Easy Erection (Pop up Gazebo with 3 Side Panels 3x3m)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	Pop up Gazebo with 3 Side Panels 3x3m
Date:	15/04/09 (630 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ease pf use, good quality

Disadvantages: More expensive than a traditional poled gazebo

I'd always thought of gazebos as useful but awkward items, great for when you want a bit of outdoor shade or cover but a pain in the backside to erect and dismantle. However, with a fully south-facing garden, little shade and a young baby I perceived that a gazebo really would be a useful thing to have. Thankfully I could have my cake and eat it thanks to a relatively new idea - the pop-up gazebo.

We bought our gazebo from Argos and, although it was significantly more expensive than the regular poled gazebos of the same size (we paid around £80 compared to between £15 and 30 for a poled gazebo) it is worth its weight in gold.

The gazebo operates rather like an umbrella with the roof poles folding up in a concertina action. The length of the legs can then be adjusted and a push-pin system keeps them fixed into place. There's none of that faff trying to work out which pole should go with which or putting up the frame only to find that you can't get the fabric on straight.

To erect the gazebo you really need two people. Standing on opposite sides of the gazebo you simply hold on and walk apart and the gazebo will open out between you. I have managed to put the gazebo up single handed although this is a little awkward as you have to move from side to side to ensure that the gazebo goes up evenly. When the canopy is open (and it's fixed to the frame) all that's left is to extend the legs. Again, this is easier to do with two people simply due to the geometry of the frame but again it can be accomplished solo. The sides then clip onto the frame of the gazebo with rings rather like open curtain rings (if you want to use them) and toggle together at the edges. To take the gazebo down you simply reverse the procedure, releasing the safety clips that automatically locked when you erected the gazebo. Taking down can be done more easily with one person if necessary.

The legs of the gazebo have small plastic feet which can be pegged into the ground. There are also guy ropes provided but, as yet, we've not had cause to use them.

The gazebo is very sturdy, yet not desperately heavy (it is much more substantial than a plastic poled gazebo though). You don't get the feeling that this would take off with the merest puff of wind nor buckle if it caught a gust (and use confirms this!). The fabric used for the covering is shower-proof (and I can confirm it holds off the rain) but it should not be put away wet. I like the fact that it can be used with or without side panels as this allows maximum flexibility in terms of shade or shelter creation. The PVC window in one of the sides is also useful, allowing light through.

We have found the fact that the legs can be height altered useful although I'm not sure that the gazebo is marketed as being height adjustable. When we use this for shelter over a paddling pool or sand pit the fact that we can lower the canopy allows us to maximise shade as the sun moves without having to move the whole set up. Great for small kids!

When stored the gazebo fits into a fabric bag making it easy to store and transport. I was very surprised at the quality of the bag and the ease with which it packs away each time. In my opinion it's easier to put away than it is to get an umbrella into an umbrella cover!

Worth the money!

Summary: Well worth the extra money for ease of use