Designed to provide shade from the sun, gazebos are commonplace in gardens all around the world. Who doesn’t love spending time in their garden on a summer day?
Gazebos provide a good amount of shade and protection from the conditions whilst giving the perfect environment for everything from BBQs to hot tubs. You can even have a gazebo with a fire pit inside!
We’ve scoured the options available and compiled the best gazebo reviews for your needs here, where we discuss the criteria for a great gazebo as well as the pros and cons of various models available.
Contents
In a Rush? Here’s Our Pick!
Let’s take a quick glance at the products we will talk about here.
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Gazebo Reviews
Now, lets take a look at the best gazebos we selected for you.
Gazelle 25500 G5 Pop Up Portable 5 Sided Hub Gazebo
- 5 sided gazebo with umbrella frame is perfect for camping or picnicking
- Stands securely with included ground stakes and tie down ropes
- Quick and easy 45 second set up
If you are looking for intelligent design and the utmost in portability from your gazebo, the Gazelle 25500 is well worth a second look. Incredibly, this is designed to be set up in under a minute due to the pop up design. A rigid frame is pulled into place and the gazebo pops up automatically. It even comes with a carry bag to allow you to take it on camping trips easily.
As well as being waterproof, the roof and sheltered walls of the Gazelle 25500 are made of UV resistant materials to ensure that you are not in danger of getting sunburnt through the gazebo. On top of this, an extremely fine mesh material is built in to protect you from bugs and flying insects.
Though not the biggest gazebo you’ll ever see, this comfortably has room for four people and a small table, so it may well be big enough for your needs.
PROS
- Excellent protection from the conditions outside including rain and sun.
- Keeps out flying insects with the ultrafine mesh material.
- Can be assembled in just 45 seconds.
CONS
- Very lightweight, while great for carrying this can mean you need to weigh it down in windy conditions.
Sunjoy Louisiana 13.5×13.5 ft. 2-Tier Steel Gazebo
- Protection & Durable: This 2-Tier soft top gazebo is constructed with a brown powder-coated steel frame and tan and...
- Light Up Your Outdoor Patio: A sturdy ceiling hook is provided for this steel gazebo to suspend lighting (not included)...
- Hexagon Construction: The hexagonal structure provides additional structural strength and support, making the gazebo...
- Sturdy steel frame made to last.
- Weather-resistant canopy.
- 2-tier roof for better airflow.
- Easy-to-follow assembly instructions.
Looking for a high-quality gazebo that you and your family can enjoy when the weather is calm or windy? Look no further! This Sunjoy Louisiana can withstand diverse summer weather!
The Sunjoy Louisiana Gazebo will protect you from summer rain showers, thanks to the weather-resistant canopy. The moisture won’t damage the durable steel frame because it is protected with a rust-resistant powder coating. The frame legs are large and strong enough to protect the whole structure against strong winds.
The feature I like the most is the two-tier roof. It makes your gazebo look more elegant while ensuring proper aeration. You will appreciate a fresh breeze coming from above when the heat becomes unbearable.
The Sunjoy Louisiana gazebo is large enough to accommodate a big family and a couple of friends. It is an excellent outdoor oasis for entertaining guests.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Rust-resistant steel frame
- Weather-resistant fabric
- 2-tier roof for aeration
- Has ceiling hook for chandelier
- Mosquito netting included
- Elegant color
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Color may fade with time
- The fabric could be stronger
Kozyard Caesar Hardtop Aluminum Permanent Gazebo
- Double roof provides excellent ventilation. Better ventilated than one layer design. Galvanized steel roof strong enough...
- Hard metal top instead of normal fabric or polycarbonate material. 1 year warranty on the hardtop roof.
- Rustproof aluminum frame, which is very strong and sturdy, built with 4.0“x4.0" triangular aluminum stand pole. All...
If you are looking for a more permanent addition to your outdoor space, the Kozyard is worth looking into due to its hardwearing design. You will be hard pressed to find a better made gazebo, meaning this can last in the garden for years, through all sorts of different weather conditions.
In terms of durability, the Kozyard Caesar really has it all. A galvanized roof is designed to handle any weather including snow. So, if you live somewhere the weather is subject to change, this is a wonderful gazebo, giving peace of mind that it isn’t going to break. The rustproof aluminum design is also designed to last not just years but decades of use.
A coated mosquito net and steel railing are optional inclusions on either side. You can also add a second layer of side wall if you so wish due to the double track system included with this gazebo.
This gazebo is available in both 12 x 16 feet and 10 x 12 feet, so you can choose which dimensions better suit the space you have available. It certainly isn’t the cheapest gazebo you are likely to find so be prepared to pay extra for the permanent, high quality nature of their design.
