Garden Gazebos - Cleaning, Caring and Storing

As the summer draws to its inevitable close, people usually start to plan the packing up of garden furniture. Particularly in Britain, there is often no need for such items to be left cluttering up the garden through the winter months.

A gazebo is widely used in gardens because it provides shelter from sun, wind and rain during outdoor events. However, in order to ensure that it remains in peak condition for the following summer season, a number of tasks should be carried out before packing it away.

Riviera Hardwood Gazebo 4M x 3M

Cleaning

A garden gazebo will often have to endure the elements for several weeks and will most likely be stained and dirty at the end of the summer. Many people pack the fabric covering away with the intention of cleaning it the following year. However, this allows stains to set in and become much harder to remove.

For the best results, the canopy should be cleaned with a specialist fabric cleaner and a brush or sponge. It is very important that the canopy is left to dry before being packed away; failure to do this may result in mould forming over the winter and permanently staining or damaging the fabric.

Caring

A gazebo canopy can spend lots of time in the sun and can become worn very quickly. In preparation for the following summer, it is a good idea to apply a fabric guard to the canopy. This should only be done when the fabric has been allowed to dry completely.

Fabric guards can help to protect the colour and appearance of the gazebo against direct sunlight and incessant rain.

Replacement Gazebo Canopy 4M x 3M

Folding a canopy away for the winter should be done with care. The slightest moisture can result in serious mould problems developing over time. However, this can be avoided by applying a mould-resistant chemical to the fabric before storing it.

Storing

To ensure the frame is protected, it should be dismantled and stored in a dry place if possible. Where the structure is to be left in place, a chemical rust-inhibitor can be sprayed onto metal surfaces which creates a barrier against the rain.

Once the canopy has been treated, it should be left to dry completely. It should then be folded carefully and placed into an airtight container. This should then be stored in a dry place for the winter.

Buying A Garden Gazebo Replacement Canopy

Sadly nothing lasts forever, particularly when it spends large chunks of time outdoors being subjected to the vagaries of the Great British Summer. Rain, wind, and massive fluctuations in temperature all play their part in causing natural wear and tear on garden gazebo canopies and curtains.

Even when the product is of an exceptional quality, eventually the time will come when it is necessary to look for a replacement for your gazebo canopy.

Essential Checklist for a Gazebo Replacement Canopy

Regatta Replacement Gazebo Canopy 3M x 3M

One size definitely does not fit all. Because garden gazebos come in a wide variety of different designs, it is essential that you measure the dimensions of your current canopy before buying a replacement. Ideally it is worth contacting the retail supplier of your current gazebo to see if they stock a replacement canopy, but if this is not possible, take a tape measure and note down the dimensions of your existing canopy carefully.

The shape of the gazebo is also very important. A square canopy will not fit an octagonal gazebo frame or vice versa. Once again, the best way of obtaining a replacement canopy for a gazebo that actually fits like a glove is to contact the gazebo retailer. At the very least, try and buy a new gazebo canopy that matches the dimensions and the shape of your current gazebo.

Buying replacement gazebo canopies

Delux Replacement Gazebo Canopy 3M x 3M

Your first port of call should be the original gazebo supplier. There are plenty of stores offering suitable replacement canopies for garden gazebos. Prices will vary considerably between different stores, so have a good think about how much you are willing to spend beforehand.

Are online stores cheaper?

Buying from an online store will normally be cheaper than paying a trip to your local outdoor furniture centre. However, you need to balance the benefits of cost against being able to see the quality of the canopy before you buy.

Fabrics vary in thickness and resilience and buying online for a bargain basement price is not necessarily a strong indicator you will end up with a premium product. However, if price is your deal breaker, shopping online will give you the best quality of gazebos canopies combined with the most economic prices.

Is a better quality gazebo canopy worth the extra money?

Festival Replacement Canopy in Medium

More expensive and higher quality replacement canopies are made from thicker fabric and are likely to last a lot longer than a cheaper canopy. Thicker fabrics are more weather resistant and offer better protection from the sun and rain during outdoor entertaining.

If you only plan on using your garden gazebo for a few days per year, you might consider the extra cost a little more carefully. As with most things though, you usually get what you pay for so a little extra investment can often be worth it.