Gazebos come in two primary types — soft top and hard top. Both offer unique advantages for outdoor entertainment and relaxation, but it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to make the best decision for your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both types of gazebos so you can make an informed decision.
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Soft Top Vs Hard Top Gazebos
Soft top gazebos are made with a lightweight, waterproof fabric that is usually held up by poles or beams. These gazebos typically come in a variety of colors and styles, making them popular for outdoor parties and events. On the other hand, hard top gazebos are constructed with durable materials such as aluminum or steel frames that provide added stability and protection from UV rays.
Pros of Soft Top Gazebos
A. Lightweight
One of the main benefits of soft top gazebos is their lightweight design, which makes them easy to set up or take down when needed. Additionally, they’re portable so you can move them around with ease if desired.
B. Easy to assemble/dismantle
Since soft top gazebos are typically made from lightweight fabrics, they’re usually very simple to assemble or take down without requiring any tools or special skillsets.
C. Portable and easy to move around
As mentioned earlier, soft top gazebos are portable so you can move them around easily depending on your needs or preferences at any given time.
D. Affordable
Compared to hard top gazebos, soft tops tend to be more affordable so you can enjoy quality outdoor entertainment at an affordable price point for many years to come!
E. Variety of styles and colors available
With soft tops being available in a variety of styles and colors, you’ll be sure to find one that matches your overall sense of style or taste perfectly!
F. Can be used in different weather conditions
Unlike hard tops which may not withstand harsh weather conditions such as rainstorms or heavy winds well enough, soft tops generally hold up better under these circumstances because they’re made from lighter materials than hard tops typically are!
Cons of Soft Top Gazebos
A. Not sturdy or durable
The downside to using a soft top is that due to its light fabric construction it isn’t as sturdy as a hardtop frame would be; therefore, it won’t last nearly as long if exposed to prolonged weather elements such as heavy rainstorms or strong winds over time (especially during certain seasons).
B. Not suitable for heavy winds or rainstorms
As mentioned previously due to its light material construction a soft top won’t hold up against heavy winds/rainstorms like a hardtop frame would; therefore, if there’s inclement weather predicted it’s best to use caution before setting one up just in case!
C. May not provide protection from harsh UV rays
While most fabric-constructed gazebo models do provide adequate shade from direct sunlight exposure throughout the day; however, some may not offer enough protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays which could potentially cause skin damage over time if exposed long enough without proper sunscreen coverage!
Pros of Hard Top Gazebos
A. Durable and long-lasting material
The primary benefit when it comes to hardtops is their strong construction; whereas the material used is usually metal based such as aluminum frames which offers much more durability than traditional canvas-based fabrics found on most modern-day soft tops! This means that these types tend to last longer too due their sturdier design overall even during harsh weather conditions like windy days/nights etc.
B. Sturdy design
Due their metal frame structure they generally offer much more stability while also providing additional protection against UV rays during direct sunlight hours too making them ideal for those who plan on using their outdoor space frequently throughout all seasons!
C. Provides better protection against UV rays
As mentioned previously due its metal frame construction it offers much better protection against UV rays compared softer fabrics found with most modern-day models making them ideal for those who want extra shelter from these potentially harmful elements coming off natural sunlight too!
D. Generally more expensive
Due its sturdier build & additional features that come with purchasing a harder version these units tend cost much more compared their lighter counterparts since there’s typically additional labor involved when setting one up opposed simply installing an easier version like what comes with most “soft” types today…so cost should definitely be taken into consideration before deciding either way here!
E. May require professional installation
Since these units are typically heavier & have several parts involved when assembling one professional help might be required depending on how complex setup process might seem prior starting anything here meaning additional costs may have factor into budget plans here too versus just having someone else handle everything part by part here!
F. Gives a more elegant look
One great thing about having one type model installed instead another is fact gives space more elegant look especially when combined with right furniture sets & decorations surrounding area too making great addition any type backyard oasis out there today!
Cons of Hard Top Gazebos
A. More difficult to set up than soft top gazebos
Because frames are generally heavier & require much more effort put together many people find difficulty getting started here opposed lighter versions which only need few items attach begin utilizing immediately once completely installed correctly…so patience must take into account before attempting anything here due complexity involved compared simpler models already discussed beforehand today!
B. Heavy and bulky, making them harder to move around
In addition, being harder install due weight factor also makes harder transport elsewhere, if necessary, since take several people help lift onto vehicle order get job done safely efficiently here…meaning additional planning required here again expense factor must considered before finalizing purchase decision either way!
C. More expensive than soft top gazeboes
As mentioned previously cost associated with purchasing installing one unit significantly higher opposed softer versions where only few components need attached gain immediate access setting itself…so budgeting ahead time will definitely beneficial make sure everything going smoothly expected later down road today!
D. May require professional installation
Although DIY projects become increasing popular these days many people still call professionals handle job instead even though initial costs may seem little higher end result could worth investment itself since guarantee everything done properly first try save headaches further down line today!
Final Verdict
When choosing between a soft top vs hardtop gazebos depends largely on what kind use looking achieve out purchase either type particular unit model chosen at end day…so taking into various factors discussed earlier article make educated decision fit specific needs wants better every possible no matter which route decide take finally after careful consideration given each respective option presented going forward today!
