The best materials for a heavy duty gazebo will depend on whether the owner wants a permanent structure or one that can be easily taken down and stored or moved to a different location. Permanent structures can be built to be quite strong using wood, steel, or even iron, and they can be placed on a concrete slab for extra structural strength and security. In this case, a heavy duty gazebo can become quite expensive, but the structure will last a long time and be up for the challenge of withstanding adverse weather conditions. A temporary heavy duty gazebo will be made from lighter materials that will not be fixed in place permanently.
Permanent heavy duty gazebo structures are usually made from wood both for strength and aesthetics. They can be built on a concrete slab, or they can be built with a wood floor that is placed on smaller concrete footings. The heavy weight of the wooden structure will require some sort of base, though it is up to the builder whether that base is a concrete slab, concrete footings, a stone structure, or some other solid material. Wood is a good choice because it can be easily cut into custom shapes and sizes, and the overall design of the gazebo will not be limited by the limitations of the materials. Wood can, however, rot or degrade faster than other materials, and it often requires more maintenance than metals.
A temporary heavy duty gazebo structure often features a steel structure that is wrapped in a vinyl or polyurethane enclosure. The frame is usually made from galvanized steel, which is resistant to corrosion and rust, and it is strong enough to withstand moderate to high winds, rain, snow, and other inclement weather. Most temporary heavy duty gazebo structures can be folded up quickly and easily for transport or storage, and when it is time to set up the gazebo, it can be secured to the ground with metal spikes and/or ropes.
If the builder desires a permanent structure but does not want to use wood as the primary construction material, he may choose various types of metals. Steel and iron are best for permanent structures; aluminum is usually too lightweight and flimsy to be used for permanent structures. Galvanized steel can be sunk directly into the concrete, and it can be worked into a variety of shapes and sizes before assembly. Iron, too, can be used as the metal of choice, though it tends to be more expensive than steel.