Ken and Jennifer Bickel enjoy a relaxing moment with their golden retriever in the shade of their wooden gazebo. (photo by John Gregory) The square-shaped wooden gazebo is situated near their back door and serves as an outdoor living area. An outdoor couch sits within, along with a few chairs. A special indoor-outdoor rug is both mold- and mildew-free. Chandelier lighting has been installed in the center and an outdoor heater gives warmth on those cooler nights. The color of the lighting can be adjusted to set any mood. Ken added rain gutters and shades that can be rolled down on three sides, providing both shade and insulation. They help retain warm air on cold days and the family has already been able to sit inside the gazebo to enjoy an occasional rain storm.
They purchased the gazebo kit from Costco and Ken, with the help of their 13-year-old son, Colin, put the project together.
It’s pre-cut, pre-drilled. Everything came with it; all the pieces you need, all the screws. It took about 12 hours to assemble it,” Ken explained.
“They did it in several days. It took over a week, a couple of weeks,” Jennifer added.
The new gazebo is perfect for family gatherings as well as entertaining guests. It’s a pleasant addition to their backyard which is bursting with a colorful garden along the back fence overlooking a canyon. The back garden is highlighted by a babbling fountain and a smaller metal gazebo with a bistro set which provides a different vantage point.
One corner of the back yard has a hot tub. A peek around the corner reveals a wide strip of grass, bushes and citrus trees. Raised garden boxes alongside the house are watered by a drip line on a timer and filled with plants. Meanwhile, a bouquet of freshly-picked onions from the garden sat upon a wooden tray within the new gazebo, further accenting this colorful, livable and thriving backyard.
