[tophcfa]

We love our southwest facing pool/birdcage, but some shade and rain protection under our picnic table would be a great addition. We went to Lowe’s yesterday and saw a nice looking 10 X 10 aluminum gazebo that got our interest. Has anyone installed a permanent gazebo inside their birdcage? I would greatly appreciate any feedback, good and bad, from others who have installed that kind of structure. Also, is your structure bolted to the deck, or freestanding. I would think such a structure would have to be permanently bolted to the decking to withstand hurricane force winds?

[Marathon Man]

If you are talking about the ones that have the canvas top, yes, I have seen that. I think it looks fine. I would bolt it down, and I would make sure to place it so that the top can be removed.

[villagetinker]

We have a table with an umbrella that we lower during bad weather, which has worked very well for years. Also, I agree with above to have the unit you are looking at securely anchored.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

We have a table with an umbrella that we lower during bad weather, which has worked very well for years. Also, I agree with above to have the unit you are looking at securely anchored.

We currently have a folding umbrella for the table, which gives some sun protection, but the tilt has to be adjusted throughout the day as the sun moves and the umbrella provides limited rain protection. The gazebo structure at Lowel’s is much larger and would offer both better sun and rain cover. The roof is not canvas, it’s a permanent aluminum roof with built in wind vents. It appears to be a good quality structure costing about $1,500. We are very intrigued by the concept, but it would definitely change the current character of our setup. If we go with the idea, it would be installed over the picnic table in the below picture.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

We currently have a folding umbrella for the table, which gives some sun protection, but the tilt has to be adjusted throughout the day as the sun moves and the umbrella provides limited rain protection. The gazebo structure at Lowel’s is much larger and would offer both better sun and rain cover. The roof is not canvas, it’s a permanent aluminum roof with built in wind vents. It appears to be a good quality structure costing about $1,500. We are very intrigued by the concept, but it would definitely change the current character of our setup. If we go with the idea, it would be installed over the picnic table in the below picture.

I just realized your problem, we have 75% sun reduction screening installed in our lanai roof area, this provides light, but significantly lowers the sunlight, and this would be much less expensive and no intrusion on your existing layout. We had A+ screening replace this recently as the original screening was damaged by IAN. Send me a PM if you would like to see our installation. Also, you would not need to install over the entire roof area.

[thelegges]

Not in our bird cage but on our deck up north. We had a 12x12 aluminum frame with canvas top that had three level of wind vents. We loved it keeping our southern deck cool. Ten years no issues when wind kicked up as usual.

So when Costco had a 12x12 with solid roof similar you are looking at we upgraded. It also came with two sunshades which could be removed less than a minute.

Ours was toggled to deck boards, normal storm with 30 mph wind, that we have always experienced since we built the house. Winds Picked up the gazebo crashed into the house, broke sliding glass door, destroyed our wood siding, like the toggles weren’t there, and blew it across our 1/2 acre lawn, stopping only by the 6’ fencing.

No idea why the canvas never had any problems, but the solid top was a kite flying through the air. Our insurance adjuster said not the first solid top with the small wind vent he has seen take flight, even tethered, with larger toggles than ours.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I just realized your problem, we have 75% sun reduction screening installed in our lanai roof area, this provides light, but significantly lowers the sunlight, and this would be much less expensive and no intrusion on your existing layout. We had A+ screening replace this recently as the original screening was damaged by IAN. Send me a PM if you would like to see our installation. Also, you would not need to install over the entire roof area.

Interesting idea, our birdcage screening is 7 years old and will eventually need replacement. Definitely something to consider, at least in the area we like to sit and read and have meals.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by thelegges

Not in our bird cage but on our deck up north. We had a 12x12 aluminum frame with canvas top that had three level of wind vents. We loved it keeping our southern deck cool. Ten years no issues when wind kicked up as usual.

So when Costco had a 12x12 with solid roof similar you are looking at we upgraded. It also came with two sunshades which could be removed less than a minute.

Ours was toggled to deck boards, normal storm with 30 mph wind, that we have always experienced since we built the house. Winds Picked up the gazebo crashed into the house, broke sliding glass door, destroyed our wood siding, like the toggles weren’t there, and blew it across our 1/2 acre lawn, stopping only by the 6’ fencing.

No idea why the canvas never had any problems, but the solid top was a kite flying through the air. Our insurance adjuster said not the first solid top with the small wind vent he has seen take flight, even tethered, with larger toggles than ours.

Thanks for the excellent information. You confirmed my biggest concern, installing a permanent structure with a solid roof that wouldn’t hold up to very high winds. The last thing I need is another thing to worry about during hurricane season when we are up north. I will look into the aluminum framed structure with a well vented and removable canvas roof.

[blueash]

Had a neighbor with a gazebo inside their birdcage. Community Standards showed up and told them not allowed, take it down. So... before you do it, check to be sure not an issue in your area.

[bowlingal]

you probably wouldn't need it in the winter, and may not want it in the winter, so make it easy to take down. A 9 foot umbrella sounds like the best solution.

[asianthree]

After last nights 40mph wind gust/lightning storm, we are so glad didn’t have a gazebo that really would have ended up in our pool or against the cage.

We have been considering sun shades triangles. Anyone our there have experience with the winds and how did it hold up? Our cage guys are coming this week, so asking their opinion on how they should attach to cage.

[Bonnierae]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

We love our southwest facing pool/birdcage, but some shade and rain protection under our picnic table would be a great addition. We went to Lowe’s yesterday and saw a nice looking 10 X 10 aluminum gazebo that got our interest. Has anyone installed a permanent gazebo inside their birdcage? I would greatly appreciate any feedback, good and bad, from others who have installed that kind of structure. Also, is your structure bolted to the deck, or freestanding. I would think such a structure would have to be permanently bolted to the decking to withstand hurricane force winds?

We got the 12’ umbrella and it offers great shade, we crank it up or down depending on winds etc. We can sit under it and stay dry if not a strong windy rain

[MikeN]

I agree with securing a gazebo within a bird cage. We occasionally get a gust of wind that moves smaller items. The only thing I see is when people put in a tacky one with fake looking grass on the roof. Sort of like putting plastic flowers in the landscaping but to each their own

[JRcorvette]

We wanted mostly sun blocking and got a quote from Pergola Kings to install inside our birdcage and the price was very high. We decided to first put 90% (not 70%) sun blocking screen on the roof because it was getting old and I must say it makes a huge difference. To answer your question yes you are allowed to put a Gazebo inside your birdcage but make sure it is secured to the slab properly. I would want one that has a vented roof.

[Nell57]

Always follow VillageTinkers advice. He always knows the most efficient way to solve a problem at the best price.