In short: Gazebo with a terrace No. 25-5 is a glazed wooden gazebo with a wide open terrace built on to it, with two steps and a low wooden fence. Two arched transparent skylights are set into the hip roof, and a branching trunk with a small shelf decorates the corner of the gazebo. The size, finishing and equipment are agreed individually with each customer.
A gazebo with a terrace that is larger than the gazebo itself
In many gazebos the terrace is only a narrow strip along the walls. In this example everything is different: in front of the glazed part and to the left of it stretches a wide wooden platform whose area looks similar to that of the gazebo itself, or perhaps even larger. This creates two clear zones on the plot: an enclosed, roofed room and an open, sunny terrace.
The terrace is raised above the ground, so you climb up to it by two wide steps. They are fixed to the front edge of the terrace, next to the corner of the gazebo, so from the steps to the sliding glass it is only a few paces. The terrace floor is made of fresh, light planks, which look almost golden in the sun. Such a wide terrace means the gazebo does not have to be too big: part of summer life moves to the open platform anyway, while the enclosed room stays for cozy evenings and poorer weather.
The photo was taken on a sunny autumn day: birches are turning yellow behind the gazebo, thujas are green, and the ground around is not yet planted, as the surroundings are only being put in order. So the whole structure, its base and the edges of the terrace can be seen clearly.
The edge of the terrace is framed by a wide board covering the base beams. Thanks to it the terrace looks solid and tidy, while a gap is left under the floor for air. After rain the planks dry faster, and moisture does not collect beneath them.
Skylights: light from above
The most unusual detail of this gazebo is its skylights. Two arched transparent skylights are set into the slopes of the hip roof: one in the front slope, the other in the side slope. They rise above the roof covering like small vaults, and extra daylight falls through them into the gazebo.
Why are skylights needed if the walls are glass anyway? The glass in the walls lets in light from the side, but under the roof, especially in its middle, a darker zone still remains. The skylights light exactly that. In addition, through them you can see the sky and the branches of the trees, so in the gazebo you feel even closer to nature.
The roof is covered with a black material with a pronounced stepped pattern; the rows form a zigzag line. The dark roof together with the transparent skylights creates an interesting contrast, and the light wood below stands out even more.
Skylights do not suit every gazebo. If it stands under large trees, leaves and needles will fall on them, so they will have to be cleaned more often. In an open place, as in this photo, skylights show themselves at their best: you can see the sky through them, and in the evening you can watch it darken.
Terrace railings and steps
A low wooden fence is built along the left edge of the terrace. It consists of horizontal rails and closely spaced vertical boards, and in the corner stands a natural trunk post with a rounded top. The fence not only protects against falling off the edge of the terrace but also separates the terrace from the neighboring plot or a path and gives more privacy.
The trunk post in the corner of the terrace repeats the theme of the gazebo columns. So the terrace and the gazebo look like a single ensemble, not two separately built things. The other sides of the terrace are open in the photo, so you can climb onto the terrace from the side too.
The steps are wide and low, with gaps between the boards. Such steps are comfortable for both children and older people. The position of the steps and the fence depends on the plot and the path, so it is worth discussing when you order.
If you plan a higher terrace or the plot has a slope, more railings may be needed, for example on two or three sides. In that case they can be made in the same style as in the photo, with natural trunk posts at the corners.
The glazed part and the trunk column
The gazebo itself is an enclosed, glazed room. Large sections of sliding glass are fitted at the front, and on the right side the glass runs along the whole length of the wall. The left wall is clad with wide vertical boards with a natural, wavy edge; it is closed and shelters from the wind from that side.
At the front right corner stands a branching trunk. One of its limbs rises upward and holds up the roof, and a small shelf is fixed between the limbs. One more trunk with a natural bend can be seen at the right end. Through the glass you can also see the interior: there is a solid wooden chair with a high back and a table, resembling rustic, handmade furniture.
The base frame of the gazebo can be seen under the glass, on the right side. The terrace is set right up against the front of the gazebo, so from it you go straight to the sliding glass. With the glass pushed aside, the terrace and the interior join into one large space, which is especially convenient when there are many guests and you want to move around freely.
