A gazebo tent is a temporary structure made from a variety of lightweight or moderate weight materials that provides shade and protection from the elements. The size and shape of the gazebo tent will vary, and several models are available to accommodate the needs of different users. Smaller, more portable gazebo tent models are often made from aluminum poles and lightweight nylon covering, while heavier duty tents may be made from steel poles and canvas. Tents can be open-air structures without walls, or they can be enclosed structures with walls to add more protection from the elements.
Perhaps the most common venue at which to see a gazebo tent is an outdoor wedding. Larger gazebo tent models are usually used to offer protection from the sun, wind, or rain, and very often seating for the dinner or the dance floor for the reception are set up within the tent. Some gazebo tent models even feature walls with windows to allow guests to still see outside when sitting within the structure. Larger gazebo tents like these are often made of heavier duty materials such as canvas or heavy duty nylon. The structural supports are made from a thicker gauge aluminum or even steel; poles are often connected with metal joints at the corners and peaks of the tent.
Smaller, portable gazebo tents are sometimes known simply as tents,. They are made of thinner, lighter weight nylon that is stretched over an aluminum frame. The framing is easily collapsed or folded to allow for transport and storage, and the lightweight covering material can fold up easily to a small size as well. Such shelters sometimes feature nylon walls, but most are open-air structures meant to allow respite from sunlight or light to moderate rain. Lightweight gazebo tent options will need to be staked to the ground sufficiently to prevent the wind from tipping the shelter.
Choosing a gazebo tent is not a difficult process, but one must make clear choices before purchasing or renting a structure. One should decide how many people will be using the shelter and for how long, and should also take into account the time of year as well as the cost of the tent. Larger gatherings will require a larger gazebo, while small events such as camping trips or day outings will require only a small shelter. The cost will vary according to size and construction, and a person may be able to buy a small shelter for the same price or even cheaper than it would cost to rent a much larger structure.