Can you put a gazebo on a deck?
Yes! If you have a large decked area, it would be a pity not to place a gazebo on it so you have a quiet little corner all to yourself. The hard part is how to do it without damaging your elegant, expensive decking… actually, it’s not that hard.
When you live in an area that’s prone to storms and high winds, you have to secure your gazebo firmly in place. You don’t want it to be blown away every time a storm comes. It’s a sure way of destroying the gazebo, not to mention potentially damaging people and property.
Even without inclement weather, it’s still a good idea to anchor your gazebo in place. Here are the easiest ways to get the job done.
Credit: Shutterstock
How to fix a gazebo to decking the easy way
Whether you have a pop-up, wooden, or metal framed gazebo, any type can be toppled by strong gusts of wind.
The easiest way to fix a gazebo to decking is one that doesn’t require any hard work, such as drilling. If you have concrete decking, you’d need pretty specialised tools to drill holes into it.
Most people don’t want to drill holes into their wooden deck. What happens if you change your mind and want to get rid of the gazebo? Your decking will be ruined by those unsightly holes.
The obvious solution to this problem is to create weighted containers and stick the poles of your gazebo into them. This way, you can be sure the poles will stay in place whatever the weather.
You should decide what type of weighted containers or anchors you want to use before starting the assembly of your gazebo. The ideal solution is to find containers that match the colour and design of the walls of the house and don’t stand out against the decking.
Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1 – Find a place for the gazebo
The advantage of weighted containers is that you can move them around. It’s not a permanent solution like bolting the gazebo to the deck. Still, they’re not easy to move, and pushing them this way and that may damage the decking.
So, find the perfect spot for your gazebo. Leave ample space so you can still open doors and the gazebo doesn’t block any windows or get in the way.
Step 2 – Decide on the containers to use
One of the most elegant solutions is to use large flower pots as you have plenty to choose from. You can always find some that match the design of the deck.
Get one of these and your gazebo will. not. budge. Credit: Shutterstock
Alternatively, you can use concrete blocks that you can buy at DIY stores or order online. Look for blocks that have a hole in the middle.
Step 3 – Weigh down the anchor
How much weight do you need in each corner to keep a gazebo from toppling? Anything between 100 and 200 lbs should be enough most of the time.
First, place the four containers in place. Next, put the poles of the gazebo in the pot or any other container of your choice and start filling it. You’ll need some really heavy rocks at the bottom. Bricks may work as well, but they’re less heavy. It doesn’t matter how you put the rocks inside—any gaps will be filled with earth.
What about pouring some concrete? Some advocate this method, but this is a pretty permanent solution as you won’t be able to take the poles out if you change your mind.
Step 4 – Decorate the anchors
The advantage of filling the upper part of the container with earth is that you can plant some flowers later. The effect can be spectacular.
Tip: If you’re using concrete weights, try disguising them with garlands or trailing plants.
How to anchor a gazebo to a wooden deck fast
If you’re setting up a temporary gazebo, such as a pop-up for a party, there’s no need to bother with heavy containers, rocks, and pounds of earth.
You can easily use gazebo leg weights. These are made of highly resistant polyester, and you can attach them to the gazebo legs with velcro straps. You can put sandbags inside these weights or even plastic bottles filled with water or sand.
Another option is to buy plastic gazebo leg weights that you can fix on poles up to 25mm in diameter with a plastic screw. You can fill the plastic weights with sand or water.
Cast iron weights are another great option to anchor a gazebo on a wooden deck without damaging it. These are more expensive than plastic ones, but they offer greater stability, as they are stackable. You can add up to 100lbs of weight to each corner.
The bottom line
Fixing your gazebo to the deck should not damage the wooden floor or create an eyesore. The easiest and most elegant solution is to use weighted containers filled with rocks and earth. This way the legs of the gazebo will be secure, and you can add a touch of class by planting some flowers in the containers.
Once your gazebo is fixed in place, you can enjoy its calm shade without worrying about the weather or inadvertent damage. So go ahead and do it!
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