Asked on May 15, 2017

Any ideas how to make my own canopy for my gazebo?

K_a7863698
by K_a7863698
My gazebo canopy frame & canopy were destroyed during a storm but my gazebo frame is bolted into the deck & still perfect. Thinking of using painters tarps to make a new canopy but I'm not sure how to attach it so it's not laying flat & collectin g rain water. Any suggestions?
Yes, that's my other outdoor table & umbrella being utilized for now.
  10 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 15, 2017

    Many Home Improvement stores will carry replacement covers and Amazon as well. I would research that possibility

  • Gwen Barham Loftus Gwen Barham Loftus on May 15, 2017

    If you replace cover from Amazon, etc. you can avoid a lot of headaches by sewing velcro tabs around the canopy. This holds them in place securely during a wind storm. My friend did this and 8 years later her canopy is still going strong and our Wyoming wind is brutal.

    • Judy Judy on May 16, 2017

      Try to anchor the corners very well, in case of strong winds. If severe winds are stated on TV, or Weather Channel, then I would take the cover down, and be safe. I have seen these go many, many miles, and never found again, just like Storage Sheds. Be wise, and safe, and take care. I would also, try to put this, in a safe area, that is not often blasted by high winds., just for your safety. Best wishes, Judy.



  • B.d8339699 B.d8339699 on May 16, 2017

    I would get 2x2 lumber from the building center. then drill holes in the end of these ad tie wire or sturdy rope through those holes to attach together to make a "peak" . attach the other ends to the frame leaving just enough for a slight over hang. With that done you will need L brackets to attach the 2x2 to your metal frame. take care when sewing your new canvass top to add velcro straps so you can secure it to the frame. all done you will have all your friends wondering ... Where did you get this canopy? and you will have the only one.

  • CecileH CecileH on May 16, 2017

    I can't tell from the photo if you have a centre connection of the canopy but that really doesn't matter, we can work without one! lol Measure the distance between two corner connections and to the centre of the gazebo to get the width and length you will need for your fabric of choice. Now regular fabric is going to be expensive so, check out sales on sheets, shower curtains, regular curtains (ones with sun guard are perfect). If you use sheets one end has a deeper decorative hem, you can use a seam ripper to open the seam and sew velcro with a straight stitch where the seam use to be or use the opposite end and make a pocket by sewing the strips parallel to each other . If you use curtains, the best to look for are the tab curtains. You can cut the tabs on the back side of the curtain leaving the front part of the tab connected. Borrow a snap tool from someone or purchase one at a fabric store, they will run about $15-20. Attach snaps to the cut end (fold over to make a clean edge) and one to the top edge of the curtain, then snap them around the bar on the top of the gazebo. Once you have all the sides done, draw the fabric to the centre, you will need a second person to hold while someone draws the fabric to the centre. Using a heavy duty elastic or an elastic made from utility elastic you can purchase wrap it around the gathered centre of fabric. If there is too much left over you can cut it off or leave it as a ruffle but you don't want to add extra weight so do your best at finding something very close to the length you need to begin with. If the centre sags you can look for used tent poles to cross over the top to hold it up and not be seen from the under side. The first place I'd look for the fabric in any form is liquidation stores, they often will have one colour of curtain that doesn't seem to sell and it's usually green! Perfect for outside!

    • See 1 previous
    • CecileH CecileH on Mar 19, 2020

      Well at least now you can shop for the fabric from your cozy chair while the outbreak is on! lol

  • Stephanie Stephanie on May 16, 2017

    Ugh, I feel your pain. We just had a heavy rain & wind storm and it demolished my gazebo too. The rain water must've collected on the top of the fabric cover & crushed the frame. The only thing that survived was the cover. I wish I could send you mine, but your frame appears to be hexagonal & mine was square. I'm assuming you have already contacted the manufacturer for a replacement. You may be able to find flexible poles at an outdoorsy store or search online, to create a dome, not sure if tent poles would be sturdy enough. I suppose you could wrap two together for added strength. As for finding the right fabric cover, maybe a boating place? That would probably be pretty pricey. I know they sell large patio umbrella replacements. You could sew a few together. We ended up buying another gazebo and plan to get a tarp to tie above it for extra protection. Good luck.

    • Karyn Karyn on Mar 19, 2020

      awww sweetness thank you for your response, I’m JUST seeing many of them!

      yep it is hexagon shaped but your thought is too sweet!

      yeah, this is our second round of replacement, the first being from the manufacturer...

      As much as I hate to say this & give them a heads up...you’re right, just replacing the whole thing isn’t much more expensive.

      THANK YOU for your response! ❤️

  • Keith cronk Keith cronk on May 16, 2017

    Use an old army parachute.

    It will blow people away.

  • Becky Becky on May 16, 2017

    I replaced the wall canvas with lace curtains from Ikea at 10.00 a pair it cost less than 50.00 after tax. I used a brown tarp for the roof and ziptied it on through the gromits.

    • Karyn Karyn on Mar 19, 2020

      Becky,

      I’ve been thinking about that but my frame is hexagon...

      multiple tarps & Monster Glue perhaps 🤷‍♀️😃

  • K_a7863698 K_a7863698 on May 16, 2017

    Becky, does the tarp collect water & cause sagging?

  • K_a7863698 K_a7863698 on May 16, 2017

    😂 👍🏻

  • Marie Haddon Marie Haddon on Feb 20, 2019

    Check with your local tent & awning. Supplier they sometimes have really great prices on roll ends sturdy & beautiful