How to Store a Gazebo Over Winter

Winter is when most gazebos get ruined, and it's rarely the cold that does it. It's being packed away damp and left in the corner of a wet shed until spring. Do the storage properly and a good gazebo will come out next year as good as it went in.

The whole job comes down to three things: get it clean, get it bone dry, and store it somewhere that stays dry. Here's how to do each properly.

Gazebo set up on a patio before being packed away

Dry It First, No Exceptions

This is the one that matters most. A canopy folded away even slightly damp will grow mould and mildew over winter, come out smelling musty, and the coating and stitching will age far faster than they should.

If you took it down wet, don't pack it. Put it back up, or hang the canopy over something indoors or under cover, and leave it until it's completely dry, both sides. It's worth the extra day, because everything else on this page is undone if you skip this.

Mildew on a gazebo canopy caused by damp storage

Give It a Clean and a Once-Over

Before it goes away for months, get the dirt, bird mess and sap off so nothing sits on the fabric all winter. Our gazebo cleaning guide covers it: warm water and mild soap, never bleach.

While you're there, dry the frame too, check the joints and connectors for any damage, and put a little silicone lubricant on the moving parts so they don't seize over winter. Spotting a bent leg or a small tear now is far better than finding it the morning of your first event in spring.

Packing It Away

Fold the canopy loosely rather than cramming it in, and try not to make the same hard crease in the same spot every time, because that's where coatings eventually crack. Frame into the bag first, then the folded canopy on top.

For a long winter, a lidded plastic storage tub beats the fabric carry bag. It keeps damp out and, just as importantly, keeps mice out, because a gazebo bag in a shed is a five-star hotel for rodents. Don't stack heavy things on top either, as that crushes the frame and creases the fabric.

Where to Store It

The ideal spot is cool, dry and ventilated. In order of preference:

  • indoors, a loft, cupboard or utility space, is best

  • a dry garage is fine

  • a shed will do, but get it up off the floor on a shelf or a pallet, since damp rises, and seal it in a tub against the mice

Keep it out of direct sunlight even in storage, as UV fades fabric through a window over a winter, and steer clear of anywhere that gets properly damp. If it's away for the whole season, a quick check partway through for damp or pests is worth the two minutes.

Folded pop-up gazebo frame ready for storage

Leaving It Up Over Winter?

Some people keep a gazebo up all winter, over a hot tub or as a garden shelter, and that's fine with a strong frame, as long as you treat it differently to summer. Keep it firmly anchored, because winter brings the worst of the wind, and clear any snow off the roof as it falls. Snow is heavy, and a build-up can push a canopy in or bend a frame. If heavy snow or storms are coming, the safest move is still to take it down.

Expect a bit more wear from a gazebo that lives out all year, and lean on the strongest frame you can for the job, which is where a Pro 60 or Pro 50 earns its keep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store a gazebo in a shed over winter?
Yes, as long as it's bone dry first and up off the floor, since damp rises. A sealed plastic tub protects it from both damp and mice far better than the fabric bag.
Can I leave my gazebo up all winter?
You can with a strong, well-anchored frame, but clear snow off the roof, keep it firmly weighted for winter winds, and take it down if heavy snow or storms are forecast.
How do I get rid of a musty smell?
It's mildew from being stored damp. Clean the canopy with diluted white vinegar in warm water, rinse, and dry it completely, then store it dry to stop it coming back.
Do I really need to dry it if it's only going in the bag?
Yes. A sealed bag traps the moisture in, which is the perfect way to grow mould. Always dry it fully first.
Will the cold damage my gazebo?
Cold itself isn't the problem. Damp, snow load and being crushed in storage are what cause damage, so those are the things to manage.

Ready for Next Season

Stored clean and dry, your gazebo will be ready to go when the weather turns. Related guides:

Or head back to all our gazebo guides.

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