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With spring here and summer around the corner, backyard gatherings are a great way to catch up with family and friends over the weekend. Gazebos are designed to make these activities comfortable and enjoyable, providing shade from the sun and cover from the rain. Some even offer protection from pesky mosquitos with full-coverage insect netting.
Gazebos have a minimal frame—most with just four legs and a roof—that makes them relatively simple to assemble, unlike permanent structures that require a professional and are significantly more expensive. Plus, they’re sturdier than a canopy tent so you can leave them up all summer (or year) long. These gazebos are the best if you’re looking for a shaded place to host outdoor functions comfortably.
Need more shade? Check our picks for the best patio umbrellas, blackout curtains, and shade sails.
The Best Gazebos
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Best for Grills
Backyard Discovery Saxony Wooden Grill Gazebo
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What to Consider
Size
Consider how much space you have in your yard and the gazebo size you’re considering. Even if you want a large gazebo, you still want to ensure that there's room for open space around it so people can maneuver around the structure and participate in activities like games or grilling.
Permanent Versus Temporary
You should also consider whether you want your gazebo to be a temporary or permanent fixture. Temporary pop-up gazebos are great for tailgates, taking to the beach, or putting up in your backyard for large gatherings, but can still be easily stored away when they’re not needed.
Although more permanent options can be a bit complicated to assemble and install, they’re also sturdier and more likely to stand up to the elements and hefty winds throughout the season or year.
Shade and Bug Protection
If you have insect problems in your area, consider a gazebo that includes mosquito netting. These may cost a bit extra, but the added comfort—and the ability to enjoy an outdoor meal in peace—might be worth the investment. They also provide a hint of privacy on each side of your gazebo if you need it.
As for shade, curtains and nets are your best bet. Some gazebos have fabric curtains you can roll up and down for privacy or wind protection. Nets, typically used for keeping bugs out, invite more circulation and airflow than plastic liners. It’s a good idea to find materials treated for UV protection to protect you from the sun.
How We Selected
When selecting gazebos for this list, we first called upon our own experience using and assembling a variety of gazebos, as well as extensive online research into the most popular and least problematic models. We did our best to include a broad mix of styles, from pop-up options to permanent ones, and a range of sizes and shapes.
Pricing was another factor we kept in mind, so whether you have a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars to spend, you should find an option that works for you. Finally, we consulted guides from publications like New York Post and Bob Vila, as well as testing from our colleagues at Good Housekeeping, in addition to user reviews and ratings.
Pros
- Sliding curtain is easy to open and close
- Ceiling hook for light fixtures
Cons
- Too large for small yards
With a ventilated aluminum double roof, this gazebo provides both protection from the elements and optimum airflow. The airflow the roof allows is especially important if you decide to use the privacy sidewalls, ensuring that it doesn’t get too hot or stuffy inside.
This model also offers full-coverage mosquito netting—which also covers the roof’s ventilation space—making it ideal for those who live in areas with insect issues. Integrated rain gutters make sure rainwater is directed towards the corners instead of down the sides and onto your guests as they enter and exit.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10 x 12 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Steel, aluminum, polyester |
| Color | Dark brown |
| Roof Style | Hard |
| Weight | 258.5 lbs. |
Pros
- Drain holes prevent water from pooling
- Extremely fast setup
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as durable as permanent options
This pop-up gazebo doesn’t require the complex assembly of more permanent models, and the price is considerably lower than any other option on our list. A single person can erect this gazebo in just one minute, and thanks to a convenient zippered storage bag, all the pieces remain organized together when it’s time to close it up.
This simple assembly makes it perfect for temporary use when tailgating or camping, in addition to backyard socializing. The optional mesh walls add some extra privacy, and the double-vented roof allows wind to pass safely through.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13 x 13 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester, steel |
| Color | Biege |
| Roof Style | Soft |
| Weight | 53.8 lbs. |
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Best Wooden
Yardistry Natural Stain Wood Gazebo
Pros
- Natural look
- Very sturdy construction
- Wood is pre-cut and pre-drilled
Cons
- Does not have a privacy screen or mosquito netting
Constructed with premium cedar lumber, this gazebo would be a perfect choice for those who prefer the natural, rustic appearance of wood over the modern look of metal. The wooden beams and six-by-six-inch posts provide a solid, sturdy frame, and are finished with a warm cedar stain.
The 11-by-13-foot size is large enough to fit most outdoor furniture sets, and although it is a bit more intensive to put together compared to the lightweight metal options on our list, all the wood pieces are pre-cut and drilled, making assembly a fairly straightforward process.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13 x 11 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cedar, aluminum |
| Color | Natural wood |
| Roof Style | Hard |
| Weight | 654 lbs. |
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Pros
- Extremely easy to set up
- Complete bug prevention
Cons
- Not as durable as metal options
If easy transportation is your top priority, this 21-pound pop-up gazebo could be just what you’re looking for. Despite its light weight, it's still large enough to fit up to eight people comfortably, and since it’s completely enclosed in a protective screen, it prevents any flying insects and pests from ruining your gathering while still providing maximum ventilation.
