[Seansrt2000]

Hi, I will be adding 500lb gazebo to my deck and I was wondering if it is necessary to reinforce my deck? Also what would be the best way to anchor the gazebo to my deck?

 

[Old Thomas]

How big is it?
Does it have a spread out load or a few concentrated point loads?
And it depends on how substantially your deck is constructed.

 

[Clutchcargo]

I doubt 500 lbs will make much of a difference and besides it's not a point load, it's spread out. I would think you should be fine unless your deck is kind of shaky to begin with.

 

[joecaption]

Hard to know without more info.
What type decking?
No one here and see what type Gazebo it is or how it's built.

 

[dtfluet4]

Most likely not. Think of it this way. 3 dudes who weigh 200 lbs each having a brew together (albeit 6 feet apart 😉) is more than your gazebo weighs

 

[Old Thomas]

It depends on things not known to me so far. Three big dudes might have a beer there so it will hold a gazebo. The unknown is whether it will hold the gazebo AND three big dudes.

 

[carpdad]

I would put a beam, posts and footings under the joists that'll support the gazebo. Gazebo with roof also puts extra wind load on the deck, so bigger braces. Without the reinforcements, the connections will be under extra load, such as hangers. Also how old is the deck? The deck boards, especially, may not have enough life left and a gazebo will stop you from maintenance checks/repairs.

 

[Photobug]

Hi, I will be adding 500lb gazebo to my deck and I was wondering if it is necessary to reinforce my deck? Also what would be the best way to anchor the gazebo to my deck?

500 lbs is like two of me with a tool belt on. Unless your deck is substantially weak already or the gazebo is not well placed or supported you should be fine, but post some pictures and more details to be sure.

One consideration is how it will be attached and is there any swaying or leverage that will damage your deck's foundation. Will the gazebo act like a sail in windy conditions?

 

[Taras2]

1. I would be concerned regarding how high the deck is in the first place.

2. If I was thinking of doing this I would contact the DOB to see if this is legal to begin with. Some things are not allowed on a deck.
3. If it is legal I would contact a few deck installation companies and get ideas as to how they would install it if you hired them. Even if you do not hire them you might get some ideas regarding installation on a deck. Some licensed deck companies might know if it is legal but best is to contact the DOB first. Note: this really stands out and if someone reports you and it is not in code and if your deck is also built without a permit approved with the DOB etc, you might have to remove your new structure and the deck? Not sure what you have or have not done?