I have an aluminum gazebo on my patio, kind of like this model: [link]. I want to hang a decorative wooden door that I've revamped by replacing the glass panels with stained glass. The beam on the side of the gazebo is 1" thick and hollow. My main concern is how to securely anchor the hooks for the door since I don't think regular screw hooks will hold well enough due to the thin metal. Ideally, I'm looking for hooks that can hang down but are secured with bolts that go through the 1" wall. Can anyone suggest types of hardware I should look for to properly secure this door? Just to clarify, I'm not worried about the gazebo's ability to support the door panel in general—it's sturdy enough; I just want to attach it safely.
3 Answers
Remember, it's not just about the weight but also the lateral force. Aluminum might not handle the sideways pull of a wooden door very well. I suggest using U-bolts around the column and something that distributes the force on the other side to avoid any mishaps.
For better advice, it'd help to see photos of your gazebo and the door setup. A single stock photo doesn't give enough perspective to make solid recommendations!
You could try using some heavy-duty straps to loop around the beam, or consider drilling straight through the beam to attach an eye bolt or hook with washers and a nut for better stability. This way, it should hold up well!