If your interested in buying a pop up gazebo but aren't quite sure where to start.
Here's a list of features that you might help you to choose the right one for you.
Durability You want your gazebo to withstand whatever will be thrown at it, be it red wine or a sudden downpour.
Look for fabrics that will wipe clean and make sure that all the seams are well sealed.
This will not only protect against spillages on the inside but also protect you from sudden showers.
Fabrics are usually coated in PVC or a similar plastic for this purpose.
It's helpful if the gazebo is weighted at the base to protect from the wind.
If you are anticipating a lot of wind you will need a tie down kit, which will pin the gazebo into the ground like a tent.
However, these kits can only be used on soft ground as you will need to hammer pegs into the ground.
Safety Safety has to be a key consideration when purchasing any type of gazebo or marquee.
Ensure that all materials are fire rated, this is particularly important if you are planning to cook inside or near it.
The structure must be sound and materials lightweight enough to avoid injury in the event of an accident.
You can always check that the gazebo has passed the relevant British or European standards by contacting the customer services department of the company you wish to purchase from or by going direct to trading standards.
Versatility Gardens come in all different shapes and sizes so you need some flexibility.
The best types of gazebos have detachable panels on all sides so that you can decide on the location of access points.
You may also want to sit two or more gazebos next to each other to create a larger covered space.
If this is the case, it's probably worth sticking to the standard size (3m x 3m) so you will easily be able to pair them up.
User Friendly Last but definitely not least, you want your gazebo to be user friendly.
Look at the fastenings, ideally you want them to be easy to operate, Velcro or zips are usually the best options for ease and speed.
Make sure any zips are reasonably hard wearing, especially if they will be subjected to a load.
By far the easiest type of gazebo to construct is the concertinaed version.
You stand the gazebo upright on the ground, pull the four corners apart - the concertina will open up at this point.
Then all you need to do is ensure the roof is in place and pull out the telescopic legs to hoist the roof up in the air.
The concertina mechanism is then all hidden neatly under the fabric.
It is easy to put one of these things up but if you have the option, enlist a helper and you will do it in half the time.
Finally, check that your gazebo comes with a carry case so that you can pack it up and store it away when not in use.
Here's a list of features that you might help you to choose the right one for you.
Durability You want your gazebo to withstand whatever will be thrown at it, be it red wine or a sudden downpour.
Look for fabrics that will wipe clean and make sure that all the seams are well sealed.
This will not only protect against spillages on the inside but also protect you from sudden showers.
Fabrics are usually coated in PVC or a similar plastic for this purpose.
It's helpful if the gazebo is weighted at the base to protect from the wind.
If you are anticipating a lot of wind you will need a tie down kit, which will pin the gazebo into the ground like a tent.
However, these kits can only be used on soft ground as you will need to hammer pegs into the ground.
Safety Safety has to be a key consideration when purchasing any type of gazebo or marquee.
Ensure that all materials are fire rated, this is particularly important if you are planning to cook inside or near it.
The structure must be sound and materials lightweight enough to avoid injury in the event of an accident.
You can always check that the gazebo has passed the relevant British or European standards by contacting the customer services department of the company you wish to purchase from or by going direct to trading standards.
Versatility Gardens come in all different shapes and sizes so you need some flexibility.
The best types of gazebos have detachable panels on all sides so that you can decide on the location of access points.
You may also want to sit two or more gazebos next to each other to create a larger covered space.
If this is the case, it's probably worth sticking to the standard size (3m x 3m) so you will easily be able to pair them up.
User Friendly Last but definitely not least, you want your gazebo to be user friendly.
Look at the fastenings, ideally you want them to be easy to operate, Velcro or zips are usually the best options for ease and speed.
Make sure any zips are reasonably hard wearing, especially if they will be subjected to a load.
By far the easiest type of gazebo to construct is the concertinaed version.
You stand the gazebo upright on the ground, pull the four corners apart - the concertina will open up at this point.
Then all you need to do is ensure the roof is in place and pull out the telescopic legs to hoist the roof up in the air.
The concertina mechanism is then all hidden neatly under the fabric.
It is easy to put one of these things up but if you have the option, enlist a helper and you will do it in half the time.
Finally, check that your gazebo comes with a carry case so that you can pack it up and store it away when not in use.