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How To Anchor A Gazebo To Concrete, Pavers, Or On Grass To Secure Your Gazebo From Wind

Worried about your brand new gazebo flying away? You don’t have to anymore! 

Simply follow my step-by-step tutorials on how to secure a gazebo from wind, and you will get the best results ever! See for yourself!

Building a safe and protected home has always been my number one priority. This includes securing a gazebo to a stable surface to keep it from blowing away. Trust me, that innocent gazebo of yours can quickly turn into a health hazard if not anchored properly.

This prompted me to write a complete guide for securing a gazebo on concrete, pavers, and grass. With the help of my tutorials, you can now turn your gazebo into a safe shelter that you’ve always dreamed of having. Take a look! 

Complete Guide: How To Anchor A Gazebo To Concrete?

Here are two ways you can secure a gazebo on concrete to keep it from blowing away.

  1. Drill the gazebo directly into the concrete
  2. Anchor the gazebo without drilling using weighted planters 

Drilling a gazebo into the concrete is the most reliable way to keep it from moving. However, this method will leave you with permanent holes in your concrete. So, make sure this is what you really want. 

Luckily, I know a way to anchor a gazebo on concrete without damaging it. Find the tutorial below!   

What You Will Need To Drill A Gazebo Into Concrete

Supplies

  1. Hammer drill
  2. Hammer
  3. Concrete wedge anchors
  4. Open-end wrench
  5. Masking tape 
  6. Vacuum cleaner

Steps

Here are a few steps on how to anchor a gazebo on the concrete by drilling:

  1. Drill The Holes

    With a piece of tape, mark the length of the wedge anchor on a drill bit, so you don’t drill holes too deep. You want to create holes that are just the right size to achieve a snug and secure fit.  
    Now, locate the screw holes in the base of each post of the gazebo. Drill through these screw holes directly into the concrete (see video instructions below). Do it slowly and steadily, so you don’t damage the posts or concrete. 

  2. Clean The Holes

    Don’t screw in the wedge anchors just yet! You first need to clean the holes using a vacuum cleaner. 
    Slide the gazebo posts aside and vacuum any dust that is stuck in the holes. This way, the wedge anchors will fit in perfectly. When done, move the gazebo back into place, aligning the holes in the concrete and the base of the posts.

  3. Hammer The Wedge Anchors

    Slide the washer onto each wedge anchor and screw the nut on the very top (see quick video guide below). By leaving the nut at the top, you can hammer the anchor without missing it. The threads will also stay protected this way. 
    Place each anchor into the appointed hole and hammer it down, leaving about a 1/3 inch or more sticking out. Use an open-end wrench to tighten the nut and lock the mechanism in place.

You are done! This anchoring method is strong enough to keep every hardtop gazebo from my “Top 5 List” in place.  

Drill The Holes Properly Video

Here is a quick guide for drilling the holes:

YouTube player

Hammer The Wedge Anchors Video

And here’s a video showing how the wedge anchors work:

YouTube player

How To Anchor Gazebo Without Drilling With Planting Pots

Supplies

  1. Planting pots or buckets 
  2. Concrete mix 
  3. Mixing bucket or a wheelbarrow 
  4. Bricklaying trowel
  5. Water
  6. Safety gloves and face mask 

Steps

  1. Put The Gazebo Posts In The Planters 
Gazebo posts planters.

To start this project, you will need four 5-gallon planting pots or buckets. Each planting pot will be assigned to a specific gazebo post. 

If your gazebo isn’t the standard square shape, (for example, if it’s octagonal) you should match the number of planters to the number of posts

The easiest way to get the gazebo posts into planters is to get three of your family members to help you out. On the count of three, lift the gazebo and quickly place the planters underneath the posts. You can now move to the next step.  

  1. Mix The Concrete 
YouTube player

You will first need to protect yourself with gloves and a face mask

Carefully empty the bag of concrete into an old bucket or a wheelbarrow, as shown in the video. Start adding water to the concrete, little by little. Stir constantly until you have achieved the desired consistency. 

The mixture shouldn’t be crumbly or too runny. It should hold its shape when you squeeze it in the palm of your hand.  

Note that it is much easier to buy a pre-made concrete mix than to mix the cement and building sand in the right ratio on your own. 

