Summer is here, the wind is here and the rain is here. As South Africans we love the outdoors, be it camping, hanging out by the ocean or having an outdoor shindig next to a fire. We need shelter from the elements in order for us to live our best lives. A favourite shelter option is a good old fashioned gazebo. Gazebos are perfect to provide shade and shelter, but which design is best and most cost effective? Below we discuss a few points to consider when purchasing or hiring a gazebo.

Size and Weight of gazebo

The biggest difference between nylon and canvas is the weight. Nylon is nice and small once rolled up and weighs a fraction of the same sized canvas. Canvas also doesn’t pack as tightly as nylon and so will take up more space when being transported or stored.

This is something to consider when your space is limited, as in a small vehicle for example. Also, if you are hiking to your campsite, nylon tents are almost always the better option, since they are small and light. The advantages of canvas might make it the only option if you’re camping somewhere with tough weather but know that you will have to accommodate when packing.

Insulation offered by covering

Canvas provides better insulation than nylon and so retains more heat in cold environments and provides more effective shade on warmer days. The effect size varies between specific material properties like thickness and treatments, but in general, canvas controls temperature more effectively.

Weather Resistance of structure

Canvas takes first prize when it comes to resisting wind and rain – and even hail. Although nylon is capable of withstanding storms, especially at the higher end of the price range, canvas is simply more durable in the face of nature’s forces. With waterproofing treatments and ripstop stitching, canvas is the way to go for stormy weather.

Importantly, the tent frame is about as important as the material it supports when it comes to windy conditions. Steel and aluminium frames do much better against the wind than bow-style frames. Something to keep in mind if you are expecting heavy winds next to the coast.

Traditional canvas would take a long time to dry out after a bit of rain, but ripstop canvas doesn’t have this problem. Since rain does not penetrate to the extent that it does in traditional canvas, ripstop material will dry quickly, so you only need a few hours of dry weather to dry your tent and keep it free from mould.

Enquire about our gazebo options. Rams Hiring Solutions specialized in the hire, manufacturing and sale of marquee tents and gazebos for temporary and semi-permanent structures.

Situated in Lance Street, Baysville in East London, South Africa.