Gazebos Vs. Umbrellas in a Small Yard

Portability

• Umbrellas are meant to be portable. The shade shifts as the sun moves across the sky, so no area underneath an umbrella is deprived of light on a consistent basis. Gazebos are not portable. You could take the gazebo apart and move it when necessary, but that can be a difficult chore. Because the gazebo blocks all light from reaching underneath it, if you move it you'll have a bare spot in the yard. That spot will be more noticeable in a small yard.

Permanence

• Umbrellas are temporary. In a small yard, that can be an advantage. Put the umbrella up when you need shade, and take it down when you don't. Most come with a heavy stand to anchor the umbrella during breezes. Close the umbrella, take it out of the anchor and you're ready to move it just about anywhere you like. Most gazebos are permanent structures built in place, or at least assembled in place. Once assembled, a gazebo is more or less a permanent structure that isn't easily moved. To integrate the gazebo into the yard, place plants to soften the edges of the structure. Grow vines up and over the roof as well.

Cost

• Umbrellas cost from $40 to several hundred dollars, depending on the quality of the material used and how large the umbrella is. If you're having an afternoon barbecue, it won't break the bank to buy a few inexpensive umbrellas to place throughout your yard for guests to escape the sun. Gazebos vary widely in cost, but budget a minimum of $2,500 for materials and labor. You could save about half that by doing the labor yourself.

Space

• An umbrella takes up very little space. Most have a 6- to 8-foot diameter. Gazebos take up more yard space as well as visual space. Most gazebos can accommodate a few chairs and a table. In a small yard, the gazebo might take up too much of your available space. Don't try to hide the gazebo. Instead, highlight it as the focal point in a small yard.