Worried about your gazebo flying away this summer?
While you might need your outdoor structures throughout the year for several reasons, Mother Nature can be ruthless at any times, especially when it comes to gazebos.
Securing your gazebo in preparation for when the next wind storm happens is not an option if you want the structure to survive anything the elements bring or decrease the risk of your gazebo “breaking dance” with the wind.
Heavy Duty Gazebos (More Windproof): If securing your gazebo from the elements isn’t quite your bag, we would alternatively suggest purchasing wooden gazebo kits or even polycarbonate gazebos. These types of gazebos are robust and can be reinforced to withstand extremely high winds.
Securing your gazebo in windy conditions is not hard and can be done in a number of ways. Thankfully, it is something you can do yourself and the methods are fairly straightforward.
Here are some of the methods we will be discussing in this guide:
Let’s get started.
Secure a Gazebo from Wind (The Expert Way)
1. Gazebo Leg Weights & Anchors
This method offers you the opportunity to secure your gazebo from windy conditions using heavy weights, water butts, or vehicles for support.
Pro tip: Don’t use dirt or stones. Instead, fill water bottles up with sand or water.
- Heavy weights: Using heavy gazebo leg weights is the most popular method for anchoring gazebos down on hard surfaces. Any heavyweight should be strapped directly to the gazebo, try and avoid using straps to a weigh down a short distance away from the gazebo in case the weight moves and the strap can loosen.
- Water butts – They’re light to carry on and off-site but make sure you have access to a hosepipe on-site and avoid using them long term due to the risk of standing water and legionnaires disease
- Vehicles – if the gazebo is only going to be up for a short time (an exhibition for example) then gazebos are often strapped down to vehicles. Ensure you attach to a secure fixing that won’t cause any damage to the vehicle though.
Alternatively, a combination of different methods can be used, you might be able to use tie-downs to a nearby grass area on one side of a gazebo and heavy weights on another. These work great for BBQ shelters for gazebos and are highly recommended if you’re using a gazebo as a hot tub enclosure.
Do note that metal weights used to anchor down gazebos (generally horseshoe-shaped) are not heavy enough to anchor down a commercial gazebo. Every site is different and so the responsibility of ensuring the gazebo is sufficiently anchored down always lies with the people erecting the outdoor structures.
Pros
- Can anchor down a gazebo on any surface
- Can add 16kg+ when filled
- Can be used on gazebos with sides
Cons
- Not always available due to high demand
2. Bolts & Straps
Using bolts and straps is one of the simplest yet effective methods of securing a gazebo.
Pro tip: Make sure that you use self-tapping screws to drill into concrete or hard-packed soil when attaching the bolts to provide an even tighter grip.
When using straps, opt for ones made from durable materials like nylon or heavy-duty polypropylene that won’t break in bad weather or windy conditions.
This method of anchoring a gazebo is most suitable for hard surfaces since you don’t have to worry about digging the ground. Most gazebos come with holes in their footplates for this purpose so you can drill an eye-bolt fixing 1.2, away from the sides of the gazebos and then use straps to hold it in place firmly.
The process takes only a few minutes to finish. Additionally, be sure that the bolts are all square to the concrete if you’re going for this option; otherwise, there will be issues when connecting the footplates.
Polypropylene Straps
These durable polypropylene straps have a load capacity of 250 kg and will be suitable for most pop-up gazebo. We would advise that you use them on your gazebo corner ropes to add stability.
The best part is they can be adjusted extremely easily and have been designed to secure large items for transit and windy conditions.
Pros
- Bolts provide greater sturdiness and a strong grip on the group
- Straps, when made from durable materials like nylon or heavy duty polypropylene, are lightweight and easy to install
Cons
- Straps may wear out over time due to use or exposure to weather conditions
- Ensure that the straps you are using are of the highest quality, as poor quality ones may break with frequent use or bad weather.
3. Threaded Rods
When you are looking to anchor the gazebo, especially with threaded rods, you need one rod for each leg in order to have a grip that is strong enough.
Whether you are installing the gazebo on the patio or on grass, ensure that there is a sufficient length of rod inside both the gazebo leg and the ground.
Pro tip: Use a high-quality zinc-coated rod. This will help ensure that the rod does not rust in wet or damp conditions and provides an extra layer of protection against corrosion.
Experts recommend that you go with a set of 24-inch rods. For you to attach the rods to the gazebo you need ½ inch drill bit on each of the legs in order to prevent the wood from splitting. You should then place the rods 10 inches the leg and drive the remainder into the ground.
Remember to always dig deep. When you are using concrete footers, you should be cautious of the hole that you dig. The best way of going about it is to dig a hole of about 14 inches deep then pour the footer up to 12 inches.
