| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
1. What materials are used in your gazebos, and what are the advantages of each?
|
|
2. What is required as a foundation for the Gazebo?
|
|
3. What can I do if I do not have a level spot in my yard or want to put my gazebo over a hillside?
|
|
4. I have an existing deck (or concrete patio) and want no floor in my gazebo. Is there anything I need to consider?
|
|
5. Should I wait before I apply a sealer or stain on a wood gazebo?
|
|
6. What should I use as a sealer for the gazebos?
|
|
7. How long does it take, and what skills are required to assemble your gazebo kits?
|
|
8. Are your screens removable?
|
|
9. Is a building permit required?
|
|
10. Can I get the gazebo delivered already assembled?
|
|
11. Can I get shingles to match the shingles on my house?
|
|
12. The shingles that I want (to match my house) are not listed, can I get the gazebo with no shingles so I can install my own shingles?
|
|
13. How long does it take to receive my gazebo once I place an order?
|
|
14. Do you handle Custom or Special Orders?
|
|
15. Do you offer discounts?
|
|
16. I need to fit my gazebo in a tight space. How are the sizes of the gazebos determined?
|
|
17. Does the vinyl gazebo come in any color other than white?
|
|
18. How do you attach the gazebo to the ground?
|
|
19. Other Questions or Comments?
|
| |
1.
What materials are used in your gazebos, and what are the advantages of each?
Gazebo Creation's gazebos are available in three different materials: Western red cedar, Southern yellow pine, and vinyl-coated pine. Our cedar gazebos are manufactured using only 100% #1 grade Western red cedar, which is a wood of exceptionally high quality, durability, and beauty. Western red cedar contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the wood resist insect attack and wood decay. It is also a dimensionally stable wood that lies flat, stays straight, ages gracefully, and is extremely durable.
Our treated pine gazebos are made of #1 Wolmanized Outdoor Wood that has undergone the next generation of arsenic-free pressure treatment. The new, patented Wolmanized Outdoor Wood carries a lifetime warranty against termites and fungal decay. Additionally, the pine is kiln-dried both before and after the pressure treatment in order to reduce checking and twisting.
Our vinyl gazebos are treated pine gazebos that have been coated with a durable, attractive vinyl coating both for appearance and easy maintenance. Vinyl gazebos are very popular for those of our customers – many with children – who expect and want years of low maintenance and high performance out of their gazebos despite what some would consider above-average use. Combined with a composite deck and asphalt or rubber shingles, a vinyl-coated treated pine gazebo is virtually maintenance-free for the life of the structure.
 Return to top
|
|
2.
What is required as a foundation for the Gazebo?
First of all, please note that you should always check with your local building inspector in order to ensure that you are aware of any local building codes that may apply to the gazebo you have planned.
Return to top
|
|
3.
What can I do if I do not have a level spot in my yard or want to put my gazebo over a hillside?
Installation of your gazebo on a slope will require posts (6X6, concrete block, or sona tube) as well as a framework underneath the gazebo. The supporting structure must be more than adequate to support the weight of the gazebo, its contents (a hot tub, for example), and its maximum number of occupants. Depending on the weights anticipated, 4X4, double 2X6, 2X8, or in some instances heavier beams may be required when constructing your platform. You should always contact a Gazebo Creations design consultant for help in planning and implementing such a project.
Return to top
|
|
4.
I have an existing deck (or concrete patio) and want no floor in my gazebo. Is there anything I need to consider?
Yes. In our experience, customers have experienced the fewest problems when keeping the standard gazebo floor and simply setting the complete gazebo on any pre-existing surface or structure. This is largely due to the fact that problems can be experienced when the screen kit seals in the absence of the gazebo floor; in addition, changes to the dimensions of some of the 4X4 posts may be required when attempting to anchor the gazebo to a separate floor. Please remember that the less the kit is altered, the fewer problems you’ll have in assembly and installation. If you must alter the gazebo design in order to accommodate a separate floor, be sure to contact a Gazebo Creations design consultant to review the floor specs and ensure to the viability of your project.
Return to top
|
|
5.
Should I wait before I apply a sealer or stain on a wood gazebo?
Both our cedar and our treated pine gazebos are constructed of kiln-dried woods, which means that you may seal or stain them at any time.
Return to top
|
|
6.
What should I use as a sealer for the gazebos?
We recommend that you apply a high-quality sealer that includes a UV screen component. We use Cabot’s Clear Solution treated gazebos, and Superdeck on cedar, but other quality products include Floods CWF and Wolman RainCoat. Any sealer that you use should provide, at a minimum, mildew resistance and UV protection. Whether or not you opt for a tinted sealer is a personal choice.
Return to top
|
|
7.
How long does it take, and what skills are required to assemble your gazebo kits?
Our gazebo kits are relatively easy to assemble, and can be undertaken by any “handyman” – preferably with a helper. Depending on the gazebo’s size, they can be completed in the course of an afternoon, or, in the case of some of the larger or double-roof models, a weekend. Our kits are actually partially preassembled at our shop point to ensure proper fit; the only tools you will need are a screw gun, a level, and a hammer (all hardware is supplied in the kit). Feel free to contact a Gazebo Creations design consultant with any questions you have in the course of assembly and installation.
