How long do wooden gazebos & pergolas last?

How long do wooden structures such gazebos & pergolas really last? Does it depend on the type of wood, or how you lay it onto the ground? Our owner David shares his expert knowledge!

Out and about?

We’ve got you covered! See a transcript of our video here:

So how long do wooden gazebos last? If it’s a pressure-treated softwood, that should be fine for probably 30 to 40 years.

A Cedar (Western Red Cedar) gazebo should last a little bit longer, because it’s got its own natural preservatives.

And then, coming back to good ol’ English Oak - either on the staddle stones [or equivalent], or straight onto the ground, it will be there 80 to 100 years without any need of maintenance.

Thanks for reading our blog! If you have any other pressing questions, don’t hesitate to let our team know and we’d be more than happy to answer them.

A Successful Coffee Morning for Macmillan

On Friday 29th we hosted our very first Macmillan Coffee Morning, with plenty of cakes, tea, coffee and bacon sarnies! It being our first one, we weren’t sure if we’d have anyone come and join us, or if the Shire Oak team would be going home with lots of cakes. To our surprise, we had a lovely turnout of people who were all so incredibly generous with donations.

We are proud to share that we raised a brilliant and heartwarming £650 for Macmillan!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, contributed, and enjoyed a morning in the sunshine with us. Your support is invaluable and it will go a long way in aiding Macmillan's tireless efforts to provide essential support to those affected by cancer.

Thank you once again for being a part of our Macmillan Coffee Morning. Your kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference, we can’t wait for the next one! Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives from Shire Oak very soon.

Is Cedar a Good Choice for Wooden Gazebos?

We are excited to introduce our brand new range of Cedar Wood gazebos and pergolas. Western Red Cedar is a more affordable option, whilst still being an extremely durable, weatherproof and aesthetic wood. It is a softwood with a spicy aroma and natural insect-repelling capabilities, as well as holding it’s own natural preservatives, making it perfect for our garden wooden structures.

Cedar has been cherished by craftsmen and homeowners for centuries (some houses in Canada even use it for their roofs!), and is famous for its natural beauty, durability and versatility. It’s unqiue combination of qualities make it an ideal choice for a wide range of outdoor applications, including our gazebos and pergolas.

So, what is so great about cedar wood?

Natural Beauty:

Cedar wood boasts a stunning natural hue that ranges from pale yellows to deep, rich reds, adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Its grain patterns are intricate and visually appealing, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the aesthetics of wood.

Durability:

Cedar wood is naturally resistant to decay, rot and insect infestations. This remarkable resistance comes from the wood's natural oils and compounds, which serve as a defense mechanism against the elements. This means that your cedar gazebo or pergola will stand strong for many years, even in challenging outdoor conditions.

Lightweight and Easy to Work With:

Cedar wood is relatively lightweight compared to some other hardwoods, making it easier to handle and work with during the construction process. This quality is especially valuable for crafting intricate and bespoke structures.

Aromatic Fragrance:

One of the unique characteristics of cedar wood is its delightful, natural aroma. The scent acts as a natural insect repellent and adds a pleasant fragrance to your outdoor space, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Environmentally Friendly:

Cedar wood is a sustainable choice. It's renewable and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint.

Low Maintenance:

Unlike some other wood types that require extensive maintenance, cedar wood requires minimal upkeep. Periodic sealing or staining is recommended to enhance its longevity and preserve its natural color, but overall, it's a low-maintenance choice.

Why choose Western Red Cedar wood for your gazebo or pergola?

Timeless Elegance:

Cedar's rich, warm colors and beautiful grain patterns will make your gazebo or pergola a timeless addition to your outdoor space. Whether you're seeking a classic or modern look, cedar wood can complement any style.

Longevity:

When you invest in a cedar gazebo or pergola, you're investing in the future. Cedar's natural resistance to the elements ensures that your structure will remain sturdy and beautiful for many years.

Customisation:

Cedar wood is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your unique preferences. If you need a bespoke structure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team!

If you're ready to transform your outdoor space with the enduring beauty of cedar wood, contact us today. Our team of skilled woodworkers are eager to create a cedar structure that will elevate your outdoor living experience to a whole new level.

Pre-Made Roof Panel Service

Our unique roof panel service saves hours of assembly time! Rather than getting up on the roof and fitting each individual cedar shingle and oak tile baton, we prepare these panels in our onsite workshop, ready to slot straight onto the rafters.

These are usually charged at a labour cost of £72 per square meter, so approximately £580 for a 3m sq gazebo.

Expertly crafted in our onsite workshop

Easy to slot straight onto the rafters

Our DIY kits come as 4 triangular panels with cedar shingles fixed to oak tile batten, as well as the additional 4 hip shingle panels which each have a baton too. We have even pre-drilled holes to ensure you fix your hip shingle panel directly into the batten of the triangular panel, rather than the flimsy cedar wood tiles.

So far our roof panels have been a huge hit, with customers complimenting the ease of assembly and the final look of the gazebo.

How do you fit them?

Our owner David has recorded some instruction videos to help you with assembling your gazebo using our pre-made roof panels.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4