This 10 x 10 Gazebo has been designed for portability, durability and functionality. It only takes a few minutes to set it up or take it down. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The Screenhouse has a tubular steel frame that is strong enough to withstand high winds and provide a rigid shelter.

The Swiss Gear 10′ x 10′ Smart Shade Screenhouse has telescoping corner posts that provide upright support, while a series of connected scissor-like pivoting joints create the upper support. When unfolded, the steel tent frame creates a smooth canopy roof with fascia curtains covering the framework. It also features patented easy release buttons that will not pinch your fingers during setup and take down. The gazebo’s canopy fabric is a heavy duty 210D polyester covering that is water repellent and treated with a special UV resistant coating for long lasting durability.

Click the photo for more information & to buy the Swiss Gear 10′ x 10′ Smart Shade Canopy

Portable canopies can be found at Wal-Mart, usually in the camping or outdoor department. Home Depot and other home improvement stores also sell a variety of portable canopies for any budget. The standard size of portable canopy 10’ x 10’, but 10’ x 12’ canopies are available, too.

The canopies come in standard colors like green, white, gray, blue, black, or red. It’s not uncommon to find one with the logo of your favorite sports team. The average price for a portable canopy is usually right around $100 each. I recommend purchasing one that comes in its own bag. Most do, but double check to be sure it’s included in the price. Many of the bags have wheels and a handle, which makes them even more convenient to use.

You seldom need tools to erect these types of tents. They are easy to set up and it usually takes about 15 minutes. The entire frame top is often one piece and you simply spread it apart. After opening it up, you attach the canopy top to the frame top. When you are shopping for your canopy, make sure you understand how the top attaches and that you’ll be able to do by yourself. After the top is on, you attach the legs to the frame. The legs are adjustable and snap together. You can increase the tent height in increments. One person can usually put up the canopy alone. If you’re vertically challenged, you’ll probably need help setting it up, although in a pinch, you can use a ladder.

On calm days, the canopy doesn’t usually need to be tied down. Bricks, concrete blocks, or some other heavy material will do the trick to keep it from blowing away. In severe winds, it is usually best to take the canopy down and store it indoors.

To take the tent down, you lower the legs & remove them from the top frame. You don’t have to take the canvas top off. Just fold the frame together with the canopy still attached. It will fit back into most bags all in one piece. This will save you time when you set your portable canopy up again.

Your canopy top can be pressure-washed to keep it looking like new. And ff you want to turn your canopy into a gazebo, mosquito nettings and sides are available at many stores along with canopies. The sizes are usually standard and fit most portable canopies. Whether it is for shade or shelter from the rain, you’ll get a lot of use out of the portable canopy.

Step 1 – Know How Much Space You Need

Please click the photo to purchase this carport or for more information

You can find carports in just about any size you can think of, but consider what your actual needs are. If you only need to house a single car, you will save a lot of money over the multi-car coverings there are out there. You also need to determine how much space you have available for the carport to sit on. Record the dimensions and keep them in mind when you try to make a purchase.

Step 2 – Think about How Much Coverage You Need

You have to think about how much coverage you are going to need for the carport as well. Some of them are just meant to provide shelter on top of the car, and others protect it from all sides like a garage might. If you only need protection on the top, you may look into a carport canopy. Otherwise you must find something that will adequately protect your vehicle the way you need it to.

Step 3 – Consider Additional Storage

There are some carports on the market that have a separate area attached for you to store your belongings. These are usually covered on all side and meant to be used much like a normal garage would be. The main difference is that these carports are not directly attached to the house, and they are usually made of metal to withstand the weather.

Step 4 – Find the Right Materials

While most carports are made of metal, you need to find out how well the material you are looking at with withstand the weather conditions in your area. If you live in a very wet environment, for instance, you need to make sure the carport is treated to prevent rust. You should also see if the one you buy can be painted to match your home or if it will have to remain the color that the factory puts on it. If that is the case, you should look for a color that will be compatible with your home.

Step 5 – Get a Good Deal

When you have everything figured out and you are ready to make a purchase, you should try to do some price comparisons to see where you can get the best deal. There are typically multiple dealers out there for the same line of products, and they have to compete with each other to gain customers. This competition is a good thing for you though because it allows you to get the best rates possible on the portable carport you need. Just do a quick search online and you are sure to find a carport that is just right for you.

Now that you have all of the background information you need, its time to go shopping. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The E-Z UP Tent packs down compactly in a roller back, which makes it easy to transport, especially at the end of a long day on your feet. The E-Z UP company sells several different models, so be sure you read the specs on each one so you can choose the one that is perfect for you and your personal situation. Sometimes, the cheapest model is not always the best bargain. If it doesn’t fit your needs or you can’t put it up and take it down by yourself, you have just wasted your money.