  1. Fill The Buckets And Decorate
Fill the buckets and then decorate.

The only thing left to do is to fill the planting pots with concrete. You should hurry if you are using a quick-setting concrete, as it will set up in just 20 to 40 minutes. Otherwise, it takes up to 48 hours for regular concrete to dry and harden.  

While you are waiting for your project to dry, you can plan and prep your decorations. You can:

  1. Plant succulents and other hardy plants in the pots with a little bit of soil. 
  2. Decorate the planters with pretty string lights. 
  3. Paint the buckets in colors and patterns that best match your décor.

Quick Tip: Don’t feel like mixing the concrete for this project? You can use a combination of bricks, gravel, and soil instead! Bricks won’t hold the gazebo posts as tightly as concrete, but hey, better something than nothing! Check it out: 

Combination of bricks, gravel, and soil.

Complete Guide: How To Anchor A Gazebo To Pavers?

Securing a gazebo to pavers can be a challenge. Pavers are not as strong as a whole concrete slab and can easily detach from the ground with strong wind. 

But not to worry! I have gathered different anchoring methods for you to try out. Which one you choose depends on how strong the wind is in your area. Take a look: 

  1. Fill planting pots with concrete (You can find a tutorial in the Concrete section, above.). 
  2. Drive stakes between pavers
  3. Drill into pavers 
  4. Build concrete footers below the pavers 

Anchor A Gazebo With Stakes

Supplies

  1. Ground stakes
  2. Hammer

Steps

  1. Adjust The Gazebo

You will first need to adjust the posts of the gazebo in a way that allows you to drive stakes in between the adjoining bricks. Try to rotate the plastic post bases to align the holes for the stakes with the grout (soil).  

  1. Run Stakes In Between The Pavers

For this final step, you will need a bunch of strong and durable stainless steel stakes. Feel free to use those that came with the gazebo, or buy new ones, if you run out of them. 

Run stakes through the base of the posts into the grooves between the pavers. Use a hammer to jam them deep into the soil. You should use at least two stakes per post. The more stakes you use, the better. 

Pro tip: Run a rope from the top of each gazebo corner to the ground. Tighten the rope around the stakes on the ground for added support.  

Anchor A Gazebo To Pavers By Drilling

Supplies

  1. Masonry screws 
  2. Drilling machine
  3. Pencil
  4. Masking tape 
  5. Vacuum cleaner

Steps

  1. Mark The Drill Holes

Position the gazebo exactly how you want it. Now, take the pencil and mark the holes on the pavers through the base of the posts. Move the gazebo slightly to the side to expose the marked areas where the drill holes will be. 

  1. Drill The Holes Into The Pavers 

Mark the depth of the screws on the masonry drill bit with a piece of masking tape. Drill the holes directly into the pavers where you marked them, at a 90° angle

Take time to clean the dust from each hole with a vacuum cleaner so the masonry screws can fasten properly.  

  1. Drive In The Masonry Screws 
YouTube player

Slide the gazebo back into place. Make sure the holes in the pavers and on the posts align perfectly. 

Switch the masonry bit on your battery-powered drill to the correct driver bit. You will most likely need a slotted hex or Philips flat head bit

The only thing left to do is to drive the screws in as far as you can to secure the gazebo in place. 

Anchor A Gazebo To Pavers With Concrete Footers

Supplies

  1. Flathead screwdriver 
  2. Shovel or a post hole digger
  3. Concrete mix
  4. Bricklaying trowel
  5. Water
  6. Chalk
  7. Safety gloves and face mask 

Steps 

  1. Remove The Necessary Pavers

Position the gazebo the way you like it and see how many paver bricks each gazebo post stands on. Mark them with chalk, so you will know which ones to remove. 

Use a flathead screwdriver to get in between the pavers. Tap the screwdriver with a rubber mallet if they are laid tightly. Now, carefully lift the marked pavers without damaging the surrounding ones. 

  1. Dig The Holes And Insert The Gazebo Posts 
Dig the holes and then insert the gazebo posts.

Now that you have exposed the soil underneath the pavers, you can start digging holes at least 10 inches into the ground. You can use a shovel for this job, or even better, a post-hole digger. 

Once you are satisfied with the depth of the holes, you can lower the gazebo posts into them

  1. Pour The Concrete

Mix the concrete in an old bucket by adding water to it, little by little. 

