Gazebo Canopy Replacement

A patio or garden gazebo can be a great addition to your outdoor living space. The shade during the summer, or protection from the rain makes your patio or deck space useable even during times when the weather isn't cooperative.

Gazebo frames can last a lifetime, but the gazebo canopy is often a casualty of the elements. Due to sun fade and tearing from the wind, gazebo canopies often need to be replaced every two to three years.

So don't throw away that perfectly good gazebo, just because the canopy needs replacing. Find out how to select a replacement canopy.

The elements can be tough on gazebo canopies. Over time, the sun can take a toll on the canvas tops and start to weaken them. Repeated exposure to rain can stress the fibers of the material as it repeatedly gets wet and dries. If left out during the Winter, the weight of snow and ice can cause tearing. But one of the biggest enemies of gazebo canopies is the wind. High winds can stretch and tear fabrics that have already been stressed by the elements. The most common reasons for replacing a gazebo canopy are tearing, sun fade, and discoloration due to mildew. Just the general wear and tear from age can put you in a position where you need a replacement canopy.

In order to select the proper size replacement gazebo canopy, you will need to take accurate measurements of your gazebo's frame. You will need a standard tape measure to to this. I recommend using two people, to ensure that the tape measure is pulled tight, to get an exact measurement.

Most garden gazebos are square in shape. Others are rectangular. So start at one corner of the gazebo and measure from that corner to the next corner on your right. Then repeat the measurement to the corner on your left. Most gazebos use standard sizes in exact feet as opposed to inches, so hopefully your measurements are very close to an exact foot.

Common sizes of patio and garden gazebos are: 8' x 8', 9' x 9', 10' x 10', 10' x 12', and 12' x 12'.

Durability is the key!

You will want a material that is weather resistant, fade resistant, mildew resistant, and scratch resistant. Something that will hold up well under the conditions that typically damage gazebo canopies which are probably responsible for your search for a replacement canopy.

I recommend a weather-resistant nylon fabric. These are durable, sturdy, and appealing to the eye. Look for ones with velcro fasteners that will allow you to easily attach the canopy to the frame. Check to ensure that the corners of the canopy are reinforced, and that all seams have reinforced stitching. These type of canopies are built to last.

Check your warranty!

Before you run out and buy a replacement gazebo canopy, check the warranty of your existing gazebo.

The manufacturers of these products often offer, 1 year, 3 year, or 5 year warranties on the canopy tops. Hopefully you still have your owners manual and warranty information. If not, then you can always try to look up the manufacturer online and contact them directly.

The one thing you will need if you plan to pursue warranty replacement, is your proof of purchase. This is often where the problem lies. Many people don't keep receipts for items that they purchased years ago. Without your proof of purchase, you will not be able to verify that your gazebo and its canopy are still within the coverage period.

In these cases, you are better off seeking a univeral replacement canopy from a third-party supplier. The manufacturers of the gazebos will sell replacement canopies, but they are often a highly priced commodity.

If you want to make your gazebo canopy last, there are a few steps you can take. The most important thing you can do is not leave your gazebo canopy up over the winter. Snow and Ice can severely damage your canopy, and you may be replacing it after a single season. The weight of the snow and ice can cause your canopy to sag and damage the fabric. This can also damage the gazebo frame. So before the snowy weather comes, clean and dry your canopy, and store it in a dry place until spring.

You will also want to keep your canopy free of dirt and leaves. If leaves and sticks collect on top of your canopy, this can contribute to the discoloration of the fabric, and turn it into an eyesore.

Check out these other great lenses about garden gazebos and the new grill gazebos.

When to Choose a Universal Gazebo Canopy

Share your tips and tricks on finding a replacement canopy!