Seriously, let's talk hot tub gazebos

[Cajun_Mike]

I'm here in South Louisiana where it rains a lot and the mosquitos will fly away with you.  I also am a single guy that has visions of me in my hot tub with my flavors of the month sipping frozen margaritas..... well, just let your mind go from there...

Anyways...  I plan on putting up a fence in my backyard in case things progress to the point where I need some privacy but somehow that doesnt seem like enough...   I like the idea of a gazebo with a roof to get out of the rain, to provide additional protection for my spa from the harsh South Louisiana elements (sun, heat, rain) and to get away from the mosquitos..  thinking I can mount a bug zapper in the roof of the gazebo or right at it's entrance...

I like the look of the NW gazebos banff http://www.nwgazebos.com/banff.html  with the combination sliding window and blinds but several spa dealers have stated that the redwood just does not hold up down south and they all recommend getting one custom made out of cypress.  Anyone know of anything that I should look at or consider that would be similar in style to the ones from NW gazebos?  

The Tamihi from visscherspecialty doesnt look bad either but I'm worried about the longevity of that redwood down south.  

http://www.visscherspecialty.com/products/wood/wood-roof-tamihi.html

[Brewman]

If you go the bug zapper route, don't place it to close to your spa.  These machines tend to attract more insects then they can kill.  Better to give the zapper to your neighbor as a gift, and let them attract all the bugs over there.
Brewman

[twok99]

Mike, I have a NW Gazebo 10x14 Cascade with Cedar roof, not metal.  I'm in NJ.  We love it, it keeps the rain and snow out exceptionally well and gives us privacy from the neighbors.  We got it as a kit and my son and I put it together in a day.  NOTE:  NW Gazebo uses only CEDAR, not REDWOOD.  That is one of the main reasons I bought their product, I did not want Redwood since it does not wear as well as Cedar.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

[spahappy]

Cajon Mike,
Check out the mosquito deleto by coleman it works great! Intall it now and in two to three weeks your yard will be mosquito free for the rest of the season.
This is our second year with it, with all the west nile virus outbreaks, I wouldn't be without it.
                                             Spahappy

[Cajun_Mike]

Mike, I have a NW Gazebo 10x14 Cascade with Cedar roof, not metal.  I'm in NJ.  We love it, it keeps the rain and snow out exceptionally well and gives us privacy from the neighbors.  We got it as a kit and my son and I put it together in a day.  NOTE:  NW Gazebo uses only CEDAR, not REDWOOD.  That is one of the main reasons I bought their product, I did not want Redwood since it does not wear as well as Cedar.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Would you happen to have some digital pictures of you gazebo that you can share?

I am not a wood specialist... in fact I am a total idiot to such things...   What is supposed to be the longevity of cedar and how often do you need to seal it ?  How much maintenance will it need over time?  Also, if you dont mind how much did you pay and did you get any quotes on having someone piece it together for you?

[Chas]

I have sold a bunch of gazebos over the years, and I have found a few things to be true:

1. A wood roof is a bad idea. Unless you spend a couple days cleaning/sanding/resealing it every three months.

2. Redwood and Cedar have one thing in common: They are both wood. And soft wood at that.

3. The very best wood gazebo builders are not furniture makers: they don't fit together perfectly, they don't seal perfectly, and they don't stay straight and true. How can they? They are mass-produced out of a soft wood.

4. If you can afford wood, you can afford vinyl. Why? Because you'll be replacing some or all of the wood in a few years anyway.

Seriously, I have had so many problems with wood gazebos over the years, mainly just people coming back in 4 or 5 years and telling me that their gazebo needs major repair - and how dissapointed they are in me for selling them something that didn't last.  I have started to tell people about the short life expectantcies of outdoor wood products.

I read a cute little saying that tends to sum up my feelings about these products: Wood is good, Vinyl is final.

Now - the main drawback of vinyl is the price. Also, there aren't as many makers of vinyl gazebos, so your choices are a bit limited - though I think that will change in the near future.

Finally, I will admit that I have customers who have purchased wood gazebos, and who don't mind taking proper care of them. These people have enjoyed the looks of the product, and they are very happy with their choice. These are usually people who also stain or reseal their wood fences and decks anyway, so a bit more wood is no problem for them. If you like wood and don't mind the work of keeping it - then more power to you.

[Wisoki]

IMHO all prefabricated "snap together" gazebos are crap. I've sold quite a few myself, and have to agree with pretty much all of Chaz' post. Except I think ALL spa enclosures are a waste of money. If your neighbors have nothing better to do than watch you hottubbin' they need to get a life or chang their name to Kravitz. If rain is an issue, get a Sunbrella that can be closed when it's not raining so you can enjoy the night sky. Just MY opinions.

[Rboehme]

I agree with Wisoki.

Robert

[twok99]

I have pix but don't know how to insert them into a reply.  Anyone want to send me instructions.  Or send me your e-mail address and I will mail them to you.