Cheap Gazebos and snow

[Yohawk]

So, last night we got a little over 5” of light, fluffy, snow. More than was forecast but didn’t seem too bad. I had no sooner sat down with my first cup of coffee when I heard a loud snap. What had looked like this:

now looks like this:

Unfortunately, I had replaced the Weber gasser with a new one last week and just completed a roll around table for a new Kamado Joe Jr on Wednesday…not even fired up yet! Glad I had covers for both. Oh well……could have been worse.

Does anyone have any experience with the heavier Gazebos, with the metal roofs, offered by Lowes or Home Depot? Looking for something around 10x10. I realized shortly after buying this cheapo it wasn’t going to be a long term item, but hadn’t expected to do so until spring. So, now the hunt begins for a replacement.

[texastweeter]

How long did it last? If not for the snow how much longer do you think it would have made ot?

[Yohawk]

Thanks, it was probably close to 1 1/2 years or so. The canvas has started to sag, and would collect water along the edges after a rainstorm. Just a little too much weight for the frame to handle.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

In my opinion, especially in weird out of nowhere wind country (just south of ya) I'd invest in a constructed gazebo. It'll cost a bit more up front (maybe) and last much longer. But maybe one of our friends in heavy snow country has had great success with one of the box store models.

Just wondering, looking at your deck... did you have this thing screwed in? I'm guessing not and if so that's part of your problem I suspect.

[Yohawk]

You can’t tell from the pictures, but there’s close to 30 pounds of sand in canvas tubes at each corner sitting on decking boards. The assembly was quite solid. I should have anticipated the weight of the snow better on the frame. The "after" pic is after I pulled the remnants off of the deck.
I guess for $200 you’re only going to get so much. Lowes has a cedar frame unit with metal sheeting for the roof that looks like a decent option.

[Attjack]

Could this be the excuse to build one in permanently?

[Yohawk]

To quote the late Sam Kinison, "I like the way you think!"
We just had the Trex put down this summer, not sure I want to try removing the fasteners that fit between the boards. Just mulling over options.

[texastweeter]

I would build one or maybe even look into sun sails.

[barelfly]

I have a few sun sails waiting to be installed at my lake house. They won’t stop rain, from what I can tell at least as Attjack mentions. It’s a heavy weave that does block the sun but still can breathe, so water would get through there. It may slow it down a bit, maybe? But won’t be a true dry cover.

[texastweeter]

Attjack barelfly thank you. Going to hold off on the sun sails for in the back yard. Pro ably build a gazebo and a pergola

[Attjack]

Yes, it would have some blocking affect but it will not keep stuff dry. However, if you do find a similar product that does let me know.

[rickgregory]

Obviously it's time to sell the house and built an all new custom house focused around an outdoor kitchen...

(no, im not serious. OR AM I ?)

[bbqLuv]

Right on rickgregory

[Draznnl]

A clear case of MCCS (More Cooker Coverage Syndrome).

[smokin fool]

I know plenty of people with metal roof gazebo's around here and they hold up exceptionally.
The only thing I would add is get adequate vertical supports and walls as the weight of the snow load will be transmitted down.

[Yohawk]

Yes Mr. Bones, and believe it or not, the Mrs. carries more weight around here than Mr. Newton. (See what I did there?)

[Mr. Bones]

Yohawk If'n Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody gonna be happy, imce, Brother!!!

[mnavarre]

Yeah Mr. Bones , gravity always brings me down...

[Bad Hat BBQ]

Sorry for your loss!

I am looking at kits w/ 50 lb snow load. Yardistry pavilions seem like a nice option....

Going back& forth w/ my HOA for approval.....

[LA Pork Butt]

Bummer!

[holehogg]

Oh no!

[Jared49]

Costco carries one in spring & summer that seems to be heavy duty. It has a metal roof with a peak in the center. But it’s a bit pricey.

[Yohawk]

Thanks. The Yardistry and Sunjoy are the same ones offered by Lowes/HD. I found Amazon sells the same items for less, go figure,
I can’t attach the the screened porch so it has to be free standing. Trying to determine if the Trex can hold the weight (350-400 lbs) on 2x6’s on 16” centers. I’m sure the framing is fine, just not sure if the 5”x5” footprint would bend the Trex if I’m not directly over a joist. I suppose Icould use a 2x12x12 block on top of the Trex as a footer.