If you like to spend time outside, having a gazebo can enhance your backyard enjoyment. They look great, offer protection from the sun and rain, and many of them are enclosed, so they keep the bugs at bay. There are even a few different styles to choose from, including open or enclosed, canvas or hard top gazebos. Many of the best gazebo models set up in only a couple of minutes, making them portable, while others have a more permanent setup.
If you have decided to add a gazebo to your backyard arrangement, there are a few essential features to look for. First, check out the size, to make sure it will fit in the space you have. The weight is also important, especially if you intend to move it around. The canopy materials, the type of frame, and whether or not the gazebo has some type of netting around it are also features to consider before you buy it.
In order to choose the best gazebo options for this list, we did our research. We’ve spent tens of hours checking out manufacturers’ websites, testing out a number of models, and reading countless reviews from buyers. Then we chose the top five, described each one’s best and worst qualities, and gave it a rating based on those features. We presented this information in the comprehensive table below for you to have a quick look before you read our buying guide where we show what to look for. We’ve also answered some FAQs to ensure you have all the information you need to choose the best gazebo for your backyard.
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Editor's Choice: Erommy 10x13ft Outdoor Double Roof Hardtop Gazebo"A nice-looking outdoor gazebo that has a durable polycarbonate canopy, fabric curtains, reinforced ends and plenty of space."
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Budget Pick: Gazelle Tents GG601DS Pop Up Portable Hub Gazebo"A highly-portable gazebo featuring tight weave mesh to keep you away from mosquitoes is easy to assemble in a few minutes."
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Best for Decks: Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo"Made of powder-coated steel and aluminum this large gazebo is reliable and sturdy in winds."
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Best for High Winds: Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo"Featuring netting and a polyester screen with zippers this model is great for creating privacy and withstanding high winds thanks to its sturdy frame."
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Best for Large Groups: Mefo Garden Outdoor Patio Swan Gazebo"A modern-looking gazebo with a swan-shaped canopy is ideal for outdoor gatherings and would also be handy to store your car keeping it away from the hot sun."
Top 5 Gazebos Review 2021
Erommy 10x13ft Outdoor Double Roof Hardtop Gazebo – Editor's Choice
- Canopy material: polycarbonate
- Frame: powder-coated aluminum
- Weight: 196 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13’1 L x 10’ W x 9.1’ H
- Netting: yes
More features: UV, fade resistant canopy, privacy curtains, 4 corners reinforced, easy assembly, 1-year warranty
The best gazebos are made to create a very comfortable area for you to lounge and have a good time. While highly comfortable, they are affordable and will help you have a good time with friends and family. The Erommy 10x13ft Outdoor Double Roof Hardtop Gazebo is our best option from all the options we have reviewed.
Outdoor dining areas are excellent because they offer plenty of comfort and fun. If you want a model that covers a relatively large area and allows you to interact with others, the Erommy 10x13ft Outdoor Double Roof Hardtop Gazebo offers an excellent alternative you having a patio. There are many reasons why we enjoy this gazebo. Let’s see some of the nice features.
First, the top is made with heavy duty polycarbonate. This is a stylish and very durable material that will not suffer rust. It is also very resistant to inclement weather like snow or hail.
Setup is very easy with this model because most of the parts are pre-assembled. You can install it on grass, concrete and other materials. There are also a sidewall and netting to keep mosquitoes and intruders away. It also helps to reduce exposure to harmful radiation. The design makes it cool and comfortable at all times of the year. It also offers superior wind resistance.
Overall, this is a durable gazebo with plenty of space. It requires very little maintenance and is easy to set up.
A nice gazebo, the price is a big limiting factor. If it could be cheaper, more people would like using it.
Why is it special?
- Reinforced ends
- Blocks harmful radiation
- Plenty of space
- Easy to set up
What are the flaws?
- Expensive
Gazelle Tents GG601DS Pop Up Portable Hub Gazebo – Budget Pick
- Canopy material: polyester
- Frame: support poles
- Weight: 34 lbs.
- Dimensions: 124″ L x 124″ W x 86″ H
- Netting: yes, in-built tight weave mesh
More features: carrying bag included; comes with 12 ground stakes and 6 tie-down ropes
Not only is the Gazelle Pop Up Portable Hub Gazebo great for those on a budget, but it is also easy to set up in a matter of minutes, even if it’s your first time and you’re all alone. Just take it out of the bag, pull out the sides, pop up the top, put the support poles in, and you’re ready to relax in your new gazebo.
There is only one door, which uses a YKK zipper that is strong enough to handle countless tugs. But this isn’t the only measure Gazelle has taken to ensure their gazebo lasts. The roof is made of polyester, which is both UV resistant and waterproof. There are also heavy-duty fabric reinforcements sewn into all the corners to add some extra strength when those poles go in.
