It’s becoming a must buy for many homeowners, the gazebo. From framed premium wood constructions, all-weather metallic structures, soft-top, hardtop and even cookout areas, there’s a gazebo for everyone. But as folks figure out that they can use these structures to turn their homespun outdoors into relaxing oasis, many questions about their installment arises.
Specifically, we see many buyers asking whether they can directly put their gazebos on grass. Now while there are really no hard and fast rules regarding where one should pitch their chill hut, there are some considerations to ensure you are getting the most out of your investment. It sure does help to weight the plus and minuses of having a gazebo on grass so let’s dig in to help you figure things out.
The appeal of installing a gazebo on grass
Having grass as the surface underneath a gazebo has its share of advantages compared to say a decked, mulched, bricked, paved or graveled. First of all, there is the natural aesthetic of it all. It’s just so beautiful and inviting. Plus, the structure marries into the surrounding greenery for a harmonious outdoor ambiance.
No, in terms of cost, if you have grass already growing in your yard, then this is a simple cost effective set up compared to installing a concrete or wooden base. And even if you have to start from zero, planting and maintaining a grass surface won’t cost as much as the other options. Plus, as already said, greenery does wonders for the overall look of the place.
One more thing to put into consideration is that an on the grass installation is generally advisable for set ups that are temporary. For example, you can set up the gazebo for a specific event or season and then remove it afterwards to allow the sun to kiss the grass. Our portable gazebos are well suited for such needs. We make them lightweight and you won’t break a sweat gathering them - - well it depends on the conditions that day but you get the idea. With our simple instructions, assembly is a cakewalk.
Challenges of using gazebos on grass
Even if using gazebos on grass has its benefits, however, there are some challenges you must take into account including:
- Stability issues especially during high winds and rains. Grass isn’t the most stable surface and come these extreme conditions, the gazebo may not be a safe place.
- Moisture damage especially on wooden and metallic components. We are talking about rotting and rusting.
- Uneven surface. Unless your lawn is a perfect level surface you will notice your gazebo is tilted which besides being jarring can be unsafe. Plus, a tilted setup means uneven weight distributing on the frame parts and early wear and tears.
- Damage to the lawn. If you are someone concerned about the health of your grass then you should worry about the lack of sunlight and restricted airflow created by gazebo structure on your lawn. We are talking about hideous brown patches due to sections of the grass dying.
That being said, there are ways to deal with these issues straight from the beginning ensuring a successful setup. Here are some pointers.
Tips for installing a gazebo on grass
- Choose a flat, well drained area. You don’t want your chill spot to be a place where water tends to amass - - avoid low lying areas.
- Levelize the ground as much as possible, tamp down those raised areas and fill in low lying spots with soil, sand, and compost for the grass.
- Hold down the gazebo using ground anchors especially during windy seasons
- Place a groundsheet between the grass and the gazebo to prevent moisture transfer and also distribute the weight of the structure evenly for reduced lawn damage.
- In case of a severely unstable surface, add temporary flooring solutions, such as interlocking tiles or wooden pallets
Alright folks, that’s how to make your gazebo on grass vision work for you. It’s easy, aesthetically pleasing and just harmonious overall. However, it’s not the only option if you are not sure about the stability of the surface or are worried about the health of your grass; then consider these alternatives.
Alternatives to a grass setup
- Graveled surface installation
- Paved surface installation
- Decked surface installation
- Concrete surface installation
In a nutshell, we are sure that you have ideas on how to use gazebos on grass surfaces. It needs some planning to make sure the setup is level, stable and safe from water damage while also reducing the damage to your lawn.
We are here for you, if you have further questions on the matter or just want to chat about gazebos, pergolas or even outdoor furniture. Go ahead and we will assist you in transforming your lawn into a dreamland for you and your family.