Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Attributes of High Quality Gazebos
The following criteria should be considered when shopping for a high quality gazebo:
The following criteria should be considered when shopping for a high quality gazebo:
- Dimensions: First, you need to consider the space that is available for the gazebo and the furniture it will contain. When installed on a small patio or deck, a square model of 10 'x 10' would be quite appropriate, as it can easily accommodate a table and comfortable chairs for four people. Larger gazebos that measure 10 'x 12' can easily accommodate a table and chairs for six people, or can be furnished as game room, a lounge or even host an outdoor spa. Note that even larger gazebos are available.
- Structure: Most quality gazebos are made of powder-coated aluminum. They are weather resistant and can last for years even without dismantling them during the winter (unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise). Some aluminum gazebos will have parts made of hard plastic. Those will cost less, but may not withstand the rigors of winter. Finally, those that are made of steel are solid, but subject to corrosion, so they must be dismantled and stored for the winter, unless they are made of powder-coated/galvanized steel which is guaranteed against rust and corrosion.
- Posts: The thicker the posts, the stronger your gazebo will be. Note also that while posts placed in a triangle (3-posts) may offer a good degree of stability, gazebos with posts placed in a square (4-posts) are stronger and more stable.
- Roof: Subject to rain, wind and sun, the roof is the part of the gazebo that is most likely to deteriorate over time. The roof that comes with some of the less expensive gazebos may need to be changed after only two or three years. You should be looking for a roof that is waterproof, solid enough to withstand strong winds, and that is guaranteed against fading. Roofs made of polycarbonate which is ultra-resistant hard plastic, as well those those that are made of poweder-coated aluminum or powder-coated/galvnized steel are the best, and they can usually be left installed permanently, summer and winter (but snow accumulations should always be removed from the roof).
- Vent: This is an opening in the middle of the roof to evacuate the wind. On low cost gazebos, a piece of fabric held by seams at the four corners crowns the opening. If the garden or patio is very exposed to winds, it is better to opt for a stronger vent, consisting of a raised metal structure with a mosquito net.
- Curtains, Nets & Rails: Gazebos with curtains and nets cost more, but they provide you with privacy and protection against mosquitos. They will also protect you from strong winds and from getting wet when the wind pushes the rain sideways inside the gazebo.
Rails are used to open the curtains and nets by dragging them from the center to the posts. - Hooks: If you'd like to install a fan or a lighting fixture into your gazebo, look for one that is equipped with a hook at the very top.
Our Selection of High Quality Gazebos on Amazon
The gazebos presented below are the most popular and best rated ones bought by Amazon customers at the time of this writing.
Please click the Amazon product links below for the selected gazebos to see exact price information or to purchase.
Note that if some of the prices are not shown on the Amazon link images below, they will be provided once you click the images.
Please click the Amazon product links below for the selected gazebos to see exact price information or to purchase.
Note that if some of the prices are not shown on the Amazon link images below, they will be provided once you click the images.
Palram Palermo 3000 Gazebo
(Photo credits: Palram)
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Sunjoy Chatham Gazebo
(Photo credits: Sunjoy)
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Attributes of High Quality Offset Umbrellas
The following criteria should be considered when shopping for a high quality offset umbrella:
- Dimensions: This is of the most important factor to consider. You simply need to measure the size of the area you want to protect from the sun's UV rays and other weather conditions. Offset umbrellas come in various sizes, so it should not be very difficult to find one that fits the area you want to protect.
- Structure: If you don’t want to pay too much, you may want to consider an offset umbrella with a pole and other mechanical parts such as the ribs made of hard plastic. On the other hand, if you want a more solid umbrella, you should consider one made of all powder-coated aluminum. Though they would be more expensive, they will last much longer.
- Fabric: You will find that offset umbrellas come in various types of fabric. There are those that are made of synthetic fabrics capable of protecting from rain, but also thicker fabrics that provide better protection against UV rays. Fade-resistant, solution-dyed, waterproof polyester fabrics are excellent and can offer 98% UV protection.
- Openin/Closing/Orientation Mechanism: You can find nowadays offset umbrellas that provide you with a crank mechanism to easily open and close the umbrella, and orient it properly in order to provide the best protection against the sun or rain.
- Weight Plates: Most offset umbrellas are equipped with a cross base which is the part that sits on the ground and that supports the pole. But sand filled weight plates need to be place on the cross base to provide the umbrella with the required stability. Usually, these weight plates are not included in the purchase of the umbrellas, but are available to be bought separately by the manufacturer.
Our Selection of High Quality Offset Umbrella on Amazon
The offset umbrella presented below was the most popular and best rated one bought by Amazon customers at the time of this writing.
Best Choice Products Offset Cantilever Umbrella
(Photo credits:Best Choice Products)
The following describes the features of this offset umbrella:
- Dimensions: 116"(Diameter) x 101"(Height).
- Made of durable, high quality materials: Crafted with a 2-inch-thick, powder-coated aluminum pole to prevent rust and scratching, plus a water-resistant, UV-resistant and fade-resistant polyester fabric shade for years of vibrance. A thick, fabric cover is included to further protect the umbrella from the elements.
- Provides 360-Degree rotation: Conveniently rotates 360 degrees by simply stepping on the foot pedal and turning the pole with your hands, while a smooth gliding handle and 5 tilt settings allow you to adjust the shade and block the sun at various angles.
- Equipped with bright, solar powered lights: The umbrella has 35 built-in LED rib lights (5 per rib) and a center light all powered by solar panels on top of the pole to save energy while maintaining perfect lighting in the day and night.
- Elegent offset design: The umbrella's pole stands off to the side, so you can complete the area's look without a pole in the way;
Please note: Cross base is included, but weight base plate is sold separately. It pairs perfectly with the Best Choice Products 4-panel weight base (see Amazon products section below).. - Shades large areas: Keeps groups of people protected from the sun, and the wind vent allows cool air to flow through to prevent imbalance during higher-than-normal gusts.
Best Choice Products
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Best Choice Products
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