To help keep this gazebo in place when the wind starts to blow, there are 12 ground stakes and six tie-down ropes included. Around the sides are tight weave mesh panels to keep mosquitos, flies, and other annoying insects from getting inside. But the weave also blocks the wind, which is great on cool days, but not so much on hot ones when a breeze is wanted. However, leaving the door open or adding a fan can help keep you comfortable in that situation.
What makes it special?
- Setup takes only minutes
- Portable
- Comes with a storage bag
- Roomy enough for a large group
What cons did we find?
- Support pole pockets may wear through on rough surfaces
- Mesh doesn’t allow much wind to flow through
Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo – Best for Decks
- Canopy material: steel
- Frame: powder-coated steel + aluminum
- Weight: 412 lbs.
- Dimensions: 12′ 11″ L x 10′ 11″ W x 10′ H
- Netting: yes
More features: can be left up in winter; 1-year limited warranty
The Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo has a simple design, though it will still add some style to any outdoor space. The poles are made of durable steel, with a powder-coated finish to repel any rust that could destroy the metal. There are also holes in the bottom of the poles for screwing or bolting it down to your deck or patio. The frame is aluminum, with interlocking cross-beams for extra strength.
The canopy is steel, which helps it block moisture, so you won’t have any leaks if you’re sitting under it in the rain. The top is also vented, which reduces the chances of wind getting under it and lifting the whole works off the ground. However, this gazebo isn’t meant to be left out in high winds, so make sure to take it down if a storm is brewing or you may be dealing with some unwanted damage.
At 10 x 12 feet, this Sunjoy gazebo can fit over a small patio set, even with a table. This makes it a great place to sit and relax with friends or family. And the protective netting will add to your privacy. Although some clients have complained that the netting is not heavy enough and can get riped. There is even a handy hook in the center of the frame to hang a light or a fan, so you can enjoy the patio all day long and well into the evening.
Why did it make our list?
- Inner hook
- Rust-resistant
- Easy setup
- Stake holes on the bottom of the posts for securing it down
What is not ideal about it?
- Netting could've been better
- Not meant to withstand high wind
Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo – Best for High Winds
- Canopy material: polyester
- Frame: steel
- Weight: 123 lbs.
- Dimensions: 118″ L x 118″ W x 107″ H
- Netting: yes
More features: features a polyester screen with zippers; assembly tools and instructions included
The Sonoma Outdoor Gazebo is sturdy and durable, offering protection for almost anything nature throws at you. It has a steel frame, which is heavy enough to withstand some rough use. The four poles can be secured at the bottom to a deck or concrete platform quite easily. And if you plan on placing this gazebo on grass, a few five-gallon pails full of sand will hold them in place, even in some strong winds.
The canopy is polyester, which is sturdy enough to last for years, even under the hot sun. A vent on top gives you some air flow if needed while blocking moisture if it starts to rain. All four sides have adjustable netting for shade and bug protection, plus privacy curtains to block out unwanted eyes. And when you don’t need them, they can be easily tied to the poles so they’re out of your way.
Unfortunately, no gazebo is perfect, and this one is no exception. According to the customer feedback, there have been some issues with the top canopy. If it isn’t pulled tight, rain can collect in pools, which could stretch the fabric if not emptied right away. Another small issue is the netting and curtains. They aren’t secured down when closed, so could blow around on breezy days. But this can be remedied with a few tent pegs if you are bothered by this.
Why are we impressed?
- Durable steel frame
- Adjustable netting with polyester covering
- Instructions and tools included
- Easy setup
What negatives must you be aware of?
- Pooled water on the canopy could stretch the fabric
- Short warranty
Mefo Garden Outdoor Patio Swan Gazebo – Best for Large Groups
- Canopy material: 250 g/m2 PA polyester
- Frame: powder-coated iron
- Weight: 88.2 lbs.
- Dimensions: 144″ L x 144″ W x 105.6″ H
- Netting: no
More features: swan-shaped canopy; telescopic poles and ribs
With its simple design, the Mefo Garden Outdoor Gazebo will make a great addition to your patio, deck, or pool. It is quite large at 12 x 12 feet, so you can even park your car under it to keep it from overheating in the hot sun. But it’s much more fun to use if you can sit under it.
The gazebo’s canopy is both water and fade resistant, plus UV blocking. This amount of protection will keep you and your family safe all day long, and also, your canopy’s color will stay as bright as the day you bought it. The canopy connects to the ribs and the frame using bungee cords with plastic toggle balls on the sides and hooks on the corners, so you can tighten it as needed to keep water from pooling.
The poles are iron with a powder-coated finish to reduce rusting. Even the screws are covered with screw nuts to eliminate moisture damage. The pole height is 6.9 feet, but the canopy is 8.8 feet at its highest point, so even the tallest member of your group will be able to stand underneath it comfortably. There are also holes in the bottom of each pole for securing it to any surface.
This stylish swan-shaped gazebo is easy to set up in about an hour for two people. All the parts, tools, and instructions are included, and it comes in both beige and blue.
Why did it make our list?