Pour the concrete into the holes to seal the gazebo posts into place. Level the concrete with the height of the pavers. Clean up any spills and tidy up the edges. Let the fresh concrete dry for at least 48 hours

Now, you can sit back and relax. Your gazebo won’t flinch, even in the strongest of winds. 

Pro Tip: Don’t like the idea of having wooden posts in the ground? You can build pier footers instead. You can find an in-depth tutorial for this project in the “Grass Section” below. 

Pole in the ground.

Complete Guide: How To Anchor A Gazebo On Grass

The key to making your gazebo sturdy is to anchor it on a stable foundation. Grass is the weakest of all the surfaces we have covered today.  

Jamming a bunch of anchoring stakes directly into the soil won’t cut it. You will need to build a strong foundation above or below the ground to hold the weight of the gazebo and defy the force of the wind. Here are your options: 

  1. Fill planting pots with concrete (As shown in the “Concrete Section” in the beginning of the article)
  2. Build below ground concrete footers (As shown in the “Pavers Section” above) 
  3. Anchor the gazebo on concrete slabs 
  4. Build pier footers 
  5. Build a wooden deck 

Anchor A Gazebo On Grass With Concrete Slabs

Supplies

  1. Concrete paving slabs
  2. Masonry screws
  3. Washers
  4. Drilling machine 
  5. Masking tape
  6. Vacuum cleaner

Steps

  1. Lay The Concrete Slabs 

For this project, you will need one concrete slab for each gazebo leg. I recommend you use thick and heavy slabs that can hold the weight of the whole structure. 

Lay the concrete slabs on the leveled grass, exactly where the gazebo posts will be. Now, with the help of three more people, prop the gazebo on top of these slabs. Center the posts and make sure everything looks even.

  1. Drill Holes In The Concrete Slabs 
Dig holes in concrete slab.

Drill holes directly into the concrete slabs through the base of the posts. I recommend you mark the length of the masonry screws on the drill bit first, so you know exactly how deep to drill. 

Make sure you clean the dust in and around the holes with a vacuum cleaner before proceeding to the next step. 

  1. Drive Masonry Screws 
Screw the post into the ground using masonry screws.

Slide the washers onto the masonry screws and drive them through the base of the posts, into the concrete slabs

Make sure to use the correct screwdriver bit for the job, so you don’t damage the masonry screws. This way, you will be able to unscrew them easier when you decide to take down your gazebo.  

You can use this method to anchor a gazebo on pavers, as well. See the picture above, as proof. 

Anchor A Gazebo On Grass With Pier Footers 

Supplies

  1. Tube concrete form 
  2. Shovel or post hole digger
  3. String line
  4. Fast setting concrete
  5. Water
  6. Post brackets
  7. Bricklaying trowel

Steps

  1. Dig Holes And Prep The Mold
YouTube player

Measure the width and depth of the gazebo and mark it on the grass using sticks. Each stick represents where the gazebo post will be. 

Using a strong shovel, dig holes where the sticks are. The depth of holes should be at least 12 inches below the frost line in your area. 

Holes should be wide enough to fit the 12-inch concrete form, which is sufficient for 6×6 gazebo posts. You only have to cut the tube form to the depth of the holes and put them in. 

  1. Run A String Line 
Use strings to guide your posts.

Run a string line across the building site to outline the shape of the gazebo. The string will help you determine the precise alignment of the gazebo posts above each hole. Take your time with this step and be accurate in the placement of the string. 

The strings should cross each other above the holes. These will be the outer corners of gazebo posts. With a bird’s eye view, check if the string corners are somewhat centered in the concrete form

If the strings cross each other outside the mold, shave down the sides of the hole with a shovel to correct the alignment.

  1. Mix The Concrete 

Mix the concrete directly in a hole, no buckets or wheelbarrows are needed. Pour 1-2 inches of water in the bottom of the hole. Add a fast-setting concrete mix directly to it. Now stir, slowly adding more water to it as you go. 

Remember, you are using fast-setting concrete, so you will have to work quickly

  1. Insert Post Bracket
Insert the post bracket, use the strings as guidelines.

Insert the post bracket in the concrete while it is still wet. Use a string line as a guide for the placement. Try to get as close to the corner as you can. Make sure the bracket is level on all sides. 