Details to consider before you make a purchase:

Size Matters
Most craft show booths are 10 feet by 10 feet. Not surprisingly, the 10 x 10 canopy is by far the most popular size.

Look At The Frame Shape
While most of the E-Z UP Models have straight legs, the two cheapest models have angled legs. The E-Z UP Dome II is 10’ x 10’ at the base of the legs, but 7’9” x 7’9” at the top. This is important to know ahead of time, especially if you will be placing tables around the perimeter of your space. It seems like a small amount, but when you are putting your entire inventory in a 10 x 10 space, you need every inch you can get.

Which Color Do You Need
Many craft shows specify a WHITE tent. And even if they don’t, colored tents can reflect on the items underneath, giving them a strange blue or red cast. Also, colored tents will be much darker inside than the white ones.

Do You Want Side Walls
The E-Z UP Express II is the only model that comes with side walls. This is one of the reasons that this model is their most popular for folks who will be setting up at outdoor craft shows. The walls can define your space, making it appear more like a store. They can provide more shade on sunny days, and protect you from rain and wind. Side walls can also serve as a theft deterrent, keeping thieves from walking between booths and snatching things off of the outside edges of your tables while you are looking the other way. This is much more important if you work alone and don’t have an extra set of eyes to watch the entire booth while you wait on customers.

Wheeled Carrying Case
Canopy tents can weigh anywhere from 50 to 125 pounds. Fortunately, many models now come with wheels on their carrying cases to make lugging them from the car to the show area a bit easier.

Be Sure You Are Getting The E-Z Up Brand
Because of their popularity, many of the cheaper made canopy tents will use a play on words or different spellings to make you think you are getting the E-Z UP brand.  EZ setup and Easy Up are two of the most common versions used on the imitation tents.

Unless you live near a Sam’s Club, or another store that carries the E-Z UP line of popup tents, you may find your best bargain online. Some places offer free shipping, and even for those that don’t, many times you’ll find that the total price, including shipping, is less than it would cost you to drive to the dealer nearest you, purchase your tent, and drive back home.

Before you make your final decision, spend a little time online, researching all of the different models and options available. Your E-Z UP popup tent will last you many seasons, so you want to get the one that best meets your needs.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

A sturdy frame is important in any portable shelter. Steel is the strongest, but aluminum is lighter. This is a factor in how much carrying around you will do. The metal should not be flimsy. It’s a good thing if the frame has been treated for rust resistance. There should be enough joints so that it unfolds and folds up quickly, easily, with precision. In a standing position, the frame should feel firm and locked into position. Joints which cross the frame are a good defense against collapse.

The fabrics that cover a portable canopy or gazebo should be of good quality in order to withstand the wear and tear of weather. The best canopies have fabrics which are heavy, like sail cloth, UV resistant, mold resistant and fade resistant. Chances are that if you buy yours from a big box store at a good price, it will come with covering made of poly-vinyl. It is entirely possible that after a year, you find yourself with a frame that’s just fine and a need to replace the covering that the elements broke down. Take heart, for there are companies that specialize in replacing the covers. This is a good question to pose when buying a portable gazebo that you expect to last for years. The answer received, however, might not be the same when the time to replace comes.

Gazebos can come with lots of features, like privacy panels, mosquito netting, tie-backs and zippered doorways and side panels. Your transportable outdoor shelter can be plain or fancy, and offer everything from almost total exposure to complete shelter.
You get what you pay for. If you want permanence, the extra money for quality will pay off. Do shop online to find what is out there. Some of the top manufacturers in the portable canopy market include Coleman, DC America, E Z Up, but there are many more. Let the shopping begin.

The 10′ X 10′ Easy Pop Set Up Canopy takes only minutes to set up or break down and includes its own carrying case. This type of shelter is ideal for outdoor parties, picnics, weddings, family or company sports events, and fair grounds. The tent style gazebo has a heavy duty steel frame which will give you many seasons of service. The canopy material is also highly durable and water resistant. This model comes with removable side walls. The side walls also have windows that can be opened for ventilation, if needed. It has zippered doors front and rear. If you need  a portable canopy, this one is a bargain at just over $100.

