If anyone is still reading this. I do custom boat canvas, awnings, etc.... You can buy Sunbrella marine (outdoor-it is different than the indoor Sunbrella) canvas in stripes or solids at Rochford or Sailrite online. You can use other boat canvas (like Top Gun (no hot knife needed because it will not unravel) which is a little less expensive but very water resistant or awning vinyls). Also you MUST use marine outdoor thread from one of these type of online places and it will last a long time like outdoor professional awnings. Use larger stitches, not tiny) Joann Fabrics sells some outdoor thread that is pretty good but it will not last like the marine thread. It will be much better thread than the stuff that came on the awning. If your seams are getting weak/faded pull it off and restitch before the thread falls apart. A regular sewing machine can handle this Sunbrella but I have never used the heavy thread in my machine but I bet it would work for a small job like this. I have used the black Joann's outdoor thread in my home machine. Also reinforce where you are going to attach to make it not wear. Use strips of the fabric for reinforcements. Be sure and topstitch all of your seams so they are strong and don't wear out by pulling apart. (Topstitching is after you sew 2 pieces together, you push the seams to one side underneath and top stitch a straight line down the top thru all thicknesses so now the fabric does not pull apart and is much thicker and reinforced.) One other thing is the Sunbrella needs to be cut with a hot knife or it will unravel. You will have to lightly burn the edges with a lighter if you have no hotknife but be sure it does not catch on fire. Sunbrella is a pain w/o a hot knife, but if you take these steps for doing just a top, it should be fine. Good Luck!! I am getting ready to do one myself!

I have looked at this same gazebo a dozen times. Like the support design, overall look. The description didn't give much info on metal/support/cover content. Yes, read the responses and think their experiences are most likely what would be with any of the free standing kits. Positive responses didn't say where they had located this gazebo, whether they had secured them to the ground, weather, etc. The negatives didn't really go into this either....so a bit difficult to know all involved regarding positives/negatives. I checked a number of freestanding set up in stores and specifically looked at the cover/material content. They all say they are not water resistant nor do they prevent against color fading. Covers were also many different weights. In all honesty I think buying this one or any of the gazebos similar should be thought of as a temporary solution...a couple of seasons use. The covers are definitely a magnet for wind damage, even if the posts are locked down. And I think the same problem possible even if one were twice the price. Perhaps if located in a secure area from the worst of elements would help, but my reasoning for one (and most others) is to use it for getting away from sun/wind/rain. Really wanted to buy one of these so I wouldn't have to build and go through a city inspection process. Better judgement tells me that putting my money into building one would go much further. There are many options for designing something similar and using covers, etc. for lasting longer. Probably not much help since I don't have one, but still really like the one your looking at.

Hi Ian, Arent you the same guy who proudly told me that you didnt have a single thatched roof in your garden ? :) Seriously, can you give me a rough idea of what they charge for a roof like that ? I know you did the rest yourself, and a fine job it is, but I assume that you bought the roof ? Cheers, Artie

Create a lattice wall -- concrete to roof -- between house and the gazebo. If you post a full, to scale, floor plan of your home with the gazebo beside it, then perhaps some means could be created to remodel part of your home beside the gazebo and divide the rental space from the residence within the home so the renters have "facilities" and the gazebo is not your view from your home ... so no lattice wall between house and gazebo needed and your rental space could be more desirable and, therefore, more profitable. Do contact a pro or two (rental rep and lawyer) for help with any "rental" plans you are considering as you don't want to set yourself up for failure (by not knowing what to expect) or legal issues (even laws/codes or potential for litigation). Would suggest you message decoenthusiaste and at least begin a conversation to be sure that renting the space is actually a good fit for you and your space -- and/or get the help you need to make it a good fit.