Recommendation for Steel Gazebo for Deck

[a2wang]

Hi All,

I'm interested in getting a 10 x 10 Steel Gazebo with a mosiquito net for my deck. I’d like to secure it to the surface of my wooden deck. I’ve noticed that a lot of the big box stores (Lowe’s, Home Depot, Home Outfitters) all carry them. Just wondering if anyone has any advice on what to look for when purchasing these Gazebos? I don’t mind spending a few extra bucks if the Gazebo will last a few seasons. I’ve read a few reviews and it looks like a lot of times these things only last one season :P Anyone have a good recommendation on brand or a store or any other advice?

Thanks a lot!!!

[98vtec]

Just look for something that feels sturdy and most importantly, a good base that can be fixed to your deck.. I bought a 10 by 10 last year to fix to my patio, each leg had 3 holes to fix it to the base, so I used those, plus I drilled an extra 3 holes in each leg. The thing is rock solid and doesn't move or sway at all..

[a2wang]

thanks for the reply..can I ask where you picked up the gazebo and if you've had any problems with the canopy ripping?

[98vtec]

I picked mine up at Rona.. The canopy will rip eventually.. But it should be able to last you 4 - 5 years..

[Cheap Cat]

I am looking for a gazebo but am worried about all the negative reviews I keep reading. Rather than start a new thread, I will add my questions here since I am looking for something similar to the OP although I have patio stones.

Initially I was attracted to this model (http://www.walmart.ca/wps-portal/storelocator/Canada-FeaturedPage.jsp?selection=listingDetails&tabId=0&singledept=null&lang=&assetId=39509&imageId=55375&suggestedItem=&priceType=null&page=null&departmentId=31&categoryId=129&tabId=0) from Walmart. It looks nice in the picture although they do not have it up in the store and the price is right ($99). I can't tell what the supports are like.

http://www.walmart.ca/wps-portal/servletimagedownload?size=1&imageid=55375

I have also been considering this model (http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I6414261/name/gazebo_arched_roof_9_10_x13_bge) at Home Hardware.

http://www.homehardware.ca/images/thumbnails/6414/165x165-64142611.jpg

I like the look of the WM one better but wonder how sturdy it would be. The HH one looks sturdier and has plant shelves which I read that you can use to weigh down the unit. Does anyone know if there are any advantages to the arched roof design? Anyone have any feedback on either of these or can recommend another model? I would like to stay under $300.

[Cheap Cat]

I picked mine up at Rona.. The canopy will rip eventually.. But it should be able to last you 4 - 5 years..

Can you provide a name/model number for this gazebo? How much did you pay?

[CaptSmethwick]

I find most of the affordable ones to be extraordinarily flimsy. I would really like to get one but they just aren't very well-built. The steel ones will rust and the aluminum ones are even flimsier it seems. I'm afraid to say but if you want one of these for under $300, you're just renting it for a few years and sending it to landfill down the road. I understand why, I just lament that it is what it is.

From my previous research on this, it'd be more cost-effective to build a structure from cedar than buy one of these. OTOH, if you're looking at an escape from the mosquitos on your deck, I understand the attraction. Just make sure you take it down before a windstorm...

[Keelie]

We bought one last year from CanTire and love it. Its the Tulip model.
Its bolted down to the deck and has not budged in any wind, and we have had plenty of strong winds. The canopy has one small rip but it was patched promptly and is fine.

We got it on sale for $129, but saw this year it has been on sale for $119. I had heard such bad reviews after we bought it I thought we made a big mistake, but I honestly have no idea what the others were talking about :confused:

My advice would be to get something with more than just 4 poles for support, you want it to be at least a foot or two on each side of the poles, like the picture #2 posted above.

[mart242]

I am looking for a gazebo but am worried about all the negative reviews I keep reading. Rather than start a new thread, I will add my questions here since I am looking for something similar to the OP although I have patio stones.

How do you attach a gazebo to patio stones? I have the same problem and I will definitely NOT be drilling in my stones..

[98vtec]

How do you attach a gazebo to patio stones? I have the same problem and I will definitely NOT be drilling in my stones..

What's so wrong with drilling into the patio stones? That's the way I fastened mine! You just have to buy a good quality masonary bit and drill into the stones while it's being cooled off by water from the garden hose.

[mart242]

What's so wrong with drilling into the patio stones? That's the way I fastened mine! You just have to buy a good quality masonary bit and drill into the stones while it's being cooled off by water from the garden hose.

Once the current gazebo flies away or has to be replaced, you'll need to buy a new one with the same hole pattern or end up with holes in the interlock for the next 20 years..