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As already mentioned there are at least 13 factors to consider when choosing a gazebo. One of the most important factors is its intended use. More common uses are one or a combination of these: 1) Yard or garden ornamentation. 2) Weather shelter 3) Insect shelter 4) Gathering or relaxing place 5) Spa enclosure Knowing what the gazebo is going to be used for is generally a known factor before choosing a design. It also highly determines what gazebo's will be considered and rules out many of the possibilities. 1) Yard or garden ornamentation: Various materials may be used here but metal gazebos are especially popular when lightweight accenting of the landscape is desired. Bulkier and heavy wood construction tend to make a dominating feature if that is what is preferred. Since the use is more ornamental than anything open wall and roofless frame gazebos offer very ornamental yet unimposing options. Centered in a garden they define a place intended for gathering or tranquil space for relaxing yet leave one with the feeling of natural and open surroundings. Metal gazebos fit this purpose well and can provide rustic and antique charm especially when incorporated with surrounding plants, vines, trellises, lights, wind chimes, and even birdhouses . 2) Weather Shelter : Obviously the type of weather that the shelter is meant to provide is important. While metal gazebos with canopy roofs and even wall canvas are ideal for protection from the sun and light rain while one dines or relaxes if shelter is needed from forceful winds and rain wood gazebos with total enclosure are needed. Lightweight framing is not desirable for protection from harsher conditions. When installing metal gazebo's with roof or wall canvas it is necessary to properly anchor the framing in case of strong weather and it is essential to remove the canvas during winter months in snowy areas. 3) Insect shelter: Heavy enclosed structures as well as light weight gazebos with mosquito netting are both suitable for this purpose. Inexpensive metal gazebo kits are a popular choice for this purpose as they provide full surrounding protection where people can sit and enjoy the outdoors without feeling closed in. 4) Gathering or relaxing place: If the gazebo is more of a zone defining feature a lightweight roofless design is recommended to provide an open air feeling. Without walls or doors to navigate they can be very accessible and non confining. Roofs can be employed or not depending on the situation. For large gathering areas such as picnic areas roofs are generally preferred and can be wood or metal frame. For smaller areas possibly containing a couple of chairs and a table in a garden area, uncovered metal gazebo's are hugely popular. 5) Spa enclosure: Gazebos offer enclosure,privacy and shelter from the elements. Equipped with lighting the spa can be enjoyed at night. Metal gazebos are rarely employed for this purpose with redwood and cedar or occasionally vinyl being the popular types. As a spa enclosure gazebos usually are fully en closable with screened or glass windows and doors. However there are some cabana style polycarbonate gazebo products available that are more of a roof system that offer protection from ultraviolet rays.
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