Getting your gazebo ready for winter: The Backyard Discovery checklist

If you’re a summer lover, you’ll probably have noticed the changing colors of the leaves and the chill in the air, signaling that winter is well on its way. Those long summer days and balmy nights are about to become a distant memory, meaning your beloved backyard furniture and trusted grill are unlikely to be used again until the warmer weather returns. 

As trees and shrubs shed their leaves, rainfall increases and frost begins to cover the ground, it’s vital that you prepare and protect your backyard against the elements. But with prep for the holiday season already underway, how are you supposed to find the time to close down your backyard? Surely one winter won’t hurt, will it? 

Let’s take a look at the worst that can happen if you don’t prepare your gazebo or pergola in time for the winter. 

What's the worst that could happen? 

If you don’t take a few easy steps to protect your outdoor furniture before the winter, it’s likely to suffer some serious damage. This will vary depending on what your gazebo or pergola is made out of. Softer gazebos with fabric roofs are likely to discolor, tear, stain, and leak, while gazebos crafted from plastic can often snap and become brittle if left exposed to freezing temperatures. 

Using your gazebos during winter

When you close down your gazebo or pergola for the winter, you’re probably not thinking about using it for special celebrations such as Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Unless, of course, you add a source of heating such as a fire pit to keep the cold at bay.  

Our very own 14x12 Rayven Gazebo is a great choice if you want to get year-round enjoyment from your backyard gazebo. Instantly enhancing your great outdoors, the gazebo features a durable nordic spruce construction and a durable, dent-resistant steel roof that is third party certified to withstand up to 40 pounds per square foot (or 24 inches) of snow load. It also offers our exclusive PowerPort™, which features 3-outlet surge protection and 3 USB ports in a water-resistant enclosure. 

If you’re after an outdoor garden feature made out of metal, the 12x10 Stratford Traditional Steel Pergola boasts exactly the same electrical connectivity as our Rayven Gazebo, but with a powder-coated, galvanized steel construction for a maintenance-free and rust-resistant structure. It also boasts complete protection against chipping, scratching, corrosion, and UV harm.

Winterizing your gazebo or pergola

Many of the gazebos and pergolas here at Backyard Discovery feature a high-quality construction of galvanized steel or cedar, both of which are extremely sturdy, resilient, and durable. These materials can ride through the winter well with minimal maintenance, making them a great choice if you have little time on your hands but want your backyard to look good at all times. 

Here are our six steps to protecting your gazebo or pergola from the winter elements: 

1. Remove all smaller furniture (such as chairs, decorations etc) and store them in your garden shed or cover them over on your patio.
2. Rake and sweep any leaves and debris on the floor or walls of your gazebo or pergola.
3. Give your structure a good clear out and evict any pests that might have made a home there - the last thing you want is to find an infestation when spring arrives. 
4. Remove any algae, mold or mildew with a soft-bristled brush and some warm water (a small amount of detergent should do fine).
5. Make one final check for loose screws. Use your screwdriver to tighten them and apply a small amount of grease or oil to ensure they don’t seize or rust over the winter.
6. Revisit your structure during the winter to check on it and remove any snow that might have built up on the roof. 

Winter-proof gazebos from Backyard Discovery 

If you’re looking for a gazebo that can withstand the elements, you’re in the right place. Our luxury gazebos and pergolas are each designed with durability in mind, boasting rust-resistant technology and handy extras, such as power ports, that will make the addition of any light and heat solutions a breeze. 

We carefully craft each of our outdoor structures from a range of materials including galvanized steel and sturdy cedar, which each offer their own elements of protection against winter weather. 

For over 30 years, Backyard Discovery has been producing the highest quality wooden swing sets, playhouses and backyard leisure products for the home. Our team of innovators and specialists are passionate about bringing our love of quality family moments to your backyard. We are everyday parents just like you, while also expert craftsmen with a long legacy of building great products for millions of customers. We strive to take kids outside (just like we were) where they can flex both their muscles and their minds.