Another very popular use for a portable canopy is tailgating. Show your team colors or back your favorite NASCAR driver. Come rain or shine, your barbeque will be protected from either one with one of these logo canopies. They are durable enough to last for many seasons. They feature a powder coated steel frame and water resistant canopy with your team’s logo on all four sides so there is no mistaking who you are rooting for. With a 6ft clearance, there is plenty of room for all of your friends to stop by and join the party. Logo canopies are easy to put up and take down, folding up to only 4ft for storage. Look for one with rollers on its storage bag for easier transportation. No matter who you support, you’re sure to be able to find a portable canopy with their logo on it.

Probably the most popular use for a 10 x 10 Gazebo is in your backyard. They can be erected temporarily on grass or concrete, or more permanently with their own flooring. If you plan to leave your gazebo up year round, you’ll want one that is heavier than the portable types and you should be able to anchor it down to the ground. When you add mosquito netting, you have an instant screen room for much less than any contractor would quote you. Add flagstones or pavers for flooring, a table and some comfy chairs, and you have yourself an outdoor living space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

You should start by understanding the numbers used to identify the mesh of the screen fabric. Mesh size is simply how many holes, or openings, per inch. For example, an 18×16 mesh will have 18 yarns running vertically (the “warp”) and 16 yarns running horizontally (the “fill”) for each square inch of the screen. If you live where no-see-ums invite themselves to every outing, look for a very small 20 x 30 mesh.

Fiberglass gazebo screening is similar quality-wise to the screens that are probably on the widows and doors of your home. Industry leaders that manufacture fiberglass gazebo screens say that under normal conditions you can expect your screen material to last 6 to 12 years. Of course, you may get different results, depending on the conditions your screen is exposed to. Fiberglass screening won’t stain, corrode, shrink, scratch, or rot. It is also non-combustible and comes in a variety of colors

Rinsing your gazebo screen with plain water will help keep dust and dirt from accumulating on it. In severe cases, you can use a soft brush with a mild detergent. Scrub lightly with very little pressure and rinse with clear water from a hose. Keeping your screen as clean and dry as possible will prevent mold and mildew. If you see mold or mildew starting to form, clean your screen as soon as possible, as they can shorten its life considerably.

Polyester is an inexpensive choice for screening. It is quite durable and lets the breeze blow through, while keeping out the bugs. It is also easy to maintain, using the same cleaning procedures recommended for fiberglass screening.

Look at the bindings on the edges of the screen before you buy it, if at all possible. The highest quality screens will have a binding tape covering the raw edges. More inexpensive screens will be folded over and hemmed. Some are weighted to help hold them down, while others will attach to your gazebo legs with a hook and grommet system. Hook-and-loop tape is also becoming a popular way to keep the screens from moving around. Be sure that you understand how the screen attaches to the frame before you make your purchase. Again, the two most popular methods are grommets and hooks or hook and loop tape.

One way to extend the life of your gazebo screen is to remove it from the frame and store it out of the weather during the months you know you won’t be using your gazebo. Just be sure that you can remove it without doing more damage than being out in the weather would inflict on it.

There are a couple of common questions that come up over and over about these screens. The first one is whether or not these screens are strong enough to contain pets, or even small children. The answer is no. The are intended to keep insects out, not humans or pets in. Although pet screen is available for other purposes, I haven’t seen it specifically for 10 x 10 Gazebos. If you really need to use your gazebo as a pet containment fence, I guess you could buy the screen in bulk rolls and cut it to fit.

The second question is whether or not the screen will filter the sunlight and the answer to this one is yes. Most basic gazebo screens will filter out out about 30% of the sunlight. You can also buy specialty screens that will block up to 90% of the sunlight, although these will cost you roughly twice as much.

Unless your budget just can’t stand any more, you should definitely get a screen for your gazebo. Not only will it keep out the pesky insects, but will also block out some of the sun’s rays, making your gazebo a more pleasant place to spend time. Knowing your options before you start shopping will help you decide which features matter the most to you and which you can live without.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which of these is most important to you: price, design, or durability. You are not going to get the most beautiful design, or the strongest metal for the lowest price. How and where you are going to use your gazebo should play a big part in making this decision. If you are using it temporarily, you probably won’t care about the strength of the metal. If you need it to last many, many years, you should be willing to pay more for the higher quality.

Traditional gazebos are made of wood. Besides being heavy and expensive, wood gazebos need considerably more maintenance than those with a metal frame. They will need to either be made from a rot-resistant type of wood or treated on a regular basis. Most wooden gazebos are built in place and are difficult to move, so you’ll need to be certain you’ve got it where you want it before you begin building.

Aluminum is one of the most common metals used in gazebo frames. It is approximately 45% lighter in weight than steel. It is often used for portable gazebos, but can also be found in ones that are intended for permanent use, too. Most of the folding tents you’ll find on the market today will have aluminum frames because of the strength to weight ratio. Aluminum is resistant to rust, another point in its favor. Aluminum can also be powder coated, which I’ll expand on in a moment.

