Built-in seatingĪlthough it’s not an extremely common feature, some hardtop gazebos have built-in seating around the perimeter. Vented roofs are designed in such a way that they shouldn’t let rain in unless it’s falling at an extreme angle. This allows air to flow in and out rather than hot air getting trapped under the roof, raising the temperature in the gazebo. It can get hot sitting under a solid aluminum or vinyl roof, which is why some hardtop gazebos have vented roofs. They often have large windows to allow light in. Hard sides turn your gazebo into something akin to a sunroom and allow you to use the gazebo in cooler weather, too. Curtains for hardtop gazebos are often made from mesh to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out but allow light and air through. Hardtop gazebos that don’t include sides may come with the option of purchasing them separately.Ĭurtains or soft panels are great for anyone who occasionally wants to have the privacy or shelter of sides on their gazebo but not full-time. The majority of hardtop gazebos consist of a roof and legs only, but other gazebos include sides of some type, whether hard panels, soft panels, or curtains. Hexagonal and octagonal gazebos might look attractive, but they have six or eight posts to sink, making assembly more complicated. Although harder to find, there are also hexagonal or octagonal hardtop gazebos, in addition to some non-standard shapes. They are simple shapes to assemble, with just four posts to anchor or sink. Square and rectangular hardtop gazebos are by far the most common choice. However, vinyl gazebos must be made from a UV-resistant vinyl or they will fade badly over time. With a vinyl gazebo, you don’t have the issues that can affect other materials, such as warping or rusting, and there’s no need to treat or repaint. Vinyl hardtop gazebos are generally designed to look like painted wood from a distance. On the downside, wood hardtop gazebos usually cost more. They often have shingle-style roofs, though you will find some hardtop gazebos with wood frames and glass or clear vinyl roofs and sides. They’re highly durable and long-lasting if cared for correctly, though some woods weather better than others. Wood hardtop gazebos have an attractive, traditional appeal. Some aluminum gazebos incorporate steel parts into the frame for added strength without increasing the weight too drastically as a 100% steel gazebo would be extremely heavy. MaterialsĪluminum is a common material for hardtop gazebos since it’s lightweight yet durable and can be galvanized or powder-coated for rust resistance. However, if you regularly host large groups, bigger is better. A common gazebo size is 12x12 feet, which is large enough to fit a sizeable dining set with room to spare, a rattan sofa set, or similar outdoor furniture. On the larger side, you’ll find gazebos as big as 14x18 feet. You can also buy some smaller models, but they aren’t common. On the more compact side, you’ll find 10x10-foot gazebos. It must be large enough to fit the number of people you want to accommodate but not so large that it will completely dwarf your yard. Key considerations SizeĪ hardtop gazebo’s size is all about balance. A hardtop gazebo can provide a shady spot for relaxing in an otherwise sunny garden as well as shelter from the rain.
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