Laying the groundwork for your gazebo is the first step in raising one that is structurally sound.
By carefully preparing and leveling your site, you can make sure your gazebo has a nice level surface to rest on and is not at risk of falling over during strong winds or storms.
At some point, every homeowner and landscaper who wants to design a garden gazebo eventually has to address the issue of raising a metal gazebo.
To accomplish this lofty goal, use post shoes or stone plinths to raise the feet of your gazebo off the ground. This will ensure that you create a nice level surface on which to place your gazebo so that it is not at risk of tipping or collapsing.
Saying that you have a gazebo in your backyard is one thing, but knowing how to raise it is another.
Likewise, raising the gazebo itself is not enough; you need to know where to place it beforehand.
I’ve always been a fan of knowing how my backyard is going to look, so I always prepare the site before I begin.
Knowing these things will make owning a gazebo all the more rewarding, especially on your first sunny summer weekend with friends and family.
More on this topic including how to move and tie down a metal gazebo will be covered in this blog post.
Gazebos can be hectic to relocate
Heating costs go up in the winter and air-conditioning costs go up in the summer, but one annual expense that is always subject to change is landscaping.
As research shows, the average homeowner with an air conditioner spends 35%–42% more on electricity as they adapt to seasonal changes.
So, of course, you want to keep your bill as low as possible and one way of doing so is by preparing your site in advance.
Many homeowners decide to buy a gazebo for their backyard that they can use for entertaining guests or just relaxing on the weekends.
My advice is, don’t skimp on price.
Meeting with a landscaping crew in the spring and summer to plan and design your gazebo is perfect, but what about winter?
When the weather gets chilly and the snow begins to fly, can you move a gazebo?
Ceasing landscaping efforts during the winter months isn’t always an option for most homeowners, so knowing whether or not you can move your gazebo is the first step in making winter landscaping a reality.
Generally, gazebos are heavy structures that measure at least 20 feet tall and can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds.
This makes them a little more difficult to move than the average backyard play structure or ornamental garden piece.
A flatbed truck is the best option for moving a gazebo if it’s accessible to you.
You can also call a gazebo installation company or specialty movers who have equipment and expertise to properly relocate heavy structures.
How to raise a metal gazebo
Daisy-chaining power through extension cords is fine in the summer when you only need to power a few outdoor appliances, but when fall rolls around and your gazebo lighting needs are larger, it’s time to think about raising a metal gazebo.
Swinging into the fall season with a freshly landscaped backyard, you’re eager to entertain guests by stringing lights and setting up speakers.
Before you can enjoy your gazebo outdoors, though, you need to address the issue of raising a metal gazebo.
Using extension cords might seem like the quickest fix for powering your lighting and sound system, but daisy-chaining power through them poses a tripping hazard.
Additionally, it can create a fire hazard if you have faulty equipment or extension cords.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discouraging you from using extension cords, but be sure to use them safely.
Follow the local electrical codes and consider hiring a licensed electrician to help you with your lighting needs.
Knowing how to raise a metal gazebo is just the first step, though.
Once you’ve got that figured out, take the next step of planning to install both outdoor lighting and a sound system.
As the weather gets colder and the holidays begin to approach, you’ll be ready with a decked-out backyard everyone can enjoy.
More on this topic including … will be covered in this blog post.
To extend the stature or give your gazebo the height that it needs for optimal outdoor lighting, here are a few options:
- Pour concrete pillars and rest the gazebo posts on them
- Add stone plinths for elevation
- Use post shoes to raise the gazebo posts off the ground
- Install a canopy with a built-in awning for easy height adjustment
Best way to tie down a metal gazebo
Nuisance winds are ever-present in the spring and summer when it’s time to install your new gazebo.
According to a report on the insurability of attached and free-standing structures, gazebos, storage sheds, and pool houses are vulnerable to damage from strong winds and hurricanes.
A gentle breeze can turn into a whopper in the blink of an eye if you don’t take precautions.
Installing your gazebo is typically the best way to go if you’re looking for a more permanent installation on your property.
A gazebo, like any other type of structure, needs to be secured in place to prevent lift-off during windy conditions.
Ideally, you’ll install the gazebo during calm weather or on a day when the forecast calls for little-to-no wind.
Unfortunately, if you’re like me, you’ll forget about the forecast and wake up to an unruly backyard on a Saturday morning.
If I’m stuck in this situation, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep the gazebo from going anywhere.
I’ll share these with you now so that you can install your gazebo without worry.
- Use gazebo leg weights to help secure your gazebo to the ground.
- Pegs and ropes are a great choice for tying down your gazebo.
- For the most effective installation, make sure you use threaded rods which you can permanently anchor into the ground.
- You’ll also need anchoring kits depending on the height of your gazebo posts.
- There is one final thing you can do once your gazebo is secure on the ground. Install a large gazebo cage around your structure for complete protection against high winds and curious guests.
Gazebo on slanted or uneven ground
Failed gazebo installations are synonymous with cursing, bruised shins, and scratched wooden decks.
How you prepare the ground for your gazebo will determine how easy it will be to install your new backyard structure.
In my experience, I’ve found that the sturdiest gazebos are those that can be level right out of the box.
Your gazebo should last for at least several seasons, if not longer if you take the time to properly prepare your ground for installation.
Start by laying out a level area where the gazebo will be installed.
Make sure you’ve got at least two feet of clear space surrounding your gazebo before you begin digging to install your foundation.
Only undertake the gazebo installation process if you have an adequate volume of soil to support your gazebo’s weight.
And if the ground is bumpy or has a slope, you might consider a gazebo with adjustable legs for easy leveling.
