How to Winterize a Gazebo

When preparing for the winter, outdoor plants and patios aren't the only spaces you need to work on. Associated with summer afternoons of reading or dinging on a warm evening, you'll need to give some attention to your gazebo before you abdandon it for winter. Properly winterizing your gazebo helps avoid costly winter damage, such as warped or splintered wood. Doing some annual maintenance also keeps the gazebo looking fresh and staying useful.

  1. 1.

    Sweep any leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris from the floor and walls of the gazebo at the end of fall, after you're sure you won't use it again for the year. Clear out cobwebs and clean any spaces around benches and steps.

  2. 2.

    Hose the gazebo down with water to remove any surface debris the broom might have missed. Concentrate the spray on cracks between boards and hard-to-reach crevices.

  3. 3.

    Scrub away any mold, mildew, algae or other, more stubborn signs of buildup with a plastic or natural bristle brush and a solution of warm water and mild liquid detergent or mold remover. If you're using detergent, fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with water and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of liquid detergent. Mix well before use. Don't use a wire brush to clean the gazebo.

  4. 4.

    Check around the gazebo for any loose screws and tighten them with a screwdriver as you go. This will prolong your gazebo's life and help prevent major repairs.