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San Cristobal: When the sun's too much Angelina B says: "the open windows are wonderful."

Fun and Function in Gazebo Forms

From a spa enclosures to just a great place to sit and enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful summer afternoon, the reasons people choose to build a gazebo are as varied as the people themselves (and the selection of gazebos we offer).

But all gazebo owners agree on one thing: gazebos make you feel great. We at Summerwood believe that's all the excuse you need but found many others after talking with owners.

Protection from the sun

San Cristobal: Jeanne L or Kansas City appreciates being in nature but not the bugs.

You may think of a gazebo as something from earlier, simpler times. Yet given the concerns we all feel about sun exposure these days, a gazebo in your garden or on your vacation property may be more relevant than ever.

Consider. The sun's at its strongest when you're taller than your shadow. That's the best time to be in the shade. But that's also one of the best times to be outside. No problem, says Cheryl S of Toronto, Canada: "Our gazebo's partially shady during the prime hours, then we get the sun in the evenings."

Family time in an outdoor dining room

It's true that the sun is the best source of vitamin D but this essential nutrient is also found in many common foods, from fish to milk to beef and liver. And what better place to enjoy those foods than your gazebo? "We have lunch and dinner out there every day all summer," says Cheryl.

Montpellier: During the crucial hours it's shady, but sunny and warm in the evenings, says Cheryl S of Toronto, Canada.

A place to relax and find peace

Slowing down and taking a breather is something we all could benefit from doing more. It's a matter of health and it feels great. Angelina B of Orange County California loves sitting with friends and having coffee in her San Cristobal gazebo. She believes, "It inspires conversation." Upon entering her gazebo, Angelina instantly feels relaxed.

The same goes for Matt W of Illinois, who loves to just sit and pass the time in his San Cristobal, especially after a hearty session of gardening. To enhance the experience, Matt has wired his gazebo. A ceiling fan keeps the air flowing on hot days. Then at nights, "I have the light shine into the cupola for a little lighthouse effect."

San Cristobal: Matt W of Illinois installed cable TV but no phone.

Front rows seats for nature's biggest shows

Relaxing and sipping wine in their San Cristobal gazebo has become a nightly ritual for Jeanne and Marc L of Kansas City, while enjoying the sunset and sounds coming from their pond. "We especially love it when we're in there and a huge summer storm comes up." The distinctive feature of the San Cristobal is the windows, which they like to "leave open to experience the full force of it."

But the windows are also screened in, so Marc and Jeanne don't have to experience the mosquitoes. Matt W appreciates that feature too: "Here in the Midwest, the bugs will drive you nuts."

And as Matt already said, not going nuts is the primary purpose of owning his gazebo.

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