Tips for Buying Gazebo Covers
Gazebos not only give a nice stylish look to our garden, they also provide us with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They can also serve as a comfortable meeting place to serve our guests an alfresco meal or a few drinks. However, due to the harsh conditions of the outdoors, our gazebos might get worn out or show wear and tear after awhile. This is especially noticeable with gazebo covers. What we might then wind up with is frustration instead of relaxation.
Basically, the main part of a gazebo that receives the most wear and tear is the gazebo cover, the part of the gazebo that covers individuals underneath. It would make sense that gazebo covers show signs of wear before any other parts of a gazebo. They are exposed to the sun constantly beating down on them, as well as rain and snow falling on top of them. Depending on where they are located, covers for gazebos can be damaged by falling branches or made dirty by falling leaves and berries from the trees above, as well as the mess that birds leave behind.
But, before you fret because you have a dirty or damaged gazebo cover and think you need to replace your entire gazebo, remember that most of the time you can find gazebo replacement covers that will simply replace the cover of the gazebo, without you needing to replace the whole structure. This is true whether you have a pop up gazebo, a portable gazebo made from canvas or vinyl, or even a permanent gazebo made of wood.
Gazebo covers come in different forms and designs. Choosing the right one to use is a bit tricky, however. You have to find a replacement gazebo cover that will work with your existing gazebo – that means not only that the replacement gazebo cover has to be the same size as the original gazebo cover, but it also has to attach to the gazebo in the same way. Usually it is best to get the gazebo cover from the same manufacturer, although you will find some universal gazebo covers that will work with almost any style or design. Sometimes you can swap out different materials of gazebo covers if you want a different look and feel – so for example, if you had a vinyl gazebo cover before, you may be able to replace it with a canvas gazebo cover and give your gazebo a whole new look.
Listed below are different types of materials used to create gazebo covers, so you can decide which type would be best as a replacement for your particular gazebo.
Canvas gazebo covers – These protective covers for gazebos are woven from heavy-duty fabric. Canvas is also the same material used to create sails and tents – items both known for outdoor use. They are available in different colors and can lend a casual, yet upscale feel to your gazebo. However, in the long run, cheap canvas gazebo covers can get shredded, tattered and worn out, so if you are going to invest in canvas, go with a more durable and therefore, more expensive cover. Also, if you live in an area that is prone to a lot of rain and the canvas is constantly wet, mold and mildew can form.
Vinyl gazebo covers – Vinyl is strong, lightweight, and requires little maintenance. The characteristics of vinyl also allow it to be resistant to heat and moisture. The disadvantage of choosing vinyl gazebo covers is the lack of available designs. They usually look like plastic and are a bit artificial looking. Also, since they are so lightweight, they can prove to be a problem if you live in an area prone to strong winds. If wind is an issue where you live, opt for a canvas gazebo cover over a vinyl one.
Plastic gazebo covers – Plastic is light and easy to set up. It is fairly durable and can survive harmful sun rays and rain. The downside to plastic is that is light, so strong winds may blow it away or rip it. Using plastic gazebo covers is not advisable when storms are frequent in your area. A plastic gazebo cover will also usually look cheaper than some of the other material options.
Wood gazebo covers – Wooden gazebo covers are durable and strong and can withstand heavy winds. The problem with wooden gazebo covers is that they get soaked with rain, leaving them damp and potentially allowing moss to grow on them. Wood requires a lot of maintenance from water and insect damage, but there is no comparison to the way wood looks, so usually if you have a wood gazebo, you will simply replace the wood gazebo cover with more wood, or will just repair any damage that exists. Since a wood gazebo is a much more permanent structure than gazebos covered by canvas, vinyl or plastic, proper maintenance and repairs to the existing cover are usually your best option.
Metal gazebo covers – Metal is extremely strong and durable, allowing metal gazebo covers to withstand a beating. A metal cover can protect your gazebo against the toughest weather conditions. However, metal gazebo covers are not as attractive as wood, so you have to decide on whether you prefer looks or durability. They are also heavy, making them difficult to set up.
A gazebo cover can be both stylish and protective. Choose those that suit weather conditions in your area. For example, you don’t want to buy a plastic gazebo cover if you experience high winds, and if you opt for a canvas gazebo cover and are in a rain-prone area, your cover will stay wet and may even start to mildew. In some cases, different materials of gazebo covers are interchangeable for the same style of gazebo, but in other cases they are not, so choose wisely. Also, be on the lookout for dealers that provide additional perks such as waterproofing, insect-proofing, and UV filters to add to the protection of your gazebo cover.
With proper maintenance and care, gazebos can last a long time. And even when gazebo covers start to show their age before the rest of the structure, a replacement gazebo cover can have your gazebo looking like new again in no time.
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