A picnic in any weather: the best options for barbecue canopies

Varieties

Barbecue awnings not only serve as decoration, but also protect it from rain. If you have a canopy, it will become easy to cook barbecue in bad weather, and you will not worry about the raindrops extinguishing the coals.

There are two main types of awnings, which differ from each other in their shape:

1. Simple. Such structures look like four supports on which a sheet of metal is fixed. They reliably cover the grill from direct rain, but in general they are not very effective in heavy rainfall. Although such a structure can be decorated with additional decorative elements, giving it an elegant look.
2. In the form of a gazebo. This option is suitable for those who want to make a brazier a decorative element of their site. In addition, the gazebo will protect you from bad weather and strong winds.

Video "BBQ Canopy"

This video shows how to quickly assemble a canopy for an outdoor barbecue with your own hands.

What can be done

The structure can be made from different materials, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. We will now take a closer look at this issue.

What the canopy is made of:

1. Metal. Metal Shelter is a budget but not a great option. The material will be heated from the sun's rays, as well as from fire and smoke - the constant companions of barbecue frying. Because of this, it will be unbearable to be under a canopy in the heat. Therefore, only compact covering structures for small barbecues are made metal.
2. Wood. Wooden awnings will decorate any area, as they look aesthetically pleasing. In addition, they are easy to fit and install. However, there is a significant drawback - poor refractoriness. Considering that this is a barbecue canopy, which means working with fire, this disadvantage can be critical. Also, a wooden shelter is less durable and strong than its counterparts from other materials.
3. Polycarbonate. The most popular option. The material is inexpensive and durable, easy to install. Perfectly fulfills the duties assigned to him. In addition, polycarbonate is flexible and durable, so the construction will last for a very long time. Also, polycarbonate lets in a lot of light. This material has no drawbacks.
4. Decking. No less popular option than the previous one. It is durable and lightweight. In addition, the corrugated board is not flammable. It is easy to fit into any interior. In addition, thanks to the large assortment, you can choose the color or shade that suits your taste. The disadvantages include poor light transmission and rapid heating.

We build on our own

Now we will tell you how to build a canopy without the involvement of specialists. This is not difficult if you follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Support

We start with the supports on which the "roof" of the shelter will be located:

1. We dig four holes, into which we will later place the supports. Each pit should be about 30 cm in diameter and 60 cm deep.
2. Now we take metal profiles 50x50 cm and about 3 m in length, and install them in the center of each pit. To secure them, fill the remaining space in each dimple with liquid concrete.

We take a metal square and pass it through all the upper points on the supports, then we weld. It is important that all sides of the square are at the same level.

Roof

Now that the supports and the frame are ready, we will deal with the roof.

1. Install 3 arches. Two of them will be located on both sides of the gazebo, and the last one will be in the center.
2. So that all the upper points of the arches are fixed at the same level and do not diverge, they are connected with a 20x20 cm square.
3. The final touch is the coating. We recommend choosing polycarbonate as the most common material. It is best to choose a variety that can withstand loads of up to 150 kg.
4. First, the sheet is screwed to one of the edges of the arch, and the overlap should be about 30 cm - for reliable protection from rain drops.
5. Now, after a step of 50-60 cm, we fix the polycarbonate layer with bolts (M8 bolts are suitable).
6. Ready! You have made the simplest barbecue shelter.

So, we examined the features of different canopies for the barbecue, and also told how to build a structure with our own hands. Now you can make your own shelter and calmly cook kebabs even in bad weather.