How to storm proof a gazebo.

May 2, 2011 5:43 PM

How do I secure an aluminum/canvas gazebo so it doesn't blow away in the wind?

I would like to get a gazebo like this

I have a large sandy area of my yard that I would like to put it in. How do I secure it to the ground so it can't blow away?

I considered burying landscape pavers a foot or so down with heavy wire connecting the paver to the leg of the gazebo. Anybody have any other thoughts on how to keep it secure in a storm? I'm in Massachusetts and not on the beach.

posted by Thrillhouse to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

Rope some gallon jugs filled with water to its base to keep it from falling over in the wind. I see outdoor sellers always do this with their tents.
posted by Threeway Handshake at 5:45 PM on May 2, 2011

Best answer: You can get tie-down stakes that have a large, 'threaded' portion (like this) That will sink into the ground and give you something to anchor to (on the inside if you want to hide them).
posted by pupdog at 6:09 PM on May 2, 2011

I should have added, these are going to be available at almost any big hardware store, farm-supply dealer, anything like that. I've used them over the years as a place to run a lock and chain through, It's pretty dang hard to get them out.
posted by pupdog at 6:14 PM on May 2, 2011

The very first review of that had some great ideas as to how to make it wind proof...
posted by tomswift at 6:29 PM on May 2, 2011

Best answer: For a permanent installation, as long as the legs are hollow, find four posts that will fit inside the legs. Mark where the legs will be, then drive the posts into the ground there, or dig them into the ground, anchor them with concrete if you think it necessary. If you need strong narrow posts you might try rebar or T-posts, for a wider post you might prefer wooden fenceposts. Then build the gazebo with the posts inside the legs.

Obviously you'll need to be very precise with the post locations--if you can, you'll probably also want to wait to permanently secure them down until after the gazebo is built. So, for example, build the gazebo before pouring the concrete or before packing the sand back in the postholes, to make sure that the posts align with how the gazebo sits when put together. Kits always seem to have some imprecision in them.

Depending on the details of how those feet are designed, you can bolt the legs to the cement holding the posts or bolt the legs to the post. If you make the posts tall enough you probably won't need to, but I tend to really overdo the security on permanent projects :)

And take the canvas down when you have a bad storm blow in, if you have time!
posted by galadriel at 6:50 PM on May 2, 2011

Response by poster: Wow, Galadreil. That is some serious overkill but I'll bet it works perfectly! I may consider that but I think initially the stakes seem to be a great option....

Thanks everyone.
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:50 AM on May 3, 2011