- Sturdy poles and outer frame
- Includes concrete anchors
- Easy to put together with 2 or 3 people
- Great customer service
What is not ideal about it?
- Needs to be fixed to the ground
- Not waterproof
What can a gazebo be used for?
Gazebos are pretty versatile so that you can use them for a variety of things. They create a shady spot to sit under and relax, whether you’re alone or with family and friends. They also help protect you from rain, so you can still sit outside even if the weather is damp. You can place a patio set inside and turn it into a gathering area.
Gazebos with netting can also be used to create a bug-free zone for your family to enjoy. And if there are side panels, they can block the wind, so even on those breezy days you can play cards or read without everything blowing around.
Features to consider while choosing a gazebo
Not all gazebos are created equal, so it’s a good idea to check out all their features, so you know what you’re buying. The following details are a right place to start.
Canopy material
As you may have noticed, all of the products we’ve reviewed here used polyester for the canopy material. This is a popular choice, because polyester is durable and lightweight, plus it resists water.
But you may find canvas on the high-end gazebos since it is easier to treat with waterproof coatings, plus it looks great. Of course, it also costs quite a bit more, so this isn’t the best choice for those on a budget.
The cheapest gazebos on the market use vinyl or plastic for their canopies because it is cheap and easy to mold into the right shape. Unfortunately, these types of gazebos don’t last very long.
Frame features
There are a few different choices when it comes to frame materials. The Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo uses steel, which is the strongest. But this metal is also pretty heavy, so you likely won’t be moving the gazebo around after you’ve put it together.
Iron is another good option. It is quite durable, though not quite as strong as steel, and heavy enough to keep your gazebo from blowing around in all but the strongest winds.
Aluminum is the lightest of all the frame materials. It isn’t very durable and can bend easily if mishandled. If a gazebo is going to use aluminum, they’ll combine it with other metals, like on the Sunjoy 10 x 12 Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo.
Weight and dimensions
The weight of the gazebo is vital for a few reasons. First, are you planning on setting it up and leaving it, or do you want one that you can take with you camping or the lake? The heavier it is, the harder it will be to move. But heavier ones also won’t blow away on windy days, so are better for stability if you plan on leaving it up all summer long.
If you have a ton of space to put up your gazebo, the dimensions won’t be an issue. But for those with limited space, you need to be extra careful which one you buy.
Netting
Some gazebos come with netting around the sides. Though not necessary, this can be handy for those who live in areas where annoying bugs are common. The netting can be closed to keep mosquitos, black flies, and other biting insects out so you can enjoy the outdoors in peace. Of course, not all gazebos come with nets, but you may be able to add some mesh panels if the frame has room for some hooks or other hanging materials.
Extra features
There are some extra features you can check out as well. Though not necessary for the gazebo to function, they are handy to have. One of such features is the safety bars. These go around the sides of the gazebo, connecting the poles. The only ones that don’t have safety bars are the doorways. These help keep little ones or pets inside, plus make it easy to find the door if you want to leave the gazebo.
Some gazebos also have fabric panels on the side, which are great for privacy or blocking the wind. They also give you a bit more shade as the sun shifts lower in the sky.
Gazebos need tools to be assembled, which is why models like the Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo come with the tools you need to set it up.
One more important thing to look at when buying a new gazebo is the warranty. If the warranty only lasts a month or two, you may not be covered when you actually need it. So, try to find a gazebo with a warranty that lasts for at least the entire season.
FAQ
Of the five models we’ve reviewed, the Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo is the best one for windy conditions. It uses steel for the frame, so it is heavy and durable. It also has those fabric panels, which can be closed to block the wind when you’re inside it.
There are a few ways to stabilize your gazebo. If it is on a deck or patio, you can use screw or cement anchors on the bottoms of the poles to hold them in place. For grass, it may be best to put the poles in a pail, then dump sand or rocks in around them. This will keep the poles from moving or shifting.
This would depend on the gazebo. For instance, the Gazelle Tents GG601DS Pop Up Portable Hub Gazebo is easy to set up on your own. It only requires you to pop out the side, push up the top, and put in the support poles. They even have easy-to-follow instructions on the manufacturer’s website, plus a video to show you exactly how to set it up from start to finish.
However, some gazebos, like the Great Deal Furniture Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo, are a bit more complicated, so may need an extra person or two to get the job done.
Our Verdict
If you are planning on buying a gazebo for your backyard or cabin, any of the five listed above could do the trick. But if you’re looking for the top model, you can’t go wrong with the Erommy 10x13ft Outdoor Double Roof Hardtop Gazebo. It has an attractive design and is very durable. It has a superior wind resistance and can be left outside all the year around.
The Gazelle 21601DS Pop Up Portable Hub Gazebo is our next choice, due to its lightweight and portability, plus it only takes one person a few minutes to get it set up.
In third place is the Sunjoy 10 x 12 Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo. Though not meant for high winds, it is still quite heavy and durable. It won’t leak, can be left put up in winter, has a handy hook for hanging a light, and it comes with the netting.
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