We tested and reviewed the best gazebos to complete your dream backyard setup.
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The 6 Best Outdoor Gazebos, Tested by Our Experts
Updated Sep. 11, 2024
Best Overall
Pergolux Sundream S2
Pros:
- Very stylish, adds to a backyard ambiance
- Modern design can fit with any style of outdoor setup
- Remote control for roof slats and LED RGB lights
- Large footprint makes for vast shaded area
Cons:
- Directions aren’t detailed
- Anchoring materials not included
The Pergolux Sundream will be the grand centerpiece of any DIY homeowner’s backyard setup. Buyers can build this contemporary, flat-top gazebo as a free-standing structure or mounted to a wall. It’s available in six sizes and four neutral colorways, so you should be able to find the perfect size for your outdoor space.
While you can choose the width and length right for you, the height remains 102 inches regardless of footprint. The slats at the top can be opened and closed with a remote control so you can monitor how much sun gets through. You can add screens, lights and a heater to this gazebo, so it’s ready to use any time of year!
Our product tester, Spencer Bland, built this gazebo as a solo project over the course of two days. However, he says, “Realistically, this piece needs about two to three able-bodied people to build in a timely manner while ensuring none of the pieces get damaged during the build.” Your delivery experience may also vary as the company uses third-party freight companies. “I didn’t have the best overall experience, but this seems to be based on the company handling your shipping,” Spencer says.
He built the gazebo by himself throughout two 5-hour shifts across two days. The instructions require you to scan a QR code and choose between a video or a PDF version of the instructions. “I used both but found them both to be lacking. The Pergolux is quite complex, and the video was rather vague,” Spencer says. “The PDF instructions did not go into the level of detail needed, which caused spots in the installation process to be repeated a few times.”
“After the initial pieces were installed, the pairing instructions for the remote and the motor were printed out in a box along with the remote. The remote does not come paired to your system, and you’ll need to run a series of button-pushing steps to ensure the remote works with your system,” Spencer adds. “This was a hangup for me as I was physically exhausted after building the Pergolux and hoped the remote would just work outright. However, after about 15-20 minutes of trying, I got the remote to pair with the motor and the LED RGB lights, and it was smooth sailing from there.”
While this project was not an easy solo build, we wouldn’t expect it to be for such a large piece. “I’m happy to have this in my backyard now and am excited for it to be the centerpiece for future backyard parties for years to come,” Spencer says.
Best for Grill
ABCCanopy Grill Hardtop Gazebo
Pros:
- Spacious even with grill inside
- Attached hooks to hang lights
- Includes two convenient side tables
- Good value
Cons:
- Long assembly time
The search is over if you’re looking for a gazebo to cover your outdoor kitchen area. This grill gazebo from Amazon takes your outdoor kitchen to the next level with a durable hard top, side shelves for cooking items and space for outdoor lighting. “Honestly, it looks beautiful. Once it was up, my husband and I were like, ‘Now our patio looks complete.’ It adds another section to the area and makes the space feel bigger,” says Senior Shopping Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick.
Caitlyn hired two people to assemble it; they’re carpenters, and it took them three hours. “There were a lot of pieces, including the roof, that came in separate panels, so it took time for everything to be laid out and made sure it was ready to assemble,” Caitlyn says. “It took the two carpenters I hired to put it together over three hours from start to finish, so it’s a project you want to carve out time for. As some reviewers said in the Amazon reviews, some pre-drilled holes didn’t align perfectly, so it took some effort to make it work.”
The unit is over 8 feet tall, so putting the roof together requires (ideally) two ladders, plus a drill. Additionally, Caitlyn reported that the instructions weren’t the easiest to follow, so someone who doesn’t have experience putting these things together might find assembly difficult. While it doesn’t technically have to be anchored to the ground, it should be. Once assembled, the gazebo is nearly 8 feet long by 6 feet wide. It has two tables on opposite sides and two hooks at the top of the interior to hang lighting.
Its aluminum and alloy steel body feels sturdy and durable. Plus, the legs are wide and feel very well made. “It’s sleek, and I can see the dark brown color that I got working with a range of backyard styles,” Caitlyn says. The pillars are pretty plain, but in a good way that doesn’t distract. It covers our large outdoor kitchen set perfectly, and there’s still plenty of room for multiple people to stand under it. Grilling in the rain, anyone?”
Best Hard-Top
Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo
Pros:
- Ventilated 2-tier top
- Dual rail system
- Sturdy construction
- Looks high quality
- Durable matte black steel roof
- Arrived free of damage
Cons:
- May need professional help with installation
- Some reviews note issues with customer service
The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo is made of steel, which is very sturdy and weather-resistant. “The gazebo we tested has faced Midwestern winds, storms and heat, and it looks as good as new,” says Shopping Editor Mary Henn. The hard-top octagon gazebo has a diameter of about 15 feet, and its legs are about 6-1/2 feet tall and 4-1/2 feet apart. The entire structure stands about 11 feet tall and weighs over 500 pounds. It can withstand 50 MPH winds and over 4,000 pounds of snow. Underneath the gazebo, you can easily fit a standard-size picnic table or a few lounge chairs.
