A thatched gazebo would likely be an interesting and unusual addition to a lawn or garden. If properly constructed, a thatched gazebo could be visually striking and, in many cases, weathering may actually improve its appearance. In addition, thatch construction is usually considered an eco-friendly method of building. In spite of the many good reasons to choose a thatched gazebo, considerations such as expense and durability may outweigh the benefits. Thatching is typically an expensive and time-consuming project.
Though many homeowners probably would not bother to insure a gazebo, if insurance was required, it would likely be much more expensive for a thatched gazebo. Thatch is not considered resistant to fire, and may not hold up under extreme weather. In addition, if replacement costs were factored in as a part of the insurance premium, that too would likely add to the cost of the policy, because thatch construction is often more expensive than more traditional methods.
One drawback to a thatched gazebo would be its attraction to pests. Many vermin such as squirrels and mice could end up being a problem, as they would probably like to nest within the straw. Covering the thatch with thin wire mesh will sometimes help keep out pests, but even with this safeguard in place, frequent inspection will probably be necessary.
Thatching is an ancient craft that originated primarily in Britain, although it was also sometimes found in ancient Greece. There were several major advantages that helped make thatching popular. For one thing, thatch allowed building in areas where wood was scarce. It is also very lightweight, and this means it can be used on buildings made with weaker materials.
In British history, there have been times when wood was scarce, and people would often use weak materials for construction. Thatching was a good covering for buildings in those situations, providing a decent level of insulation without putting too much strain on the overall building structure. Even though there were some downsides to thatch buildings, the overall trade-off was generally well worth it in those days.
The advantages that made thatch popular historically are still often considered useful. For this reason, it is sometimes more popular in areas of the world where wood is a scarce resource. This would generally include many island countries and areas where wood has been over cut due to the needs of human populations. In areas like this, thatch on a gazebo is not always a necessity, but it can often be seen as a more environmentally friendly option.