Several different types of gazebo tops can be used to compliment a structure and shield it from sunlight and rain. Canvas tops are available in numerous styles and colors and provide a long-lasting covering. Vinyl gazebo tops can also be purchased in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. Cedar shingles make a good covering for wooden gazebos and are relatively easy to install. Steel and aluminum roofing panels may also be used to cover a gazebo and are typically offered in many different colors.
Canvas gazebo tops are very attractive and can usually be custom designed for a particular structure. This material is manufactured in a multitude of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. It is typically sold in solid or striped patterns to match the existing paint scheme of a home. Some canvas gazebo tops are treated with a waterproof coating for added protection from rain. Canvas is usually the most expensive type of gazebo covering but also one of the most durable.
Vinyl gazebo tops are similar to canvas but much more lightweight. This variant can be purchased in many different textures and colors to compliment an adjacent home. Vinyl offers good protection from rain and sunlight and is somewhat easier to install than traditional canvas coverings. It is also less expensive than canvas and can be very cost effective when covering larger structures. Vinyl gazebo covers are less durable than other materials, however, and may need to be replaced after a few years.
Cedar shingles are a natural choice for gazebos constructed of wood. This material compliments the wooden frame of the structure and also blends in well with the surrounding landscape. Cedar shingle gazebo tops can usually be installed as a do-it-yourself project to save on labor costs. This material tends to age gradually along with the rest of the structure for a more natural-looking appearance. Untreated cedar shingles have a tendency to become discolored or rot over a period of time, however, and may need to be replaced prematurely.
Metal roofing panels make an attractive covering for a gazebo constructed of aluminum or steel. Most metal panels are available in a variety of pre-finished colors to compliment nearby structures. This lightweight material is very durable and is a good choice for gazebos located in wooded settings where limbs and other debris may fall. Metal roofing panels are waterproof and provide good protection from sunlight as well. These panels are an inexpensive option for large structures and relatively easy to install.