a big Indian joint family.
- Gazebos can be used for different activities, such as dining or meditation, thus being really good investments for multipurpose functions.
- They provide the chance of having the outdoors inside your house without having to give up built-space or comfort.
Disadvantages
- The cost of construction for a new indoor garden room can be quite expensive; you can expect to spend a minimum of ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 depending on the size and materials you choose.
- These types of rooms need regular maintenance or else they might end up damaged, especially during the monsoon season when the wood and metal parts will have to be taken care of with a special oil or paint to prevent rotting and rusting.
- Some cities in India may require a building permit before you can build a gazebo, which will only add more time and money to your project.
- You lose the option to use open space for landscaping or constructing a building.
- Poor construction or the use of cheap materials may become the cause of a safety problem in the case of strong winds or heavy rains.
- Certain designs may become infested with insects or turn into mosquito breeding grounds if they are not properly cleaned or maintained.
How to Build a Gazebo: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Site Selection and Preparation
It is advisable to select a level site that has good drainage and is away from large trees that might drop their branches or leaves. Mark the selected area with chalk powder which is a bright and easy-to-see colour, and make sure that the area has not less than 2 feet left free on each side, as this is necessary for the unhampered movement of construction machinery and workers.
2. Foundation Work
At each corner, dig foundation holes at least 2-3 feet deep, and if necessary, dig in the center points as well. The holes should be at least 12 inches wide so that precast concrete footing can be properly accommodated, which are the basic structural members for providing stability to the structure. Consult a structural engineer to determine accurate foundation requirements.
3. Concrete Footings
Pour in concrete footings and allow them to set for at least 48-72 hours in regular weather conditions. During the monsoon season, make sure there is a suitable covering to avoid water damage during the setting process.
4. Frame Construction
Make the frame from the material of your choice, be it wood, metal, or bamboo, and make sure that all the measurements are right. Use a spirit level to check that all the posts are perfectly vertical before you fix them permanently.
5. Joint Assembly
Make sure that all the joints in your structure are securely fixed with the use of the right fasteners, such as galvanised bolts for wood or welding for metal. For wooden structures, drilling holes is required so that the wood does not split when it is being put together.
6. Roof Structure Installation
The residential roof structure should be installed with a proper slope that will facilitate the drainage of rainwater during the monsoons. The pitch of the roof shouldn’t be less than 15 degrees so that rains can be effectively managed without any water pooling on the roof.
7. Roofing Material:
Depending on your design and budget, you can choose to add a roofing material like tin sheets, clay tiles or go for traditional thatch. During heavy rains, water leakage can be avoided if the sheets are properly overlapped; hence, it is very important to ensure that water tightness is achieved in your roofing system.
8. Protective Finishing
To ensure an extended life, the application of protective coatings – weather-resistant wood stain for wooden gazebos or anti-rust primer and paint for metal roofing structures must be included. For the best outcome, ensure proper drying between each coat.
Cost of Building a Gazebo
The cost of building a basic wooden pavilion-style gazebo in India typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 for materials. However, the overall cost increases when you factor in labour charges. Ready-made gazebo kits, measuring 10 ft x 12 ft, are available for ₹50,000 to ₹90,000, depending on design and quality. Additional costs for customisation, installation, and finishing can affect the final price.
For a DIY gazebo, prices vary,
- Gazebo Kit Price: ₹15,000 – ₹3,75,000 (depending on size and material)
- Additional Materials: ₹3,500 – ₹15,000 (for anchors, sealant, bolts)
- Tools Needed: ₹3,500 – ₹22,000 (for tools like drill, wrench set, level)
Pre-made Kit Installation: ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,50,000
Custom-built Gazebo: ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,80,000 (₹4,500 to ₹7,500 per sq. ft.)
These costs may vary based on local pricing and customisation.
Conclusion
For Indian homeowners, gazebos are a brilliant, cost-effective way to upgrade their outdoor living spaces. From an array of diverse designs and price ranges, every home can find a gazebo solution that fits their needs perfectly. Indeed, equipped with the right plan and project, a prolonged period of joyful outdoor leisure will be yours, irrespective of whether your choice turns out to be the classical bamboo or the sleek metal version. It is advisable to turn to seasoned construction professionals such as Brick & Bolt, who are well-versed with the local building regulations, as they can provide you with the right guidance for your gazebo project to be a long-lasting investment in your property.