PROS
- Designed to last with a three year warranty for added peace of mind.
- Choice of different sizes to suit your needs.
- Flexible, with options for adding mosquito nets and other side walls.
CONS
- Not easy to assemble and disassemble.
- A more expensive model due to its permanent nature.
Outsunny Two-Tiered Outdoor Garden Gazebo
- Complete Package: Save time and money with this pergola from Outsunny. Our patio gazebo set includes a metal frame,...
- Built to Last: The powder-coated steel frame of this outdoor canopy fights rust, while the 180g coated polyester fabric...
- Spacious Design: With an 8.7-foot tall peak, 13-foot length, and 10-foot width, our cabana tent is roomy enough for your...
This gazebo has a unique and classy look to it.
It wouldn’t appear out of place on the grounds of a wedding venue, with its luxurious curtains and side paneled design. The design is something a little different and make this a popular choice for outdoor spaces.
This product is exceptional when it comes to blocking out sun rays and gives 360 degree UV protection. The cover and sides have coating which makes them resistant to the sun’s rays, keeping you cool and away from the exposure of harmful ultraviolet light.
The Outsunny gazebo is a great option if you live in a windy location, too. 12 posts and pegs keep it rigid and there are an additional 12 stakes which secure it in the ground, meaning that even on windy days you don’t need to worry.
PROS
- UV protected and waterproof, giving the ultimate shelter.
- Classy design.
CONS
- Not the easiest to set up due to a lot of pegs and stakes.
- No options for larger models should you require more space.
In the case you like the Outsunny brand but are looking for a portable canopy instead of a gazebo (for an outdoor party, for example), check out our Outsunny canopy reviews.
Sunjoy BBQ Steel hardtop Gazebo Canopy
- Combines handsome design with plenty of UV protection while grilling
- Sturdy, safe, steel construction with a durable, rust resistant, powder coated finish
- Assembly is required, manual included
- Sturdy steel construction
- Vented polyester canopy provides wind stability and UV protection
- Two shelves accommodate grilling tools, food, and beverages
- 7.9 x 5 x 8.5 feet size accommodates the average grill
- Weighs just 28.8 lbs
The Sunjoy BBQ Gazebo Canopy (model #110103014) isn’t just stylish — it’s uniquely designed to provide shade for your barbecue.
Its polyester, pagoda-like roof provides excellent UV protection and wind resistance. Air passes easily through its vents, ensuring that only smoke — not the canopy — will get blown away. Some customers even say it protects them from rain.
This gazebo canopy’s sturdy, steel construction provides two shelves for your grilling tools, food, or beverages. You don’t have to attach them if you don’t want to, although they do add structural support.
One disadvantage of the Sunjoy BBQ gazebo canopy is that it only provides shade when the sun is directly overhead.
Otherwise, sunlight can shine under the roof. The assembly kit doesn’t come with a side tarp to remedy this, although you can use your own.
Customers say that this product, which comes with an instruction manual, is a breeze to assemble. It also comes with a 12 month, limited manufacturer’s warranty.
PROS
- Stylish design with optional shelves
- UV, wind, and possibly rain resistant
- Sturdy, yet portable
- Easy to assemble
- Size accommodates the average grill
CONS
- Only provides shade when directly under the sun
- Customers have complained it came with missing/mismatched parts or was damaged
- Some have complained that it’s cheaply made
A Buying Guide: Features To Consider
Here are the features you should consider when choosing the most suitable gazebo for you.
Gazebo Vs Canopy: Which Is Better?
Although the words are used interchangeably, gazebos and canopies technically aren’t the same thing.
Canopies are simple and lightweight enough to use and put away at one’s convenience. One person can set up a canopy in a few minutes, as YouTuber Welding and Stuff demonstrates:
Gazebos, on the other hand, are generally a long-term commitment. If you intend to use one only for a day (perhaps for a fancy event), a construction crew would be handy for putting it up and taking it down.
Gazebos are often mounted on cement to keep them level. Though they can be made of metal, gazebos are more likely to be made of wood or vinyl.
In addition to being bigger and sturdier than canopies, gazebos may be designed similarly to porches. They may have built-in floors, surrounding guardrails, and even bench swings.
And although fancy-looking canopies exist, gazebos tend to look more elegant. The most common gazebo shapes are ovals and octagons. They may also have cupolas – structures on their roofs that look like mini-houses.
Whether you should get a canopy or a gazebo depends on how often you’ll use it and how portable you need it to be. If you have no reason to move it from a particular spot, a gazebo is a sound investment. But if you only intend to use it for special occasions, a canopy makes more sense.
