Has the option of buying a gazebo to upgrade your backyard been on your mind lately? A soft-top or hardtop gazebo is a great option to add a touch of outdoor elegance and luxury to your patio or garden. But what are the differences?
Both types can provide the perfect spot for entertaining friends and family outdoors. They are a great value add to your property and it’s important to spend time selecting the one that suits your specific needs across quality, design, and practicality. Now at the highest level, the first decision to make is whether to buy a gazebo with a hardtop or a soft top.
Types of Gazebos: What’s the Difference Between a HARD TOP and a SOFT TOP?
The main difference between the two lies in the material used to construct the roof.
Hardtop gazebos are constructed from durable materials like aluminum, steel, concrete, metal, vinyl, or wood. They are often more expensive and difficult to install or move but they can also be more long-lasting and provide better protection from the elements – an ideal choice for those who want a more permanent outdoor structure. Hardtop gazebos are also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, hail, and snow, making them ideal for people who want to enjoy the outdoors all year round. They often become “a part of the furniture” and essentially extend your “under roof” property size.
On the other hand, a soft top gazebo has a roof made of soft, lightweight materials such as canvas, polyester, or nylon. They are often used as temporary outdoor structures, often come in a variety of colors, and are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled. The smaller size and lighter frame make it ideal for smaller gardens or patios needing additional shade without too much space. They also look great when placed beside a swimming pool or outdoor kitchen. A soft top gazebo can be the perfect spot to relax and enjoy drinks with friends on a hot summer day! They’re also easy to move if it’s in the way.
Buying Advice: 3 Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Between the Two
Like all considered decisions it’s important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each. The buying decision depends on your unique requirements, but here are the most important considerations to make when reviewing:
Versatility and Ease of Assembly
Logically, soft tops are easy to put up, saving you time and adding flexibility whilst a hard top may require specialist installation (This should be factored into your costings as it’s recommended to let the experts handle the structure of the latter). A soft-top gazebo is as simple as removing it from the box and putting it up, making it a great option for outdoor events such as parties and gatherings – like birthdays, anniversaries, or celebrations, or seasonally when the sun is out for a backyard BBQ. It’s not advised to ignore the instructions, but it’s usually straightforward to assemble.
Durability and Maintenance
This is a crucial consideration for your choice because it hangs on the overall objective of why you want a gazebo in the first place. If it is an “extension” of your home’s living space, then durability is key to last against the elements and over time. Think rain or hail storms, or a windy weekend afternoon. It should be able to weather the most demanding summer and winter conditions and everything in between. Its shape or position should not be diminished by harsh conditions. Hardtops are more durable and last longer compared to soft tops. They can handle stronger winds and heavier rains and they don’t require as much maintenance. Soft top gazebos, however, need regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh. Therefore, in the long run, hard tops will cost you less money when it comes to maintaining them, which is something that should be factored into when comparing. Closer to making your mind up? Wait first, here’s a key deciding factor, your budget.
Cost
You’ve guessed it, hard-top gazebos are naturally more expensive than soft-top ones because the material that is used in making them is more costly. If you view it as a valuable addition to your property and envision it being used multiple times throughout the year, then buying a hardtop gazebo makes more sense. However, if it’s more for occasional use and you don’t want it to be a feature in your garden, then a soft top is perfect and a lot lighter on your pocket.
Here are some price ranges:
Soft-top gazebo: $100-$750
Hardtop gazebo: $500-$3,000+
If you want a gazebo that is durable, an asset alongside your property and requires less maintenance, then a HARDtop is the way to go. If you want one that is stylish, easy to move, and inexpensive – then the SOFT top will suit you perfectly.
Here are 3 Additional Considerations When Choosing Between a Hardtop and Soft Top Gazebo
Style and appearance
Soft top gazebos come in a variety of designs, making them the perfect option for adding a stylish and unique touch to your outdoor space. Think either flashy or camouflaged, the biggest style lever is the color of the fabric which is where most people decide to go bold or not. Hardtops are more modern looking, with sleek and minimal designs that typically complement the look and design of your home.
Heat resistance
Hardtop gazebos offer better protection from the sun’s rays and can keep you cool during hot summer days. This is because of the thicker material. Both are usually UV resistant, so they won’t fade or be damaged by the sun’s rays.
Sturdiness
The sturdiness of a gazebo depends on the quality and type of material used. If you opt for a soft top gazebo, make sure it is made with a durable and strong fabric to ensure it can withstand the elements. Hardtops are usually sturdier since their roofs are made from metal or wood which makes them more resistant to weather elements.
What’s our advice?
We believe that the decision lies in whether you want it to be a part of your property. If it is an extension of the living space in your property then it’s worthwhile to bite the bullet and pay more upfront for the hard-top gazebo, knowing that the value gets washed into your property as an asset.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out related posts on Patio Gazebos. As gazebo lovers, we’re excited for you. If you have specific questions about gazebos and would like to speak to us about it, feel free to connect and we’ll happily share the expertise we’ve picked up over the years.