Thanks to its pop-up design, it can be completely set up in just a minute, and a pair of zippered doors make it easy for guests to enter when they please.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15 x 15 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester, plastic |
| Color | Beige |
| Roof Style | Soft |
| Weight | 21 lbs. |
Pros
- Easy to build
- Roof can withstand 100 mph winds and heavy weight
- Attractive combination of colors and materials
- Corrosion and dent resistant
Cons
- Works best up against a wall
This wooden grill gazebo is an excellent choice for those who love entertaining and outdoor cooking. Sturdy and attractive, it features three built-in electrical outlets and USB ports, and a hardy metal frame for dent and corrosion resistance.
The roof is insulated, too, absorbing up to 20 degrees, making it great for grilling underneath. It’s also strong enough to carry up to 2,284 pounds of snow and withstand 100 mph winds, so you can probably leave this on your patio year-round.
The cheapest and smallest option fits grills 70 inches wide, while the largest size doubles that. Two built-in side countertops help prep and serve your delicious foods—it’s truly a gazebo designed for function.
Plenty of users rave about the sturdiness of the gazebo, with one saying it’s so well-designed that it looks like it was built with their home. Assembly is also simple, with clear instructions and a solid build. A five-year warranty should combat any worry concerning longevity.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 8 x 7 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cedar, steel |
| Color | Wood |
| Roof Style | Hard |
| Weight | 284.4 lbs. |
Pros
- Screened curtains keep bugs out
- Vent on top helps circulate air
- Hardy steel construction
- Has a two-year warranty
Cons
- Tough, laborious build
This hard top steel gazebo has an all-weather roof for protection against the elements, including the ability to hold around 1500 pounds of snow—just make sure to pull those curtains inside in the off-season.
Its hard roof also has an air vent for cooking underneath it and increasing circulation on humid days. Each side has zippered nets for circulation, plus a screen in the top vent also helps keep bugs out.
Several user reviews say this canopy is incredibly sturdy and well-made, and holds up well in severe weather conditions. Some point out that installing it requires several people, with one saying it will take an entire day to build, so plan accordingly.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Roof Style | Hard |
| Weight | 300 lbs. |
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Pros
- Portable and easy to pack
- Protects against sun and water
- Plenty of shade
Cons
- Lightweight and unstable
- Flimsy framing
This pop-up gazebo provides an enclosed space for privacy, as well as sun and wind protection. A single mesh window provides some breathability and a view while the side panels are down. With those panels up, the canopy space becomes a shady covering for those outside and protection against flies.
Its polyester material comes with a UV coating and UPF 50+, plus waterproofing for rainy days and beach outings. Ropes and stakes ground it to soils and sands.
Several users say that this pop-up gazebo is of decent quality and relatively affordable, given its features. However, some say the metal frame is too flimsy to hold up in high winds.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester, steel |
| Color | Tan, white, black, red, green, pink, blue |
| Roof Style | Soft |
| Weight | 40 lbs. |
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Best Fabric Top
Outsunny Outdoor Patio Gazebo
Pros
- Very affordable for a sturdy gazebo
- Powder-coated frame
- Separate privacy and bug screens
Cons
- Not permanent
The two-tiered polyester top of this Outsunny model allows for maximum air ventilation, and the eight grommeted holes allow water to drain easily and prevent pooling despite the soft top.
The powder-coated aluminum frame results rust and corrosion, and combined with the 12 steel ribs, make for a durable, long-lasting product. Best of all, this one is extra long, making it a great size for a six-person dining table.
The separate privacy and bug screens use hook-and-loop closures, making extending them out convenient, and Velcro tie-back straps keep them secured at the corners when they’re not. Eight stakes (two at each corner) keep the structure grounded to your lawn.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 10 x 13 ft. |
|---|---|
| Materials | Aluminum, polyester |
| Color | Coffee |
| Roof Style | Soft |
| Weight | 78.8 lbs. |
Pros
- Sturdy frame
- Bug-resistant screen
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as durable as more expensive options
If you’re looking for a gazebo to take camping or picnicking, this 37-pound Pamapic option and its included carrying bag could be the perfect fit. Despite its light weight and convenient portability, it still offers an impressive amount of space, measuring 12 by 12 feet.
Perhaps most importantly, the gazebo also features a flame-retardant coating, making it safe to use around open fire pits, and less likely to suffer damage from errant sparks and floating embers. It’s available in three colors, and is easy for nearly anyone to set up by themselves.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12 x 12 ft. |
|---|---|
| Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | Green |
| Roof Style | Soft |
| Weight | 37 lbs. |
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