Steel is the second most common material for metal framed gazebos. It also can be powder coated to enhance its looks and durability, however if the powder coating is damaged, the exposed metal can begin to rust fairly quickly. Because steel is so much heavier, it is perceived to be much more durable. It is most often used for gazebos that will be put in one place and seldom, or never, moved again.

Before powder coating was invented, wrought iron was used when you wanted your gazebo frame to be both decorative and strong. With wrought iron, a gazebo builder could achieve shapes and designs that just weren’t practical, or even possible in other metals. Wrought iron is stronger and more resistant to rust than steel, but also much heavier. Wrought iron framework in gazebos today is mostly limited to the more expensive varieties.

Now to understand powder coating. A piece of metal is electrostatically charged, then a fine dry powder is sprayed over the entire surface, being careful to coat every nook and cranny evenly. The metal is then placed in an oven, where the thermoplastic particles of the powder melt together to form a thick, dense skin covering the entire piece. This coating is typically as thick as two heavy coats of regular liquid paint, but much more durable. The powder is available in numerous colors, some with flecks of other colors mixed in for contrast, others are bright, bold primary colors.

In addition to making the metal framework of your 10 x 10 Gazebo more colorful and decorative, powder coating adds strength and greater resistance to rust, corrosion, and other weather-related conditions that occur whenever metal is exposed to the elements for long periods. So, if you are looking at either aluminum or steel for your gazebo frame, try to find one in your budget range that is powder coated so you can enjoy your gazebo for years to come.

You have invested a great deal of money in your gazebo and you want to continue to use it for a number of years to come, so you should do a little research and learn about the different types of fabrics that are available in replacement canopies. As you begin to read the different web sites, you’ll likely become confused because they all use different words to describe their fabric. They’ll all try to convince you that theirs is the best and that you should spend your money with them.

Before you even get into the type of fabrics used, you should determine whether or not the company you are looking at has a replacement for your exact brand and model. There are numerous “universal” varieties out there, but unless your frame is identical to their idea of “universal”, it is not going to fit well and that can result in bagging and sagging that will hold water and shorten the life of your new replacement canopy.  So if you must go with a universal model, be sure that your frame matches theirs, and also double check your measurements. You don’t want any surprises when you are standing on a ladder trying to fasten a 10 x 10 sheet of canvas 8 feet off the ground.

All you really want out of a gazebo canopy is for it to be made from a fabric that will keep the rain and sun off of you and last forever. Good luck with that. Most of the inexpensive canopies are made of a polyester fabric. The fabric itself will be rated  by denier, a unit of measurement for textiles. The higher the denier, the thicker the fabric. Plain, untreated 150 to 200 denier polyester will last 6 months to a year when exposed to the sun and elements. UV treatment will extend the life to 2-3 years. While they don’t cost as much initially, they are prone to fading, and rips and tears are more likely.

Premium polyester fabrics with denier numbers up to 350 are available. While costing more, they usually feature better construction. They will most likely be stitched with a higher quality thread, and in many cases, double or triple stitched. A higher standard of craftsmanship is applied to the better grades of canopies and their life expectancy is higher, as well.

Olefin is another fabric that is commonly used for replacement gazebo canopies. It is dyed before it is woven, which helps it to resist fading and look great from years, even when exposed to the elements.  It will also resist abrasions, mildewing and stains.
Canvas is one of the most popular fabrics for outdoor use for good reason. It is heavy duty, thicker and more durable than polyester. It is available in an almost unlimited variety of colors and patterns. It has been around for years, so it is widely available. It is also a cotton based fabric, if being environmentally friendly is important to you.

Sunbrella® is a brand of high quality canvas that has become increasing popular in the last few years do to its fade resistance and extreme durability. It also resists hardening and cracking and is available in many colors. Sunbrella® has been used in the marine industry for many years and holds up well to the harsh elements.

Besides the fabric itself, you’ll also want to check which type of treatments, if any, have been applied to the fabric. Some will have a waterproofing product applied.  There are UV inhibitors available that will help the fabric resist fading. Sometimes an SPF treatment is applied if the fabric is thin enough that the sun’s rays can penetrate it. Anti-fungal treatments are also available to help retard molding.

Pay attention to the grommets; you don’t want them to rust on you. Check for reinforced stitching, reinforced corners. Determine how the canopy attaches to the frame. These simple things will be most helpful in determining the quality of the replacement canopy you are considering for your 10 x 10 Gazebo.