The glass frames are dark and narrow, so the large glass planes look light. Through them you can see the row of thujas behind the gazebo, and in the sun the glass reflects the terrace and the sky. The left board wall balances this lightness and gives the structure an impression of solidity.
Two zones, more possibilities
A gazebo with an open terrace lets you choose where to be according to the weather and your mood:
- on a sunny morning, breakfast on the terrace in the fresh air;
- at hot midday, retreating under the roof into the shade;
- on a windy or cool evening, dinner in the glazed room with the glass closed;
- at a celebration, guests spread between the terrace and the interior, so nobody lacks space.
Because the terrace has no roof, you can also put things on it that are too cramped or too dark in the gazebo: large plant pots, loungers or a garden parasol. In the evening the terrace can be lit with lanterns or garlands, and it will become a cozy place to sit under the open sky.
The terrace has room for loungers, chairs, a large table or pots of flowers. It can also become a place where children play while the adults sit nearby in the gazebo. Laukbaldis also makes oak outdoor furniture, so furniture for the terrace and the gazebo can be ordered together; you will find it in the section oak garden furniture.
What to discuss when planning a terrace with railings
The photo shows only one typical example, so the size and shape of the terrace are agreed to suit your plot. Before calling, think about:
- how large a terrace you need and on which side of the gazebo it will be;
- whether railings are needed, where they will be and what shape;
- how many steps you will need, which depends on the slope of the plot and the height of the floor;
- whether you want skylights and how many there should be;
- how many walls of the gazebo to glaze and which to leave closed.
The direction of the terrace is especially important. If it faces south or west, it will get a lot of sun and warmth, which suits those who like sunbathing or spending evenings in the light of the sunset. If you want more shade, the terrace can be planned on the eastern side or where trees shelter it.
Look at other similar works too: the gazebo with a wooden terrace and a low fence No. 25-9, the farmstead gazebo by a pond No. 25-4 and the gazebo for a small yard with a low wooden fence No. 25-10. You will find all the examples in the section wooden gazebos.
Care of an open terrace, and ordering
An open terrace gets more sun and rain than a gazebo under a roof, so its upkeep needs more attention. Every spring inspect the floor planks, the steps and the fence. When the surface becomes paler or water no longer beads up, renew the coating made for exterior wood. It is worth checking the steps and the top of the fence more often, because they are used most and water stays longer on horizontal surfaces. Sweep leaves, sand and snow off the terrace regularly, especially off the steps so that they do not become slippery.
Wash the skylights from time to time and clear them of leaves so that they stay transparent. Clean the tracks of the sliding glass of sand. Inspect the places where the trunk limbs branch more carefully, because water can stay there.
UAB “Laukbaldis” has been making wooden products since 1996 and, according to the company, was the first in Lithuania to start making this production. The company is based in Dapkiškių village, Tauragės district. To order a similar gazebo, call and quote No. 25-5. You will discuss the size of the gazebo and the terrace, the railings, the steps, the skylights and the glazing.
Frequently asked questions
What are skylights in a gazebo for?
Skylights let in light from above and light up the middle under the roof, where less light gets in through the glass in the walls. You can also see the sky and the branches of trees through them.
Can the terrace be a different size?
Yes, the photo shows only a typical example. The size, shape and position of the terrace are agreed when you order, taking your plot into account.
Are railings necessary?
In the photo the railings are built on only one edge of the terrace. Whether they are needed and where depends on the height of the terrace, the plot and your wishes.
Why does the terrace need steps?
The terrace is raised above the ground so that air can circulate beneath it and the planks dry faster. The steps help you climb up comfortably and safely, and their number depends on the height of the terrace.
How do I look after an open terrace?
Inspect the planks and steps every spring, and when the surface becomes paler, renew the coating made for exterior wood. Sweep off leaves and snow regularly.
How do I order gazebo No. 25-5?
Call us and quote No. 25-5. We will discuss the size of the gazebo and the terrace, the railings, the skylights and the glazing.