The purpose of leaving the two inches gap is to ensure that you have a base that is strong enough while at the same time enabling you to disguise the concrete beneath the gazebo. In place of a threaded rod, a 0.5-inch rebar can also be used as it can also effectively keep the gazebo in place.
Pros
- Secure and permanent solution that can be customized to fit almost any size or shape of gazebo
- Since the rods run through the ground, they are not vulnerable to wear or damage from weather conditions like straps are
- Installation is relatively quick and easy with an electric drill and masonry bit
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove or adjust if needed
- Ensure that the holes are dug properly so that the threaded rods fit securely
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4. Hard Ground Tent Pegs, One Size
Although there are several methods of securing a gazebo, using pegs, clips, and ropes is one of the common methods used by many. We’ve included a step-by-step below.
Pro tip: Make sure that the pegs are the correct size for the type of soil. If too small, the pegs may slip out of the ground and not provide adequate anchorage. To ensure a secure fit, use a masonry bit to pre-drill holes if necessary and try different sizes until you get a snug fit.
Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Twist and push tent stakes into the ground. Use at least four, positioned at the four corners of the canopy.
Step 2: Use either bungee cords or thick, strong rope to secure the canopy to the tent stakes. Throw one end of the rope over the horizontal bar that is the edge of the roof. Do this at the corner. Twist some rope around the leg of the canopy to help anchor it.
Step 3: Thread one end of the rope through the tent stake, pull up and tie the rope with a triple knot. Repeat these steps at the other three corners of the canopy.
Step 4: Pour concrete into four coffee cans. Place the bottom of each of the four canopy legs into the concrete. Wait to dry. You now have four heavier canopy legs that will stand up to wind.
Step 5: Alternatively, pour concrete into four buckets with handles. Do not place legs in buckets. Allow the concrete to dry. Attach a rope to the canopy roof the same way as with the tent stakes. Instead of tying the rope through the tent stake, tie it around the handles of the buckets.
Step 6: Pour concrete into PVC pipes for a third option. Allow it to dry.
Step 7: After setting the canopy up, attach heavy PVC pipes to the canopy legs with small bungee cords.
Step 8: Use windscreen sidewalls instead of tarp sidewalls. Windscreen sidewalls are made of mesh, come in different colours, and are relatively opaque.
Pros
- They are affordable and easy to install.
- Hard ground tent pegs provide a strong and secure anchor, even in windy conditions.
- Tent pegs can be adjusted or removed more easily than threaded rods if needed
Cons
- The wrong size pegs can cause the tent to slip out of the ground.
- If the soil is too rocky, large stones may need to be removed before inserting the pegs.
- Hammering them into place could potentially damage the peg or surrounding area.
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5. Heavy Duty Anchoring Kit
The Hodzeed Heavy Duty Trampoline Anchor Kit is a great way to secure your gazebo, trampoline, or other outdoor structure.
Pro tip: Make sure that the pegs are the correct size for the type of soil. If too small, the pegs may slip out of the ground and not provide adequate anchorage. To ensure a secure fit, use a masonry bit to pre-drill holes if necessary and try different sizes until you get a snug fit.
This kit includes four heavy-duty steel stakes and one webbing anchor strap with a cam buckle for easy installation. We felt it was easy to put up and did our own gazebo in 30 minutes.
The stakes are designed to be driven into the ground for maximum stability and security. The anchor strap can be adjusted to fit any size structure and is made from durable materials that will last for years.
With this kit, you can rest assured that your gazebo or trampoline will stay securely in place no matter what the weather brings.
Pros
- The stakes are designed to be driven into the ground for maximum stability and security.
- The anchor strap can be adjusted to fit any size structure.
- Made from durable materials that will last for years.
Cons
- Stakes may not be suitable for certain soil types.
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Gazebo Anchors FAQs
How to secure a gazebo to a concrete patio?
Gazebos can be used on concrete. But it depends on the type of gazebo. There are lots of reasons to have a concrete slab in your garden. In this case it is for a permanent, outdoor gazebo to rest on.
What method is ideal for installing your gazebo?
Where will you be placing the gazebo? You need to think about it. If you will be placing it in an open area and soil, you should go with concrete footers. These footers provide the best anchorage as you don’t have to worry about wind and other things that might destroy it.
On the other hand, if you will be installing the unit on the patio or other paved areas, you should go for pieces with threaded rods. All you need to do is to take a look under the paving. If there is a solid base, simply drive the rods into the soil in order to anchor the soil.
Conclusion
Securing a gazebo requires some effort but it isn’t a complicated process as you can use any of the methods above to keep your gazebo standing after a windy day. However, remember to take cover away from the gazebo during the wet or winter moments as too much water or snow on the cover could lead to a roof collapse.
How to Secure a Gazebo from Wind Infographic