Return to top
|
|
8.
Are your screens removable?
The screens in our gazebos are easily removed. If you live in a harsh climate, we recommend that you remove the screens for the winter months.
Return to top
|
|
9.
Is a building permit required?
Many areas have building codes that will require a permit in order for you to put up your gazebo. If drawings or specifications are required by your local inspector, we are happy to supply them. If drawings or specifications with an engineering stamp are a requirement (this is usually only necessary for commercial or government projects), we are happy to supply those also (extra charges may apply).
Return to top
|
|
10.
Can I get the gazebo delivered already assembled?
This is a possibility depending upon where you live, the size of the gazebo you are purchasing, and the characteristics of the road access to your gazebo’s site. Please note that a minimum condition of pre-assembled delivery is direct access from the road to the gazebo location by the delivery vehicle. We can deliver assembled gazebos to locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Ohio, and the District of Columbia, as well as to certain areas of Virginia, West Virginia, and the state of New York. If you live in one of these areas, contact a Gazebo Creations design consultant to learn more about shipping costs. Shipping pre-assembled gazebos to areas other than those listed above is possible, but maybe be costly. Contact your gazebo consultant for an exact quote.
Also, please note that no gazebos over 12’ can be transported fully assembled, and that 12’ gazebos may require escorts and wide load permits, or may not be permitted on roads leading to your location.
Return to top
|
|
11.
Can I get shingles to match the shingles on my house?
Refer to our selection of custom shingles (asphalt, rubber slate, and rubber Seneca) if the standard cedar shake shingles, which are a standard feature on all Gazebo Creations gazebos, do not fit your needs.
Return to top
|
|
12.
The shingles that I want (to match my house) are not listed, can I get the gazebo with no shingles so I can install my own shingles?
Yes, and a discount applies, depending on the size of gazebo involved. If you order with no shingles, we will include 1” x 6” tongue and groove roof decking to your gazebo. Call your Gazebo Creations design consultant for details.
Return to top
|
|
13.
How long does it take to receive my gazebo once I place an order?
We do not “stock” gazebo kits. Each one is custom made for our customers. The time it takes to produce your gazebo depends on where you are and what time of the year it is. During peak season (spring / early summer), order to shipping time is 4 to 6 weeks. During the “off season”, this can be as little as 2 weeks. Shipping time to your site can take anywhere from two to six business days.
Return to top
|
|
14.
Do you handle Custom or Special Orders?
You can depend on Gazebo Creations when it comes to custom orders. We have satisfied many unique custom orders for our residential and commercial customers. Being the manufacturer, Gazebo Creations has the potential to customize any product we offer on our web site. Gazebos that are larger or smaller than our standard gazebos are available. If you need a special railing to match a deck. You want siding on your shed or cabana to match your house exactly.
Return to top
|
|
15.
Do you offer discounts?
Our gazebos are a great value, top quality at an affordable price – and we offer the lowest shipping costs available. If you are ordering multiple units, are an industry professional (Landscaper, builder, etc), a non-profit organization, or interested in becoming a dealer, please contact us at 888-293-2339 for details about our Partners Programs.
Return to top
|
|
16.
I need to fit my gazebo in a tight space. How are the sizes of the gazebos determined?
Gazebos we originally just a roof placed over a preexisting structure. It is an industry standard that the quoted size of a gazebo is the size of the roof, from flat side to flat side. Because all of our gazebos have a slight overhang (about 3” around), the floor is a bit smaller than the quoted size. Please contact our sales consultant for details.
Return to top
|
|
17.
Does the vinyl gazebo come in any color other than white?
Yes, The vinyl comes in Elegant Ivory. This off-white color may, depending on it’s surroundings, blend in better than white… or match your house siding. It is also a bit easier to keep clean!
Return to top
|
|
18.
How do you attach the gazebo to the ground?
This depends on a number of factors. In most cases, if the gazebo is used in a residential back yard, gravity does the trick. Wooden gazebos are quite heavy and will stay standing and in place in winds up to 85 mph or more with no anchoring. If you live in an area where local building codes require anchoring, first check with your building inspector for approved anchoring methods. Some methods include simply adding 4 x 4 posts, concreted into the ground and attaching the gazebo with srews. Other options might include a concrete slab and / or a foundation, where post anchors or L- brackets, available at a local hardware store, are used for the connection.
If you are taking your gazebo with no floor, you will need to anchor the posts to a concrete base using post anchors (ie. Simpson strong ties model ABU44) or L- brackets anchored into the concrete.
Anchoring the gazebo will increase the wind load to about 110 mph. In areas where wind load requirements are more than 110 mph, you will need to consider our hurricane package. The gazebo is built to withstand winds up to 140 mph – and need to be mounted onto a concrete base or piers that are 4’ deep with a threaded rebar as an anchor. If you have questions concerning any anchoring method, please contact a design consultant at 888-293-2339.
Return to top
|
|
19.
Other Questions or Comments?
Our Customer Service desk is open to serve you M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm EST at 1.888.293.2339. You can also email us with your questions.
Email: cs@GazeboCreations.com
Fax: 724.444.5301
We will be pleased to hear from you at any time with any questions or comments you may have. If we miss your call, we will return it promptly during our normal business hours. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
Return to top
|
|