What are the Pros and Cons of a Canvas Gazebo?

A canvas gazebo functions as a regular gazebo except its ceiling is canvas instead of wood or metal. Canvas gazebos have a number of benefits, and also some disadvantages. They are affordable, versatile and easy to maintain. On the other hand they are not especially durable, and some think they are unattractive.

A gazebo is a small roofed structure that is used outdoors to provide shade. It typically does not have walls and it is open to the air. It may include built in seating. It is not unusual for a gazebo to have six or even eight sides, yet it may also have four. Gazebos are often placed in a garden, outdoor area, or patio.

Those who are interested in purchasing a gazebo will find that they may be made from a variety of materials including wood and metal, and also canvas. Canvas gazebos often have a plastic or metal frame with a canvas exterior and roof. Many choose the canvas gazebo over other types because it is the most affordable.

Versatility is an attractive benefit for canvas gazebos. While most wood or metal gazebos are built to stay in one place, canvas gazebos can be disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. These gazebos can be assembled for special events such as family parties, and then taken apart and put into storage when they are no longer necessary. Because of this they are also easily transportable, and can be taken to the park, or beach, or wherever a gazebo may be needed. Additionally, many canvas gazebos have removable mesh walls that are used to keep insects and mosquitoes away. These are easy to add or remove, providing even more versatility.

Maintaining a canvas gazebo is not a difficult task. The canvas can be cleaned if it becomes dirty and does not degrade upon exposure to the elements. This type of maintenance can be compared to wood gazebos, which must be regularly stained and protected from weather and insect damage, and metal gazebos, which can suffer from rust over time.

Although beneficial in many ways, canvas gazebos are not ideal for all environments. Regions that experience high winds will not be able to sustain a canvas gazebo, as they are lightweight and may blow away in strong winds. Even in relatively windless areas, these types of gazebos should be taken down if strong storms or winds are forecast. Those who live in regions with consistently high winds or that experience frequent storms may want to invest in a metal or wood gazebo that can be cemented into the ground.

One disadvantage some find with a canvas gazebo is its appearance. These structures are created more for function than form, and many find them to be unattractive. If looking for an especially attractive addition for a yard, a better option would be a wooden or metal gazebo, which are more customizable and can be more aesthetically pleasing.

The durability of this type of gazebo can be both a benefit and a disadvantage. Canvas is much less durable than wood or metal, so it is more easily damaged than structures made of these materials. Yet it is also much more affordable to replace canvas and plastic parts than wood or metal parts.