Building a 12x12 gazebo: canopy?

[milli...]

Hi, I'm planning to stick-built a simple 12ftx12ft gazebo this spring. 4"x4" (treated) vertical posts on the corners, 2x4 or 2x6 framing for the horizontals, 2x4s for a simple hip roof without solid sheeting/decking. Basically, my own framed version of one of those cheap-crap metal ones from Walmart/HD/Lowes. I found mosquito netting kits for the 4walls pretty easily online. I want a canopy cover that is removable so I can bring it in for severe weather and to avoid winter snow. But having a hard time finding something pre-made for the canopy. Any advice? Has anyone else done this? Thank you. Theodore.

[micky]

2x4 or 2x6 framing for the horizontals, 2x4s for a simple hip roof without solid sheeting/decking. Basically, my own framed version of one of those cheap-crap metal ones from Walmart/HD/Lowes. I found mosquito netting kits for the 4walls pretty easily online. I want a canopy cover

-- Do you mean a canopy or a canopy cover?

I thought the roof would be made with 2x4's, too heavy to bring inside.

And why would you cover it?

In this case, what is the difference between a roof and a canopy?

that is removable so I can bring it in for severe weather and to avoid winter snow. But having a hard time finding something pre-made for the canopy. Any advice? Has anyone else done this?

[hubops]

Pre-made - good luck. I'd probably buy a poly tarp or two - and cut & sew & grommet ... Maybe even cut & tape with some kind of super-tape ? I used 6 x 8 poly tarp as a cover for the kids' playhouse, over the sandbox. The cheap ones would only last ~ 2 years when left out 4 seasons ; the premium ones ~ 4 years. John T.

[Dean Hoffman]

There are engine sheds for irrigation wells.

Maybe that will give you an idea. Maybe some sort of roll up tarp for grain trailers or farm auger wagons?

[Anonymous]

This outfit does show a 12 x 16 size for $33, but maybe they would make one, or you could trim down.

[hubops]

Yep - much easier - a 2 sided roof - built to fit a rectangular tarp. or Cut 10 ft. corners off a 20 x 20 tarp - - get 4 triangles - each with - - 2 finished 10 ft. sides and a 14 ft. unfinished side.

Note dimensions are nominal ! ... build the roof frame to fit the _actual_ tarp size. John T.

[milli...]

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. A few clarifications:

1. The Boss (missus) wants a gazebo LIKE this:
2. I said I can build one much stronger than that aluminum frame, and it won't bend in the first wind storm.
3. She said fine, but needs to be 4-sided roof: no gable ends. And, needs to (heaven help me) "look nice, like the one from the store." So, tarps are out of the question.
4. I figure the best thing would be to remove the roof covering during winter or prior to severe storms to minimize any damage, and just leave the gazebo frame standing out there.
5. Permanent roof (metal, wood, shingle, etc) would get the attention of nosey neighbors and their need to call in code enforcement. So, yet one more vote for removable fabric roof covering.

[Anonymous]

OK... how about this then:

they have other colors

[hubops]

I was thinking that you just wanted roof-fabric ? I agree that poly tarp roof & sides would look awful. Awning company / boat-sail company ... .... it's gonna get real pricey real quick I think. John T.

[gfretwell]

Check with these guys. They will fabricate whatever you want or you can buy the material and do it yourself. I would get the vinyl, not poly tarp material. It will last a whole lot longer. The HH66 cement will hold until the material rips. It is contact cement and not horrible to work with. They also have all of the grommets or D rings to make a nice one.

boat lift covers here are usually the 18 oz vinyl. I made mine with 22 and it lived through years of storms.

[Vic Smith]

If you look at the picture of what's holding that canopy on you'll see a metal matrix. You'll have to duplicate that for that type canopy. Just bite the bullet and buy a gazebo. I've had 3 of them over the past 10 years. All 10' x 10'. First one cost $150. We left the canopy on and a heavy snow collapsed the matrix the 3rd year. The next one cost close to $200. It was rusting badly after 3 years, and I balked at the cost of a new canopy, so I bought a new gazebo for the cost of that canopy. The gazebo cost $93, but I added 8 pieces of 1/2" conduit bracing, which I painted. Looks good and the strongest gazebo yet.

the damn thing cost $145.

[Tekkie©]

On Sun, 7 Feb 2021 15:59:02 -0800 (PST), [e-mail] posted for all of us to digest...

A question - is the top a vital part of the structure/frame? I guess my point is if the top is removed and will high winds blow the rest down. Seeing how many different tops are available means (to me) they are consumable.

A word from a married fellow - just buy the one she wants and go with it. Eventually she'll get tired of it and you will have to do something else. See how how much it is used.

[Dominic Ferrar]

The Tarp Co. is one of the best Online tarp sellers in the USA.

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