Also, keep in mind that a gazebo can be considered an accessory building and might be subject to local accessory building regulations.
Hard Top vs Soft Top
One of the main things to establish early on is whether you are looking for a soft-top or a hardtop gazebo.
Soft tops are popular choices due to being affordable and easy to put up, they’re usually a little less sturdy and are designed with not a great deal of consideration for any adverse weather conditions.
Hard top gazebos on the other hand are great for places where the weather can vary greatly.
If you plan to have a gazebo standing all year round, winter will be unforgiving for a gazebo with a soft top, which may not survive. But hard-topped models can give protection from rain, wind, and worse, providing shelter not just when it is very sunny but when the weather takes a turn for the worse too.
Sun protection should not be underestimated, and the harmful effects are not worth the risk.
In terms of cost, it can be very tempting to purchase a soft-top model as the difference in price is huge, but whether you can get away with this less sturdy design will probably depend on where you live, and whether you are prone to storms or bad weather.
If you are interested to know more, read our best hardtop gazebo review.
Shape and Size
Gazebos come in all different shapes and sizes. Many people think of a square covering when they think of a gazebo, but rectangular, round, and hexagonal shapes, among others, are available.
You will likely want to find a gazebo to fit your space. If you have a modest garden, you don’t want a gazebo that takes up all of it. Likewise, if you have a big garden, a gazebo only covering a small area may not be suitable when entertaining a company or just relaxing with your family.
The choice is key here, and fortunately, many manufacturers of gazebos are aware that people need flexibility in terms of size. Some gazebos are available in lots of different sizes and dimensions, all you need to do is work out which of these is most suitable for the space in which you plan to use a gazebo.
Portability vs Sturdiness
It seems to me that there is a direct trade-off here. If you want something sturdy, it is unlikely to be portable. If you want a gazebo you can put up and take down on demand, it is unlikely to be the sturdiest.
There is a lot to be said for a portable gazebo. If you have a large garden, the ability to move it around is positive, but the use most people find for portable gazebos is to take them down and put them up on demand.
There are some models designed to be collapsible and incredibly simple to take down.
These are so easy that when it comes to a hot summer’s day you can decide you wish to put your gazebo up for a BBQ or event and do so in no time at all. Gazebos are also very popular in the camping community and are a great way to increase the covered space you have when setting up at a campsite. Portability is a big plus point for this.
If you plan to use your gazebo in different seasons, not only is being ‘hard-topped’ valuable, but sturdy and rigid construction should also be considered.
If you live somewhere particularly windy, for instance somewhere on the coast, it may be that your gazebo is likely to be exposed to high force winds, and having a rigid frame will avoid any risks of it blowing out of place or breaking.
Netting, Privacy Curtains and Canopies
What goes around the outside of your gazebo is another important consideration.
If you are purely looking for overhead shelter then this will always be provided by a gazebo, but many people are also looking for protection while they are inside, in the way of curtains, netting, and canopies. Not only do these add to the shade, but they can also keep the area much cooler and prevent unwanted visitors such as bugs and other creepy crawlies.
Curtains and other coverings also provide more privacy while you are inside. According to gazebo.com, a private and intimate space outdoors is one of the most important benefits of owning a gazebo.
Many gazebos come with optional netting and curtains which can be put up or taken down as you desire. The best models give you a choice. For instance, should you wish to have three sides covered in a privacy curtain and one open, this should be easily achievable.
A little thought about how much coverage you desire can help your decision-making in the long run when it comes to which gazebo to purchase.
Construction
How comfortable are you with the construction aspect? Unless you are getting a company to fit your gazebo for you, this is likely to be something you have to take on yourself.
You shouldn’t have to have a qualification in carpentry or construction to put up a gazebo, and in our gazebo reviews we’ve taken into account the ease of constructing (and deconstructing) the product.
How to choose an eco-friendly gazebo?
Environmental concerns have continued to grow in recent years. This has left many people looking for eco-friendly alternatives. Finding an environmentally friendly gazebo isn’t always that simple.
Although we tend to think of most of the products in our backyard as being eco-friendly, if you have a gazebo that features a lot of plastics then this could mean that it is not good for the environment.
Other materials used in gazebos are generally pretty environmentally friendly. A stainless steel frame is perfect, as the steel industry is (perhaps surprisingly) very eco-friendly if you take adequate precautions and recycle it when it is out of use.
Gazebos containing sustainable woods are also good for the environment. Whether this means a full-frame made out of wood, or individual parts of the design such as bamboo thatch on the roof, which can be a positive way to ensure plastics and other unsustainable materials aren’t being used in your backyard.