“The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo was delivered to our house via semi-truck. It was a pallet delivery, which was dropped in the front yard,” Mary says. “After realizing the size of the gazebo, I knew I’d need help moving and assembling it. The instructions recommended a team of five people. So, I used Thumbtack to find a construction pro to move, assemble and anchor the gazebo in the backyard.”
“While I couldn’t hire the most professional construction team due to budget constraints, the gazebo was assembled quickly, looks level and sturdy,” Mary says. “If you have the means, I’d recommend hiring vetted pros to assemble and anchor your hard-top gazebo. The website says, ‘Easy to assemble,’ but I can assure you it’s not. Sunjoy does offer the option to match you with a local expert for assembly assistance, which may have been a wiser route than Thumbtack.”
“While the installation process was a headache, the product is wonderful. It’s a large, sturdy gazebo that has already held up against numerous storms. The dimensions are true to those listed in the product description, and the matte black finish looks sleek and high quality,” Mary says. “If you’re serious about revamping your outdoor space, Sunjoy gazebos are great quality.”
The gazebo’s two-tiered roof promotes airflow by allowing wind to pass through the top. It also sheilds off weather by protecting what’s underneath it from UV rays and rain. The built-in dual rails let you easily hang mosquito netting or curtains, and the ceiling hook lets you hang suspended lighting. The durable matte black coating is made to withstand sun, rain and snow while providing a modern look.
Best Budget
Yoleny Hardtop Gazebo
Pros:
- Looks great in person
- Includes privacy curtains and bug net
- Completely waterproof, confirmed by testing
- Pre-drilled base for anchoring on concrete
- Double-top ventilation
Cons:
- Some parts arrived bent and needed to be straightened during delivery
- Assembly instructions very unclear
“This gazebo is lovely and completely waterproof, even under torrential Florida rain,” says expert Product Tester Pamela Bondurant. “It has already endured Hurricane Debbie and high winds without any damage. The sides have a screen, which is great for keeping bugs out, and a solid fabric curtain that can be drawn around.”
We love how this large gazebo looks, and the fact that it comes with bug netting and curtains. It’s truly an unbeatable value. However, as we learned, assembly was challenging, which should be expected when assembling gazebos yourself.
“It came in five boxes and only had paper directions. There were few words in the directions, which seemed great, but it was actually difficult to determine the order of operations because there weren’t sub-steps within each step,” Bondy says. “It was also difficult to discern some parts and where they went. This resulted in putting things together only to discover that they had been incorrectly assembled.”
“Some of the metal parts were bent,” Bondy adds. “I’m unsure if they came out of the factory that way or were damaged during shipping. This was a bit frustrating and sometimes required removing parts so we could straighten them out. We used pliers to straighten the channels.”
Bondy assembled the 10-by-13-foot Yoleny Gazebo, which is nearly 110 inches high. Its double-top design provides ventilation and helps it withstand wind, and its aluminum frame comes with a pre-drilled base and expansion screws for concrete floors. (If installing on wood, you’ll need to purchase wood panel-specific expansion screws separately.)
Something worth noting: all the screws used a hex wrench. So, a drill with a hex bit is almost a necessity with so many screws to place and then go back and tighten. By the end of the assembly, Bondy was short a couple of screws (she had lost a few in the grass, and the gazebo didn’t ship with any extra). “The build was an exercise in patience and perseverance, but I like the gazebo a lot. I like how sturdy, attractive and useful it is,” she says.
Best Retractable
Purple Leaf Outdoor Retractable Pergola
Pros:
- Great value
- Single, compact shipment
- Zero-maintenance aluminum finish
- Relatively easy to assemble compared to other gazebos on our list
Cons:
- Thin-gauge aluminum construction
- Sunshade doesn’t always roll smoothly
Editor Ethan O’Donnell found the Purple Leaf Retractable Pergola on Amazon for less than $400 and had it shipped his way. “Given the cost, I was surprised at how good it looked in person,” he says.
Plus, the Purple Leaf Pergola is retractable, so you can adjust the UV-protectant fabric sunshade to your preference, depending on how much sun and sky you want to see. Its frame is a dark gray powder-coated aluminum, available in three different footprints, all 8 feet tall. The retractable sunshade comes in four colors, too.
“For my sparse concrete patio, I chose the 10-by-12-foot kit with a gray fabric sunshade,” Ethan says. “After reading the instructions, it became evident the 3-millimeter Allen wrench included wouldn’t be hefty enough to drive 150+ bolts. So, I outfitted a drill with a 3-millimeter bit and dialed back the torque control far enough to prevent stripping out the bolt holes.”
If you assemble this modest gazebo on your own, which you’ll likely be more able to do with this one, you’ll need a pair of sawhorses or something similar to support the long aluminum components. “I rolled out my mechanic’s stool and built the long pieces across the two halves of the kit’s large box, which worked fine,” Ethan says.
