Frequently Asked Questions

Q)  Do we need a foundation or site preparation?  

A)  All we require is a "reasonably level site" which means less than a foot (12") of slope from one side to the other. If more slope exists, we can install the gazebo on posts, but we need to know in advance. For significant slopes on site there may be a charge for post installation. we provide concrete pads for normal installations so a foundation is not necessary.

Q)   Can we have the gazebo installed on our existing deck?    

A)  Yes, we can install the gazebo on your deck in most cases. If this is done you do not need to purchase the floor/deck. We can also install the gazebo on your existing patio or elevate it adjacent to your deck.

Q)    How long does it take to install?  

A)  The average installation takes less than a day.

Q)    Do we need a permit?  

A)  No.  Permit requirements may vary. Most customers do not get permits.

Q)    What about staining/painting?    

A)   We only use stains on our gazebos. We stain the gazebo in pieces in an indoor, climate controlled environment. If left outdoors, for even a short time, the cedar may be difficult to stain properly. We offer a variety of colors and types of finishes.

Q)    What kind of wood do you use?  

A)  We use only eastern white cedar for the gazebo. It is more expensive than the pressure treated woods but cedar will not rot, split, or warp like pressure treated wood and there are no harsh chemicals. Cedar will weather much better than any pressure treated wood.

Q)   Why are your gazebos less expensive than a comparable kit that you have to put together yourself?  

A)  We are a family owned and operated company serving only Wisconsin and adjacent states. We control costs by harvesting and processing the cedar ourselves so there are no "middle men".

Q)   Are there any other advantages with your product as opposed to a "kit"?  

A) Yes, since we install the gazebo, there are no "missing pieces", no "shipping damage" everything fits together properly and the gazebo is done in less than a day.

Q)   How are gazebos measured?  

A)  Ours are measured from side to side. Some gazebo builders measure from corner to corner to make them seem larger. Example: Our 12 ft. gazebo, measured side to side has 120 sq. ft. Another 12 ft. gazebo measured corner to corner has 100 sq. ft. Ours is 20% larger!

Q)  Is a ventilated cupola important?    

 A) Yes, an unventilated roof traps hot moist air. This makes the gazebo hotter and is not good for the roof. That is why many building codes today require ventilated ridge caps on homes. Most gazebo builders use an unventilated cupola, Ours is a functional ceiling vent.

Q) Do you offer a warranty?    

A) Our confidence in our product allows us to offer a 5 year warranty on materials and workmanship. Most gazebos, especially kits, come with little or no warranty.

Q) What options do you offer?

A) We offer lights/fans, windows, log gazebos and many different styles as well as a "Gazebeque".

Q) What is a Gazebeque?

A) The Gazebeque has a steel fire pit in the center of the gazebo. It is equipped with a charcoal grill and a funnel shaped exhaust stack which allows smoke to exit through the top of the roof.

Q) How long does it take from order time to delivery?

A) 1 to 3 weeks for standard gazebos, 4 to 6 weeks for log gazebos.

Q) Kit or Completed Gazebo?

Thank you for your interest in Heartland Gazebos. We have been providing quality gazebos for Wisconsin and adjacent states for over 10 years. We stress quality in construction and complete customer satisfaction. For that reason we do not offer our gazebos in “kit” form. We have found that most customers that purchase “kits” are not happy with the gazebo for many reasons. Because our price includes the “on site assembly,” there are no missing parts, there is no “shipping damage”, everything fits together properly, and the gazebo is totally completed in less than a day.

Q) Which wood is best?

One of the most important choices in a gazebo is the type of material used in the construction. We use only eastern white cedar which we cut and process ourselves. We carefully select the components so there are no defects, no splitting, no shrinkage and no harsh chemicals which are common in the pressure treated wood used by many manufacturers. Cedar is, by far, the best choice of material for a gazebo.

Q) Finished or unfinished?

One other important choice often overlooked by many gazebo purchasers is the choice of finish. An unfinished gazebo quickly becomes faded and unsightly. We offer a variety of finishes in unlimited colors. We can match the color of the gazebo to your house if you choose. The successful finishing of cedar is highly dependent on temperature, humidity and drying time. These factors are difficult to control in an outdoor environment. We stain the gazebo in pieces, in an indoor, climate controlled environment to assure the best finish possible. We are confident that our system will give you the best possible finish to keep your gazebo looking great for years to come. We use Sherwin Williams products in both oil and polymer in solid & semi-transparent stains for our Traditional Gazebos. Our Log Gazebos are stained with Sikkens, Boodge or a stain of your choice.

The solid colors are more durable while the semi-transparents allow the wood grain to show through. The polymers are generally more durable, while most people feel the oils are more attractive. The choice of finish is affected by the amount of ultra-violet exposure (sunlight) the gazebo will have. At Gazebo Park, you can see examples of all types of finishes in many different colors, in both shaded and full exposures. Some of our display gazebos are 10 years old so you can compare the longevity of the different finishes. Our years of experience in finishes will help you determine which finish is best for you.

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Q) Are all gazebos measured the same way?

All gazebos ARE NOT measured in the same way. Our gazebos are measured from side to side. In order to make them seem larger, some manufactures measure from corner to corner. Here is an example: Our 12' gazebo, measured side to side, has 120 sq ft. Our competitor’s 12' gazebo, measured corner to corner, has 100 sq ft. Ours is 20% larger!

Q) Sizes & style?

We offer 11 distinct styles in 5 different sizes to choose from. All of these styles and sizes can be seen at Gazebo Park (See style page) All of the styles are the same price except for the natural rustic log gazebo which is 30% more.

Q) Windows?

If you would like windows in your gazebo we offer roll-up vinyl windows. This system out-performs “hard windows” at half the cost. We offer lights, fans and other options to make your gazebo a complete, comfortable environment. Check out our “Gazebeque”, a barbeque grill or fire pit inside the gazebo. All of the gazebos and options described can be seen at Gazebo Park (see brochure for directions) We are open 7 days a week by appointment.

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