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Suddenly Her World's Twice as Big

An Outdoor Room With a View.

A gazebo should be a tranquil place for reflection and watching the world go by. That's why Daniel had a 12-foot Monterey built for his wife Michelle (not their real names) on their property in Los Angeles CA.

A Kind Gesture For His Wife

An outdoor room with an amazing view.

"She's in a wheelchair," Daniel said. Before they built the Monterey, Michelle spent most of her days on the porch. But after a while that would become boring for even the most patient soul. "We built a gazebo across the south where she gets a different perspective." Suddenly her world was much larger.

Daniel had the Monterey constructed by a professional contractor. "I'm an 82-year old man," he smiled. "I'm not about to put up a gazebo." Age didn't get in the way otherwise even though they had never attempted a home project of this magnitude before. Daniel was deeply involved in the adventure of selecting and ordering the gazebo, and oversaw its delivery and construction.

To get an even better perspective, Daniel and Michelle wanted the Monterey to be elevated. Even a few inches would provide a significantly grander vista. They had the contractor design and build a special ramp to a slightly raised platform floor. Pushing Michelle's wheelchair was made easier by the gradual inclination of the ramp. They built it to rise by just one inch per foot.

Construction Begins

The gazebo roof uprights are put in place.

Building an elevated 12-foot gazebo on your property is no small undertaking. They chose not to get a building permit, "although we probably should have," Daniel admitted. The actual construction took 8 days from the time they began work to the first ride up the ramp. Thankfully the contractor came recommended by a trusted friend. They were delighted with the results.

But the process wasn't without its challenges at first.

For instance, despite everything having been paid for in advance, the trucking company refused to unload the kit unless Daniel paid $150. We were pleased that he contacted us at Summerwood. We got onto the phone directly with the driver's superiors.

The kit was removed from the truck at no extra charge.

Finishing details make the difference.

Next they had to build a foundation. Daniel recalls that they used "3000 lbs of cement and 9 posts to support the floor since we were raising the floor. Under each corner we have a cement pier and one in the middle for support." The construction wouldn't have taken near as long had they not chosen to elevate the floor. "We had to let the pilings cure."

Daniel and the contractor were impressed not only with the quality of the gazebo but also the instructions that came with the kit. "At first we were concerned about leveling the tops of the piers," recalled Daniel. "There's a picture of them, and the instructions said if it doesn't fit, to put a shim (to fill the gap). But we didn't need to."

Piecing it Together Fast

Once they had the foundation ready, things came together quickly. Like a huge symmetrical puzzle, Daniel said the "flooring came in triangles that we just put together. There were eight triangles and there was a circular piece that fit in the center."

Following that, progress could be measured in hours instead of days. Summerwood kits and instructions are designed for home projecteers whose skills vary. Professionals breeze through them.

Daniel was impressed with how easily the rest came together. "There were no issues with the railings or roof at all." He paused and thought. "No, none at all."

Finishing Touches

It looks amazing from the house as well.

When it comes to decorating a gazebo most people agree that less is more. "We decided not to paint or stain it," Daniel said of their new gazebo. "We hope the cedar ages well." Summerwood products made from the highest grade west coast red cedar. So we know it will only improve with age. And Daniel will be delighted to witness it over time.

At the time of this article's publication, Daniel and Michelle have only had their Monterey for a few weeks, but "we're very happy with it," said Daniel. They have ordered furniture especially for the gazebo but it has yet to arrive. In the meanwhile Michelle's spent much of her time observing the world from her new post. "It's very lovely."

Asked whether he would undergo a project like this again, he laughed out loud and diplomatically said, "we like everything in your (Summerwood) catalog … We certainly would recommend it to anyone who's considering a gazebo." He paused and said, "but I don't think we'll ever need anything like this ever again."

Notice, though, that he didn't say never.

Before and After - The Photos

 

		Measuring out the space for the ramp. This affects everything else.			The posts and railings went together without any trouble.
		Michelle's new view of their home.			Fast work for hobbyists; a breeze for pros.
		Ready to apply the roof panels.			Nearly there...
		Final touches to the roof.			Inner symmetry!
		Sinking posts to support the ramp.			The ramp ascend an inch per foot.
		The ramp ascend an inch per foot.			Very close...
		But how will they push the wheelchair across the lawn?			A brick path leads to the ramp.
		Welcome!			Michelle's wheelchair easily glides up and down the ramp

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