Cabana Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHY IS THE FOAM MATTRESS SOLD SEPERATELY AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE SWEETWATER CABANA?

A: Not everyone who purchases the Cabana has in mind to use it as a daybed, therefore it is sold as a separate item.  For those who do plan to use it as a daybed, ordering the foam separate allows the customer to choose the foam mattress grade of their choice as well a wide selection of slipcover colors and patterns.   This is done directly through a website, price for foam and slipcover averaging $500 (plus shipping to CA $40 – 10 days, UPS).  All details to order foam and slipcover supplied with purchase of the Cabana and
can be seen on the Foam Mattress and Slipcover page

Q: HOW EASY IS THE CABANA TO ASSEMBLY AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

A: The Cabanas come as easy assembly, bolt constructed kits.  Kits include pre-cut wood, pre-drilled frame, all assembly hardware and detailed instructions with 3-D illustrations.  Minimal tools are required.  It takes only 4-6 hours to put together.

Q: HOW SKILLED DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PUT THE CABANA TOGETHER AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU NEED?

Very basic carpentry skills are required to assemble the Cabana such as operating a screw gun and being able to square a frame.  One person can assemble the Cabana but another person will be helpful for a couple of the steps.

Q: WHAT IS INVOLVED FOR THE SITE PREPARATION FOR THE CABANA?

A: For hard surfaces such as poolside concrete, patio’s or decks, the Cabana can sit directly on the ground without anything under the posts.  Other surfaces that are not hard such as dirt, grass, etc., require the Cabana to be placed on a level pad under each post which may be of any material of your choosing (i.e.; pavers, concrete blocks, stone, etc.) but that is strong enough to withstand the distribution of the 360 lb. weight of the Cabana. If your ground is sloping or uneven, you will need to bring the footings all up to the same level by either digging your footings into the ground with perhaps the additional use of shims.  If on a hill, a structural engineer should be consulted.

Q: DO YOU DELIVER THE CABANAS AND DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE TO INSTALL THEM?

A: No we do not deliver the Cabana’s or have a crew to install them at this time. We ship them to the lower 48 states but do have a Rep. in Hawaii where they are locally available.  Shipping charges are not included in the Cabana price.

Q: IS A PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THESE STRUCTURES?

A: Since the Cabana’s square footage is under 120sq. ft. (the footage limit in most states and counties), a permit is not required.  Also, the fact that there is no permanent foundation, the majority of the frame is bolted construction and the roof is fabric and removable, also categorizes the Cabana more as a furniture piece than a permanent structure. 

Q: HOW WELL DOES THE CABANA FARE IN HIGH WINDS AND INCLEMENT CLIMATES?

A: Very well.  The roof of the frame is bolted to the main body of the frame and the canopy is attached at the ends of the eight rafters of the roof with Velcro boots and additional web ties along the inside of the rafters.  There is also a wind flap at the peak that allows excess winds and gusts to escape.   For winds that exceed 25 mph, we recommend that the canopy be taken off the fame, which can be easily removed.   You should also store the foam mattress in a dry area as well, and whenever the rains are coming in sideways.  If the foam mattress does become wet, simply lay it out the sun to dry out before putting it back on to the Cabana platform.  The frame is made from ironwood that is suitable for outdoor use and all types of weather and so can be left out year around. 

Q: WHAT IS THE FABRIC USED FOR THE CABANA CANOPY TOP?

A: The fabric used for the canopy top is called Sunbrella® and is made from 100% Acrylic fiber.  Sunbrella®, which is known in the industry as one of the leading materials used for its weather, mildew, and especially fade resistant properties.  It is completely waterproof, durable, easy to clean and can last up to 4-6 years.  A finer grade of Sunbrella® categorized as their outdoor furniture fabric is used for the slipcover foam mattress option.  Sunbrella® is a product of Glen Raven, Inc.

Q: WHAT IS THE FINISH ON THE CABANA FRAME AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE RE APPLIED?

Q: CAN THE CANBANA BE DISASSEMBLED IF IT NEEDS TO BE MOVED?