When you are satisfied with the placement, press the concrete against the bracket base using a bricklaying trowel. Flatten the surface, as much as you can. 

Leave the concrete to set for as long as it says on the bag. Meanwhile, you can start working on the next hole. 

Once everything is set and done, you can start mounting your gazebo or pavilion posts on the brackets. 

Don’t know which shade structure to build in your backyard? My Gazebo vs. Pavilion article will help you decide! 

How To Anchor A Gazebo On Grass With A Wooden Deck

Supplies

  1. Weed barrier
  2. 4×4 posts or concrete deck blocks 
  3. 2×4 or 2×6 lumber
  4. Circular saw
  5. Electric screwdriver
  6. Measuring tape

Steps

  1. Level The Ground
YouTube player

First, you will have to level the building ground. Remove the soil from high spots and add it to the low spots. Use a manual tamper to compact the ground into a flat surface. 

It is completely optional if you want to remove the sod. You will be laying the weed barrier on top of the grass anyways. 

  1. Lay The Foundation
Lay the foundation by using support posts.

Once you have leveled the ground, you can lay your foundation in two ways:  

  1. Install support posts into the ground holes and seal them with concrete. 
  2. Place concrete deck blocks on the surface to hold the whole decking in place. 

Whichever method you use, just make sure to build enough support for the decking. Adding posts only at the corners is not enough. The picture above should give you an idea of what a strong foundation looks like

  1. Lay The Weed Barrier
Cover the whole area with weed barrier.

Now is the best time to cover the whole construction area with the weed barrier. Pin the weed barrier to the ground using garden staples.  

Work your way around the foundation posts so no areas stay exposed. The weed barrier will kill the grass and keep the new one from growing underneath the deck. 

  1. Affix Joists And Decking

Affix joists to the foundation and lay decking on top of them. You can use 4×4 or 4×6 treated lumber, whichever size best fits your project. 

You can now safely build a gazebo on top of your brand-new deck. All that is left to do is anchor the gazebo posts to the wooden floor with a bunch of screws

FAQ: Answered

How To Secure A Portable Gazebo From Wind?

You can secure a portable gazebo from the wind by hammering stakes directly into the grass. Tie the gazebo to the ground with rope and stakes for extra support. You can weigh each gazebo post with a planting pot filled with concrete, bricks, or gravel.

How To Anchor A Gazebo Temporarily?

You can anchor your gazebo temporarily with stakes that come included in the package. Tie each corner of the gazebo to the ground with rope for added support. You can also put each gazebo post inside a bucket or a planter and fill it with bricks, gravel, and soil.

How To Anchor A Gazebo To A Wooden Deck?

You can anchor a gazebo to a wooden deck by screwing the posts directly to the wood. The base of each gazebo leg should have pre-made holes for the screws. If you don’t like the idea of damaging your deck, you can simply put each gazebo leg into a weighted concrete planter.

How To Secure A Gazebo From Wind: My Final Thoughts

Purchasing a gazebo is the easiest thing to do. Securing it to the ground and turning it into a shelter for your friends and family to enjoy is a whole other story. 

This is the main reason why I’ve decided to write a complete guide on how to secure a gazebo from wind – to help you and others keep your home a safe space, even when the weather gets rough. 
Did you find this post useful? Let me know in the comments below, and share my tutorials on your social media, as well. Your friends might just be looking for the same anchoring solutions as you are.

About The Author

  • Nadya Jones

    Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

Photo of author

About The Author

Nadya Jones

Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

5 thoughts on “How To Anchor A Gazebo To Concrete, Pavers, Or On Grass To Secure Your Gazebo From Wind”

  1. Hi,

    I’ve pavers on patio, If I put my Berkley Janson 12*10 gazebo on pavers wont that go away with wind? because pavers are sitting on sand? what you suggest in this case?

    Reply
  2. Hello, I am interested in trying to anchor a gazebo inside planting pots filled with gravel. If I add soil to the top portion of the pots and plant succulents or some other plants/flowers, how does the water drain from the pots when you water them? Does anything else need to be done to the pots so that the plants survive?

    Thanks in advance for your advice and feedback!

    Reply
    • If you are using planting pots, make sure there are already drainage holes in the pots, the water will then be able to soak the soil, and drain through the gravel, and out the holes in the bottom.

      Reply

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