This Gazebo was actually my second choice. The one I originally ordered was out of stock and unavailable for 6 weeks. This was close in size and price so I went with it. Glad I did. This is a very nice Gazebo. A few things to note. This Gazebo comes in four (4) boxes. I got three on the day I was promised. I was unaware that there was a forth box until I laid out all the parts and discovered I was missing the roof panels. I contacted Customer Service and they replied immediately that the fourth box was actually close by and would be delivered the next day. It was. I didnt know how many boxes were in the shipment. If youre not going to assemble this right away, you may not know you are missing a box until much later. NOTE TO SELF: FOUR (4) BOXES)
The first thing I did was pull out the assembly instructions and was horrified to learn that there was no writing . Just pictures. They looked complicated and I feared the worst. In reality, the instructions were easy to follow, well illustrated and I didnt have to deal with writing that was done by someone in China who took a semester of English in the 8th grade.
I read a lot of reviews that said this requires 2 or 3 people to assemble. I assembled the entire Gazebo with the exception of the roof panels by myself (Im 67).
Things you need to know:
This Gazebo needs to be on a base of either concrete pad or a wood deck. I built a ground level deck for mine . I made the deck a foot longer and a foot wider than the Gazebo.
If you are working alone, Assemble the four legs and rectangular frame upside down. When all four legs are on the frame, tip it over and do the rest standing up.
As with most things I do, I assembled mine during a heat wave. Although I live in Maine, it was in the mid nineties on the days I built this. My yard has no shade whatsoever. If you are assembling this in the direct sun, put up a canopy of have a garden hose handy. The parts get incredibly hot. If you dont cool the parts or keep them shaded, handling will be a problem. I misted the parts with the hose. Worked great.
Ive read review that said some holes dont line up. They do. If you are having a hard time lining up holes, check the instructions again. You are likely doing something wrong.
Most of the screws go into threaded brass inserts. Make sure your screw is threaded properly before driving it home. If you cross thread or if you over tighten, the brass insert will spin in the hole and you wont be able to tighten it or remove it. Take your time.
I read reviews that said the roof leaks. Within three days of completing mine, a tropical storm came barreling through. I feared the worst. Wind speed got to 50mph and the rain was torrential and driving. I actually went out to check on the Gazebo. It held strong and not a drop of rain entered through the roof. Take your time, follow the instructions. If the roof is assembled properly it is water tight. Ill be interested to see how it does with a snow load this winter. **You will need a second person, and a second step ladder to put the roof panels up**
The Gazebo comes with 12 wedge anchors. These are great for concrete but if you are securing to a wood deck they wont work. I used 2 1/2 galvanized deck screws. In hindsight, had I know about this, I would have added blocks under the deck where each leg lands. Since my deck was built before I got the Gazebo it was too late. I did buy some galvanized twisted cable and some eyebolts. I drove the lag eyebolts into the deck frame, ran the cable around each leg and secured with a galvanized wire rope clip. Not real pretty by if I get a big storm it will keep it from ending up in the trees across the street.
The only issue I had with the instructions was about the curtains. They come with a Velcro tie to secure them to each post. I still dont know how those work but Ive got them to hold back the curtains. Be aware that each curtain covers 1/2 side. Its a little confusing at first but you can close in any part or all of the Gazebo with the curtain and / or net.
In summary, we have tried all kinds of things to shade our yard. Canopies, Huge 12 umbrellas etc. None really did the job. I was hesitant to part with 1400 for an experiment but it turned out great. This Gazebo provides shade wherever and whenever you need it. The roof is well ventilated and it very comfortable to sit out under it. It is my wifes go to place. It was a good buy. If youre looking for some shade, you wont go wrong with this Gazebo.
High Quality Gazebo
This Gazebo was actually my second choice. The one I originally ordered was out of stock and unavailable for 6 weeks. This was close in size and price so I went with it. Glad I did. This is a very nice Gazebo. A few things to note. This Gazebo comes in four (4) boxes. I got three on the day I was promised. I was unaware that there was a forth box until I laid out all the parts and discovered I was missing the roof panels. I contacted Customer Service and they replied immediately that the fourth box was actually close by and would be delivered the next day. It was. I didnt know how many boxes were in the shipment. If youre not going to assemble this right away, you may not know you are missing a box until much later. NOTE TO SELF: FOUR (4) BOXES) The first thing I did was pull out the assembly instructions and was horrified to learn that there was no writing . Just pictures. They looked complicated and I feared the worst. In reality, the instructions were easy to follow, well illustrated and I didnt have to deal with writing that was done by someone in China who took a semester of English in the 8th grade. I read a lot of reviews that said this requires 2 or 3 people to assemble. I assembled the entire Gazebo with the exception of the roof panels by myself (Im 67). Things you need to know: This Gazebo needs to be on a base of either concrete pad or a wood deck. I built a ground level deck for mine . I made the deck a foot longer and a foot wider than the Gazebo. If you are working alone, Assemble the four legs and rectangular frame upside down. When all four legs are on the frame, tip it over and do the rest standing up. As with most things I do, I assembled mine during a heat wave. Although I live in Maine, it was in the mid nineties on the days I built this. My yard has no shade whatsoever. If you are assembling this in the direct sun, put up a canopy of have a garden hose handy. The parts get incredibly hot. If you dont cool the parts or keep them shaded, handling will be a problem. I misted the parts with the hose. Worked great. Ive read review that said some holes dont line up. They do. If you are having a hard time lining up holes, check the instructions again. You are likely doing something wrong. Most of the screws go into threaded brass inserts. Make sure your screw is threaded properly before driving it home. If you cross thread or if you over tighten, the brass insert will spin in the hole and you wont be able to tighten it or remove it. Take your time. I read reviews that said the roof leaks. Within three days of completing mine, a tropical storm came barreling through. I feared the worst. Wind speed got to 50mph and the rain was torrential and driving. I actually went out to check on the Gazebo. It held strong and not a drop of rain entered through the roof. Take your time, follow the instructions. If the roof is assembled properly it is water tight. Ill be interested to see how it does with a snow load this winter. **You will need a second person, and a second step ladder to put the roof panels up** The Gazebo comes with 12 wedge anchors. These are great for concrete but if you are securing to a wood deck they wont work. I used 2 1/2 galvanized deck screws. In hindsight, had I know about this, I would have added blocks under the deck where each leg lands. Since my deck was built before I got the Gazebo it was too late. I did buy some galvanized twisted cable and some eyebolts. I drove the lag eyebolts into the deck frame, ran the cable around each leg and secured with a galvanized wire rope clip. Not real pretty by if I get a big storm it will keep it from ending up in the trees across the street. The only issue I had with the instructions was about the curtains. They come with a Velcro tie to secure them to each post. I still dont know how those work but Ive got them to hold back the curtains. Be aware that each curtain covers 1/2 side. Its a little confusing at first but you can close in any part or all of the Gazebo with the curtain and / or net. In summary, we have tried all kinds of things to shade our yard. Canopies, Huge 12 umbrellas etc. None really did the job. I was hesitant to part with 1400 for an experiment but it turned out great. This Gazebo provides shade wherever and whenever you need it. The roof is well ventilated and it very comfortable to sit out under it. It is my wifes go to place. It was a good buy. If youre looking for some shade, you wont go wrong with this Gazebo.