“I used plywood scraps and wood clamps to hold the corner posts in place until I could get the outside beams and rafters together and secured. The instructions say a helper makes this step easier, but I didn’t have one available,” Ethan adds. “When the three center rafters were in place, I hung the polyester fabric sunshade on its rollers. Almost six hours later, the kit was complete!”
Our biggest concern? It’s super lightweight, so it rattles when the wind blows. However, Ethan feels confident it will withstand the elements just fine. “It’s a good-looking, visually appealing addition to our patio.”
Best Soft-Top
Paragon Outdoor Barcelona Soft Top Gazebo
Pros:
- Ready-to-assemble kit
- Anchoring system included
- Powder-coated structure prevents rusting and chipping
- All hardware and components included
- Durable dome-tex canopy with wind escapement
Cons:
- Accessories like netting cost nearly the same as the gazebo
- Some reviews say the canopy shows signs of wear after years of use
Soft-top gazebos come with perks: They’re lighter weight, often easier to assemble and move, and won’t cause as much damage as hard-top should the wind catch them and blow them against other objects. If you’re in the market for a soft-top gazebo, the Barcelona Soft-Top Gazebo from Paragon Outdoor has a Dome-Tex canopy roof available in five colors. The structure is made of durable aluminum with a power coat to prevent rust.
It comes with everything you need to assemble it at home, and Paragon Outdoor’s customer support team can help with assembly questions. “Like assembling any gazebo, assembling the Barcelona Gazebo is definitely a multi-person job,” Mary says. “The ground you assemble on must be level, and you should avoid putting the gazebo in an area that is exposed to excessive wind.”
“Assembly involved putting together the four corners (legs) and roof rails, then attaching the roof to the corners (tops of the legs),” Mary says. “I had the help of three other people, and it took us a few hours to assemble from start to finish. After the metal structure is assembled, you can place the fabric canopy. The instructions say securing the gazebo to a concrete patio or wood deck is optional, but I highly recommend securing it once you have it where you want it.”
The gazebo measures approximately 10 by 12 feet and about 9 feet tall. The top of the canopy is designed to let wind escape for optimal airflow. The roof has a 2-year limited warranty, and the bronze structure—designed not to chip or fade—has a 5-year limited warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not weather-inflicted damage or damage that occurs during assembly.
“Overall, it’s a really nice-looking, soft-top gazebo,” Mary says. “Paragon Outdoor has some great gazebo accessories, like mosquito netting, privacy curtains and a misting kit. I just wish the add-ons weren’t so pricey.”
What to Look for When Buying a Gazebo
When shopping for a gazebo, you’ll want to consider:
Style: When it comes to canopy shade, gazebos come in two styles: hard-top and soft-top. Hard-top gazebos are more likely to withstand high winds and other inclement weather. Soft-top gazebos are typically more affordable and moveable but may be more vulnerable to the elements.
Size: Gazebos come in all sizes, but you’ll want to measure your outdoor space (where you want to put the gazebo) before ordering. If you’re placing a gazebo on your patio, shop for one slightly smaller in dimensions to provide whole patio shade while still fitting on the concrete slab.
Materials: The materials used will affect a gazebo’s weather resistance, level of shade and assembly. Many gazebo frames are steel or aluminum, which are very sturdy. Other frames are wood, which may look better on a deck. Most materials have special coatings to protect them from the elements.
Shape: There are many different shapes to choose from regarding gazebos, including squares, rectangles, hexagons, octagons and more. Typically, four-cornered gazebos are much easier to install than octagonal gazebos.
Preparation: You’ll want a level space to anchor your gazebo. Unlevel ground will tilt the whole structure, and failure to properly anchor the structure could result in damage or injury. You’ll also have to consider what kind of floor you want underneath your gazebo and what accessories you want to complete your outdoor space. Outdoor dining sets, privacy curtains, and hanging lights are all things you might use to complete your look.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Family Handyman, we consider a backyard an extension of the home and a space you should take pride in. That’s why we test as many outdoor and backyard products as possible. From the best grills and fire pits to gazebos, we’re constantly searching for products to transform your outdoor space so you’re ready to have friends and family over when the weather’s right.
We wanted to give you vetted, reviewed picks. So, we gathered our best shopping editors and product testers to assemble gazebos. That way, you know what to expect from the buying process, start to finish.
How We Found the Best Gazebos
Our expert product testers and shopping editors at Family Handyman test and review outdoor products of all kinds. We evaluate products based on value, assembly, weather resistance, quality and more. Our product testing team members didn’t test gazebos in a studio or lab but in their own yards to provide the most authentic, hands-on feedback.
We also researched all types of gazebos for this list and consulted experts about which products to initially source before we even began testing. Other factors we took into account are product warranties and materials. Our final list was formed after hours of research and testing.
FAQ
Which gazebos last longer?
Typically, a hard-top gazebo is the way to go if you’re looking for one that will last a long time. Metal roofs are meant to be left outdoors because they are more sturdy and weather-resistant.
Should gazebos be on grass or concrete?
A concrete slab is the most popular gazebo foundation. A flat concrete surface provides a solid and stable base for a gazebo, which is great for an area with furniture and people.
Originally Published: August 30, 2024
