Cabana Couture

Backyards can be so much more than just sitting in a green chair under a green umbrella, even if that chair and umbrella are adjacent to your hot tub or pool. Portable cabanas can transform the pool and/or yard into an outdoor bedroom, a changing room, a shower or just a tranquil space to dine and entertain.

Personally, I would make it a secret hideaway to relax with a frosty drink and a Larry McMurtry novel.

Quik Shade, a company that makes recreational and commercial cabanas, recently introduced Décor Instant Gazebo (www.quikshade-decor.com) portable canopies.

"These stylish gazebos are similar to what you might see in Palm Beach or Laguna Beach," said Bill Schlueter of Quik Shade. "Over the years, research has shown us that many pools have no real protection from sun or insects or, for that matter, privacy. So, in Las Vegas, for instance, the gazebo could be left up all summer. Of course, when the wind blows, it's best to take the gazebo down."

The 10-foot-by-10-foot square canopy with added curtain design (even mosquito netting) can be bunched with a wall in the back or with two walls completely zippered. There are a number of ways to configure it. Because of its versatility, the gazebo can completely close with all four walls zippered together, or if no walls are desired, the fabric can be pulled to the side and draped as a curtain.

"I've talked to a lot of people who say that assembling the gazebo reminds them of when they were kids and used blankets and pillows to build a fort and play in it all day," said Schlueter. "Setting it up or taking it down only takes a few minutes."

All units have color-coordinated tops and corner drape adornments that easily pull out to create an instant open-air shelter. The one-piece steel frame ensures durability, while the spring-loaded telescoping legs allow easy assembly on a flat surface. If being used in a backyard or at the beach, the feet can be secured with stakes. The mesh walls have zippered closures, while the vented top allows airflow. Each unit includes a wheeled transport carry bag.

Schlueter said there are several factors to consider when shopping for an instant gazebo. The first is to make sure it is being bought for all the right reasons.

"For instance," he said, "the Quick Shower Gazebo includes a shower caddy, a towel bar, sewn-on pockets, a shower head holder and a vented top. If this is what you want from your gazebo, fine. Others may want something different, so it is always pragmatic to think of what it is you want and how you want to use it. Budget is probably the second factor in determining the kind of product you will ultimately buy.

"My only other suggestion is that once you get the gazebo, find a permanent storage place and practice putting it up and taking it down. Then when you decide to have an unscheduled barbecue for some friends, you can easily find the gazebo and have it assembled in minutes."

Schlueter said homeowners are using instant gazebos as a permanent fixture. They are water and flame resistant, and the durable polyester material not only provides shade, but aluminum particles embedded in the fabric protect against harmful UV rays.

One of the more popular uses for the gazebo is dining. Six to 10 chairs and a table can fit inside, or it can be used to store food and drinks when preparing a large outdoor barbecue

"The instant gazebo is like adding another living space to your property, especially that part of your property that has been neglected," said Schlueter. "I know, that's what I did. I cleaned up a large section of my backyard and removed dirt and rocks and then added a few plants and planters. After adding the gazebo, I had a mini oasis. Keep in mind that a real gazebo, built out of redwood with a concrete slab, could cost up to $10,000. This looks just as good and when everything is over, you can take it down in five minutes and put into storage where it will be waiting for you when your next picnic is at Lake Mead."