Best Ground To Place A Canopy Gazebo
A canopy gazebo is a great way to spruce up the backyard garden, or add a covered shelter for special events. Where an ordinary gazebo is usually constructed in place and can't be moved, a canopy gazebo offers a great deal more flexibility. The two main concerns are the type of ground it will be located and making sure the gazebo is level.
What is a Canopy Gazebo?
Basically, a canopy gazebo is a temporary shelter or tent. Some are manufactured to resemble a Victorian style gazebo, while others my be reminiscent of a carnival tent. All canopy gazebos share the common traits of a flexible roof, and a pre-fabricated construction method that only takes minutes to perform, and can often be completed with only limited tools, or none at all.
Why is the Type of Ground Important?
In order for a backyard gazebo to be safe and stable, it has to be set up so the the weight of the gazebo is evenly distributed across all of the main support posts. The optimum surface is a level lawn, and the worst surfaces would be damp clay or on an incline. Rocky terrain is suitable for an outdoor gazebo as long as the supports are independently leveled.
The Best Types of Ground
A level lawn is perfect for several reasons. For one, very little adjustments will need to be made to achieve the correct level for the gazebo. For another, grass is the perfect outdoor carpet, and will prevent the area from becoming muddy. Sand is another perfect terrain, because it can be easily leveled. The disadvantage of sand is that it is easily blown around by wind, so it is not recommended for application where food will be laid out.
The Worst Types
Clay is not a good type of ground for a canopy gazebo. Any uneven terrain will require a great deal of adjusting before a pop up gazebo can be used, and will present a risk of trips and injury. And slippery or bumpy ground introduces hazards and complications, and should be avoided if possible.
Performing Spot Leveling
to install a garden gazebo on a slight incline or to accommodate for some special dip or rise in the terrain, use a plastic bucket, and fill it with sand until you achieve the desired height. Make sure that the bucket contains at least 6 inches of sand, and more is preferable to provide greater stability. Be sure to level the place where the bucket sits to prevent it from accidentally tipping over.
Minor Leveling
Paving stone may be used to build temporary foundations, if necessary. If used, paving stone should not be stacked more than 3 high at the most. If more height is required, use the bucket method mentioned above. For adjustments of less than an inch, cedar shims may be used to fine-tune the gazebo.
Portable Gazebos
A portable gazebo is special type of tent. When determining the best place for it to be installed, use the same considerations as for a camping tent. Pick a spot that is mostly level, and free of obstructions and sharp edges. The more physical leveling that must be done, the less suitable the site is for the gazebo.
