We would like to enjoy our deck without the pesky insects, so we thought a screened in gazebo would be the answer. We were going to screw it down onto our deck, along with anchoring the walls wherever possible, but now we hear they are only to be used for shade purposes, and should be taken down if there is bad weather ahead. If the gazebo is fastened down to the deck, isn't that safe enough? Who takes their gazebo down each time bad weather is in the forecast? Any advise will surely be appreciated. Thanks. [email protected]

It does depend on how sturdy the gazebo is and what it is made of.

But, if you are going to be fastening it down, then I don't see why there would be any problem in leaving it up.

If the bottom is made of metal, then you should be able to clamp it to your deck.

If the bottom is made of wood, then I would do the following.

I would use carriage bolts to fasten it down if you can get under the deck to put the nuts on them. Or, lag screws if you can't get under the deck.

There is also the possibility that you could reinforce the gazebo from the inside of it, if it might be in danger of collapsing.