If you feel a little claustrophobic in the house on warmer days, but you can’t handle hanging out in the hot sun, why not turn your backyard into an elegant retreat with some new outdoor living space? A backyard gazebo will elevate your outdoor oasis, minimizing both heat and UV rays, while delivering shady weather protection with a breeze.
Of course, they’re great during the warmer months, but if you choose one of the more permanent gazebo options, they can also be a welcome winter retreat, especially if you add an elegant gas fire pit to your patio-scape.
While some are easy, breezy, and very portable, we’ve also looked at much more substantial wood and steel structures with hardtops that can handle wind as well as a significant snow load. Whichever you happen to choose, you’ll love these stylish shade providers.
-
7.
Kozyard Alexander 12 x 20 Foot Hardtop Permanent Gazebo
Pros:
-
12 x 20 feet offers lots of outdoor living space
-
Two tiered steel roof can handle winds of up to 40mph
-
Comes with adjustable curtains and mosquito netting
-
Six pole design for strength and durability
Cons:
-
Set up is a long process
-
Assembly instructions are poor
-
Not all pre-drilled holes line up properly
If you’re that person who says “go big or go home,” this Kozyard permanent gazebo is the right choice for you. At 12 by 20 feet, we’d consider it just under massive, and it can easily accommodate your patio furniture set as well as a bistro table too. This big gazebo can easily be your new outdoor living and dining area to enjoy in every season.
The six pole design makes it seriously sturdy, and the galvanized steel roof is strong enough to hold any snow load. It is two-tiered to provide ventilation and allow airflow on windy days, with the ability to withstand sustained winds of up to 40 miles per hour. It features a superior gutter system that keeps rainwater draining down the poles and not on you.
A double rail system allows you to hang privacy sidewalls (curtains) and mosquito netting, both of which are included with your gazebo. This big structure will add some serious sophistication to your patio or yard, but you will want a stable and level pad to set it up.
Setting up this big gazebo will take a bit of time and probably a little assistance as well. It’s anticipated that assembly is around 10 hours with two to three people working on the project.
Find more Kozyard Alexander Hardtop Aluminum Permanent Gazebo information and reviews here.
-
9.
Backyard Discovery Saxony Wooden Grill Gazebo
Pros:
-
More than just a grill gazebo thanks to all the great features
-
Powder-coated steel countertops on each side
-
Corrosion resistant steel roof
-
100% solid cedar construction
Cons:
-
Spendy for a small gazebo
-
Stain doesn't seem very durable
-
Base covers would be better if they were metal
What better way to elevate all your outdoor gatherings than with the Backyard Discovery Grill Gazebo? This gazebo is so much more than a cover for your gas grill. This wooden structure is a built-in entertainment center. The quality cedar craftsmanship means it will last for years to come, and the corrosion-resistant steel roof protects the structure year-round.
Resin feet add stability to this grill gazebo so it won’t damage or mar your patio surface. One feature you’ll love is the powder-coated steel counters on each side of the structure that allow for intimate visits with friends and family while you’re the acting pitmaster. It also features an integrated power port, so you can easily string party lights or power a blender full of margaritas.
This gazebo comes with everything you’ll need. It’s pre-cut, pre-stained, and pre-drilled for added easy assembly and nearly instant enjoyment.
Size: 93.78 x 64.2 x 88.32 inches
Find more Backyard Discovery Saxony Wooden Grill Gazebo information and reviews here.
-
13.
Erommy Hexagonal Frame Gazebo
Pros:
-
Hexagon shape adds a vintage look
-
Cute fencing adds stability
-
Retro two-tone canopy is vented for stability in wind
Cons:
-
May need to rainproof the canopy
-
Doesn't include ground stakes or bolts
-
Not four season worthy
The Erommy hexagonal gazebo harkens back to those old wooden designs from the past like this one pictured in the plans from This Old House. It’s not simply the shape that’s a bit retro, but the cute fence around the hexagon and the two tone cream and taupe canopy that gives this portable gazebo a vintage appeal. The fence also makes for a sturdy handrail and is a great way to keep a toddler contained in a fun and shaded outdoor play area.
The double vented roof offers plenty of ventilation and adds stability and strength on windier days. The sturdy steel frame is approximately 12 feet in diameter, but the gazebo top extends further, making the shade profile a bit larger. That overhang also helps deflect rain from coming inside. This unit comes with full zip mesh mosquito curtains with tie backs.
SunJoy also makes a cute hexagon gazebo that comes in a more neutral brown and has fencing on four of the six sides along with a mesh side table and plant hanging rings on each of the canopy ribs.
Find more FAB BASED Hexagonal Frame Gazebo information and reviews here.
Why Would I Want a Backyard Gazebo?
For the most part, it's all about creating a special space outdoors, according to this article from The Spruce. Sure, gazebos provide shade, and there's no question, they look pretty cool too. But you have to admit, when you create a covered living area outside, it's an especially cozy place to curl up with a book, take a leisurely nap, or stage an intimate candlelit dinner.
Gazebos are also important if you don't have much shade in your yard. If you have big trees that already provide shade, you'll want to place your gazebo in a wide-open area to maximize its benefits, says Amish Mike, a custom gazebo manufacturing company.
How Should I Furnish My Gazebo?
It's all about the ambiance you are trying to create. Whether you're after an outdoor dining space, living room, or just some comfy seating, you'll want furniture that can handle the elements.
But creating your space is more than furniture, so you'll want to add some decor pieces as well. Trying to create a beachy theme? Make sure your accoutrements evoke that feeling. If you're looking for a warm Moroccan look, find decor that reflects the rich colors and vibrant patterns you might find there. If you prefer a mid century modern aesthetic, add some cool free-standing panels that create privacy as well as design.
A gazebo gives you an opportunity to freely express your design style without making major changes to the inside of your house. We say go for it!
Is a Hardtop Gazebo the Best Choice?
Depending on how many months of the year you want to use your outdoor living space, you might want to skip the canvas roof and opt for a hardtop gazebo. These structures offer either polycarbonate roofs (the same material used in higher end greenhouses,) or steel.
Each has its advantages. Polycarbonate hardtops offer shade and UV protection, and many even reduce heat transfer so your space stays cooler. These roofs also allow some sunlight into your space, so they definitely make it brighter.
Metal roof gazebos are more bombproof and can handle all kinds of weather without issue. From downpours to snow storms, these hardtop gazebos will be with you for the long haul.
On the downside, they are definitely darker, so you'll want to think about whether you want to add candles or light fixtures to your gazebo decor to make the space more usable.
In the end, both steel and polycarbonate are good hardtop options because they're virtually maintenance free, per the pundits at Hunker.
Which Outdoor Gazebo Is Right for You?
Naturally, your choice of gazebos has everything to do with your outdoor space, and whether or not you intend to use it on a year-round basis. If summer is the only season you spend time outside, consider the more portable gazebo models that are easy to assemble and take down.
There are even pop-up gazebos that set up in less than sixty seconds! Those are the perfect options to take camping, to the beach, or anywhere else you want some shade as well as protection from pesky mosquitos, bees, and bugs.
Wooden gazebos are often more permanent in nature. They usually require a substantial footprint as well as a solid, level surface structure. If you're opting for a wood gazebo, we recommend you choose cedar or redwood as the main material as these woods are pest and rot-resistant, and can be sealed to last even longer.
Metal gazebos are perhaps the most popular and if you choose one that's powder-coated steel or aluminum, you'll never have to worry about rust and corrosion. While most of these gazebos aren't intended for year-round use, there are a few that are durable enough to withstand a substantial snow load.
See Also: