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A Backyard Structure Guide

Backyard Structures

Let's dive deeper into these garden structures from Springfield Deck Renewal.

Hand-drawn sketch of an ornate domed pavilion with Corinthian columns

Alright, garden lovers, let's talk about transforming your outdoor space! We've got a whole lineup of structures that'll make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.

Types of Garden Structures:

We've got four roof styles:

  • Gambrel (or "Dutch"): Think classic barn style, popular in our pre-made options.

  • Gable: The traditional peaked roof, great for both pre-made and custom builds.

  • Shed: Simple, slanted roof - perfect for that modern look.

  • Pyramid: For when you want your shed to make a statement!

    • Our high-end sheds are built on-site, just like a mini-house. We're talking proper footings, top-notch materials, the works. No flimsy, slide-off-the-truck business here!

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    Shed Construction & Market Notes

    • Pre-built sheds are typically available at roadside markets & big box retailers. These sheds are most often built to a lesser standard than other residential construction. 

    • Some sheds are displayed as pre-built but are delivered as pre-fabricated kits, assembled onsite by trained installers.

    • A foundation is most often not considered with these pre-built structures as they are often built on 4x4 skids to easily slide off the truck that delivers them.

    • The highest quality sheds are often built onsite by owners or professionals. The construction is similar to building a home with footings and all of the associated details reflecting accepted home building practices and materials.

            

    Examples of Shed Styles & Architectural Outbuildings

    Now, let's move on to gazebos and pavilions:

    We've got three main categories:

    1. Common: Your classic roadside market gazebo.

    2. Upgraded: A step up, with tiered structures and extra decorative flair.

    3. Architectural: The cream of the crop, professionally designed and built to last.

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    Gazebo & Pavilion Construction & Market Notes

    • Pre-built gazebos are typically available at roadside markets & big box retailers. These structures are most often built to a lesser standard than other residential construction. 

    • Some gazebos are displayed as pre-built but are delivered as pre-fabricated kits, assembled onsite by trained installers or the homeowner.

    • A foundation is most often not considered with these pre-built structures as they are often built on 4x4 skids to easily slide off the truck that delivers them. These structures should be set on pier footings equal to residential construction requirements for homes.

    • The highest quality gazebos or pavilions are often built onsite by owners or professionals. The construction is similar to building a home with footings and all of the associated details reflecting accepted home building practices and materials.

    • The life expectancy of gazebos from roadside markets will be considerably less than an architectural structure, in addition to having higher maintenance expenses.
       

    Our top-tier gazebos and pavilions are constructed just like a house, with proper footings and all. They'll outlast those roadside options by years and look fabulous doing it.

    Pergolas, oh pergolas! These beauties are hot right now:

    We offer:

    1. Contemporary: Clean lines, available in metal or wood, some with movable louvers.

    2. Vinyl: Built like our vinyl fencing, low maintenance and long-lasting.

    3. Architectural: The showstoppers. Think Tuscan columns, no visible fasteners, and carved beam ends.

     

    Remember, a pergola needs a solid foundation. We make sure the post-to-base connection is rock solid to handle those top-heavy structures.

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    Pergola Construction & Market Notes

    • Pre-manufactured pergolas available online, at big box stores, and at roadside markets, are often built with pressure treated lumber. These structures are most often built to a lesser standard than other residential construction. 

    • Vinyl pergolas built with the same rigid and hollow PVC profiles as PVC fencing, only come in a limited range of sizes and are not easily customized. Although these structures, like their fence cousins, come with an impressive gaurantee, the impact resisitance after 10 years of UV radiation is questionable. 

    • Pergolas are most often  delivered as pre-cut kits, assembled onsite by others.

    •  The connection of pergola posts to a patio, deck or foundation is an important installation step that should not be take lightly, The pergola is a top heavy structure, subject to wind loads like all structures, but the post to base connection becomes more critical.

    • The highest quality pergolas are often built by millwork shops and erected onsite by professionals. There are only a few manufacturers of high quality pergolas that ship architectural pergolas nationwide, including Springfield Deck Renewal.

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    Want to take it up a notch? Check out our outdoor rooms:

    We've got:

    1. Market Structures: Cedar or painted metal, available online and at big retailers.

    2. Timber Frame Look: That classic post & beam style everyone loves.

    3. Architectural: The real deal, with options like Tuscan columns, exposed beams, and brick fireplaces.

     

    Our high-end outdoor rooms are built just like an extension of your home. They're not just pretty - they're built to last.

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    Outdoor Room Construction & Market Notes

    • Pre-cut outdoor rooms are typically available at Big Box retailers, and online. These structures should be considered  semi-permanent as the expected lifetime is considerably less than architectural structure. The maintainence can also be more demanding. 

    • The materials used in Market Structures is of much lesser quality than the materials used in the home or a residentaial garage for example.

    • A good foundation should be considered  for all outdoor rooms, where any degree of life expectancy is desired.

    • The highest quality Outdoor Rooms are often built onsite by owners or professionals. The construction is similar to building a home with footings and all of the associated details reflecting accepted home building practices and materials. 

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    Don't forget about arbors - they're the cherry on top of your garden sundae:

    Choose from:

    1. Metal: Sleek and modern.

    2. Vinyl: Low maintenance, with arch or flat top options.

    3. Architectural: The show-stoppers, with options like descending picket wings and wooden capstones.

     

    Our top-of-the-line arbors are designed by pros and built by skilled carpenters. They're not just entryways; they're works of art.

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    Arbor Construction & Market Notes

    • Arbors are available at roadside markets, online, and at big box retailers. These arbors are most often built of either pressure treated lumber or vinyl, and separately metal.

    • Arbors are most often displayed, or shown as pre-built, but are almost always delivered as pre-fabricated kits, to be assembled onsite by the homeowner.

    • A foundation is less important than with other garden structures, as it is lighter and easier to adjust for any changes over time. A good 12" gravel base at each post is helpful. For long term stability use gravel or concrete footings.

    • The highest quality arbors are often designed by a landscape architect or other professional, and built onsite by a skilled carpenter. Architectural arbors are available from firms such as Springfield Deck Renewal, delivered to the site as a pre-manufactured kit. 

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    Last but not least, for you plant enthusiasts, we've got greenhouses:

    Pick your style:

    1. Wood Framed: Budget-friendly, typically with plastic glazing.

    2. Aluminum Framed: Mid-range, with glass or plastic options.

    3. Conservatory: The luxury option, in wood or aluminum, with all the bells and whistles.

     

    We'll help you choose between single or double glazing based on your climate to keep your plants happy and your heating bills low.

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    Greenhouse Construction & Market Notes

    • Pre-built greenhouses are typically available from specialty online sellers, and more recently from big box retailers. 

    • Quality & prices vary widely from one manufacturer to another, so diligent research is advised to understand the specific specifications, and materials that are included for a given price.

    • A foundation is well advised with a greenhouse, though not an absolute necessity with less expensive structures that utilize plastic glazing. If glass is used as the principal glazing material, whether laminated or tempered, a foundation is highly recommended to avoid settling, and movement over time.

    • An important consideration dependent on the region a greenhouse is built is the use of single or double glazing. Heating costs can be reduced significantly and plant health can benefit as well from the use of double glazing in many regions. Check with your local extension office or the local nursery for advice in your area.

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    At Springfield Deck Renewal, we're all about quality. Whether you're after a simple shed or a luxurious outdoor room, we've got you covered. We handle everything from design to installation, using materials and techniques that'll stand the test of time.

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    Ready to make your backyard dreams come true?
     
    Give us a call at (417)-413-1302. We can't wait to help you create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted!

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