The main concern is any waterproof material that has been placed on the gazebo. Some pop-up gazebos aren’t as ecologically safe. PVC is a material used time and time again. It is hard to recycle and should be avoided if eco is your main concern.
Remember that you can always waterproof the gazebo canopy yourself.
Bought A Gazebo And Now Need To Install It?
Check out this amazing service by Amazon: Gazebo Assembly .
This service includes:
- Installation on either lawn or patio
- Assembly of 1 customer-provided gazebo
- Typical assembly time of 10 hours
- Please note that longer assembly times may result in extra service fees
- Assembly of 1 customer-provided gazebo per product instructions
- Moving product to another location is not included
- Typical assembly time of 10 hours
I personally did not try it but it seems that the most of the customers who bought it loved it. They noted how professional service was as well as the fact that the assemblers were very detailed oriented, made sure the gazebo was set up correctly, and were fast to accomplish the project.
As of the complaints, it seems that sometimes, the assembly may take longer than usual so it may result in additional charges. Also, some assembly teams were not as good as others. Difficulties with scheduling a visit is another common complaint.
You can also ask them to attach your gazebo to the ground so that it can better withstand strong winds. However, you can do it yourself.
FAQs
Are soft top gazebos waterproof?
Soft top gazebos are waterproof when they are treated with the waterproofing PU coating. Most soft top gazebos, however, are water-resistant and not waterproof. You can make your canopy and seams impervious to water at home with Scotchgard waterproofing spray .
How long can you leave a gazebo up?
How long you leave a gazebo up depends on the type of gazebo you own. A wooden or hard top gazebo can be left outdoors all year round. Gazebos with a soft top should be taken down before the winter or even earlier.
What wind speed can a gazebo stand?
A heavy-duty gazebo can withstand wind speed up to 55 kph or 34 mph. A gazebo has to be correctly anchored, weighted, and roped to withstand this wind force. Remember, most soft-top gazebos are made for sunny weather and a slight breeze.
Where is the best place to put a gazebo?
The best place to put a gazebo is away from your flowers and trees. You don’t want to kill them with the shade. Place the gazebo in the middle of the yard if you plan to use it mostly during the mid-day. For all-day use, pick a spot with good shade coverage throughout the day.
Is it cheaper to build your own gazebo?
On average, it is not cheaper to build your own gazebo. Building a gazebo from scratch will cost you anywhere from $3,401 to $9,554. Pre-built gazebo kits are cheaper and cost between $1,500 to $7,000. You can still build a gazebo cheaper than that if you use repurposed materials.
More Information for Your Gazebo
What About The Best Hardtop Gazebo?
One of the products we reviewed here was a hardtop gazebo. If you only want to buy such a gazebo, check our best hardtop gazebo review.
Allen Roth Gazebos
Allen+Roth is a well known brand by Lowes that makes a wide range of outdoor furniture and garden structures. It is very popular thanks to its timeless classic design, affordable prices, and good quality.
Gazebos made by Allen and Roth are so popular that we even created a separate post about them. If you want to know more about it, head right to the Allen and Roth Gazebo review page!
Gazebo Covers For Winter
Did you know you can make use of your gazebo even in winter when it cold outside? You can convert it into a shed! The only thing you need for it is a winter cover for a gazebo. It is designed for a hardtop gazebo but it is possible to use it on a gazebo with a soft canopy as well. Just go to the link I provided above for more details!
Backyard Pavilion Ideas
If you still need a bit of help with understanding how to place your gazebo or how to decorate it, we covered you as well! Check out these backyard pavilion ideas to see various possibilities and get yourself inspired! And don’t miss this blog with beautiful gazebo ideas or with greenhouse ideas!
To understand whether you need a gazebo or pavilion and what’s the different between these two outdoor structures, check our post about gazebo vs pavilion.
If you are decorating your gazebo for Christmas, check out these Christmas Gazebo ideas! For any other holiday or a party that happens at night, check our post with magical gazebo lighting ideas.
Replacement Canopy And Parts For Gazebo
Looking for replacement parts for your gazebo? Check them out here!
So, Which Gazebo Is The Best?
There are some good options above for all sorts of different needs, but if we had to pick one ‘best’ gazebo then the Kozyard Caesar wins the day.
Not only is it incredibly durable with the potential to last decades, it is attractively designed and comes with a choice of sizes. It is incredibly designed and though a little extra construction comes with that, for a permanent gazebo you are not likely to find a better option on the market.
The Caesar is not a cheap gazebo but there is an element of ‘you get what you pay for’.
If you look for the cheapest products on the market you are likely to end up with something flimsy and disappointing.
Hope you liked our gazebo reviews! Let us know what you think in the comments.
About The Author
Last update on 2024-04-18 at 16:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API