What is a Gazebo? You may ask. And if you don’t know that would be a very reasonable question with a very reasonable answer. And if you’ve ever been in a fancy yard or garden at a friend’s house, chances are you have seen one. According to Wikipedia, it is a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal or turret-shaped, often built in a park, garden or spacious public area. Some are used on occasions as bandstands.
A gazebo (sometimes called a rotunda, pavilion, or tea house) is a freestanding outdoor structure with a roof and an open design. It can be round, square, rectangular, or hexagonal and might have screens or drapery in place of walls. Typically made of wood or metal, gazebos offer shade, shelter from the rain, and, depending on the type, protection from insects.
While you’ll often see these structures at parks, event spaces, and other public areas, you might consider getting one for your house. For large families and anyone who likes to entertain outdoors, gazebos are a warm-weather staple. You can even set up a couple of heat lamps and use it year-round.
From hard-tops and pop-ups to canopies, screened structures, and easy-to-assemble kits, we’ve found the best high-quality gazebos for every budget. Read on for our top picks.
Table of Contents
Design
Gazebos are roofed structures that may stand alone or be joined to a garden wall. They are open on all sides and can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall. They give shade, rain protection, and a place to relax while also serving as an attractive element. Some public park gazebos are large enough to be used as a bandstand.
Etymology
Oxford Dictionaries gives the following etymology: “Mid 18thcen: presumably playfully from glance, in imitation of Latin future tenses ending in -ebo: compare with lavabo.” L. L. Bacon proposed a derivation from Casbah, a Muslim neighbourhood near Algiers’ citadel. In a poem by Cordoban poet Ibn Osman, W. Sayers proposed Hispano-Arabic qushaybah (d. 1160).
The term “gazebo” first occurs in an English book published in the mid-18th century by architects John and William Halfpenny called Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste. Plate 55, “Elevation of a Chinese Gazebo,” depicts “a Chinese Tower or Gazebo, located on a Rock, and elevated to a great Height, with a Gallery round it to complete the Prospect.”
At Mount Vernon, American president George Washington had a tiny eight-sided garden building. Thomas Jefferson often wrote about gazebos as well, which were then known as summerhouses or pavilions.
What to Look for When Buying a Gazebo
Type
When purchasing a gazebo, you’ll have a few different materials to choose from: wood structures, which are often made of weatherproof cedar with aluminium roofs, along with metal structures and steel or polyester canopy roofs.
Then you’ve got gazebos with drapery or insect netting or added privacy and protection from the elements. You can also find pop-up structures that are easy to set up and conveniently portable. If you’re looking for something to use year-round, make sure to select one with weatherproof materials that can withstand snow and rain.
Shape
Gazebos are traditionally round, hexagonal, or octagonal. But most of the kits you can buy and set up at your home are square or rectangular. The choice of shape is mostly a matter of preference, but rectangular structures are often bigger and better suited for entertaining or dinner parties.
Size
Particularly if you have a smaller property, size is definitely something to consider. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space to set up your gazebo, so it won’t obstruct (or be obstructed by) anything else in your yard. Also think about what you’re going to use it for: Will you be using it mostly for entertaining, hoping to place a picnic table, grill, or even an entire outdoor living room underneath? Or are you just hoping to have an enclosure for your hot tub or smaller seating area? Be sure to measure carefully and select one that can accommodate all of your needs.
FAQs
Do you need a building permit for a gazebo?
Laws vary depending on your geographical location, but in most cases, gazebos aren’t considered a building since they don’t have actual walls. For this reason, you probably don’t need a building permit. That being said, it’s always a good idea to check with your local building department to make sure you’re in the clear.
Where should you place a gazebo?
Gazebos can be placed almost anywhere outdoors, as long as it’s on a flat surface. This includes lawns, patios, large decks, and gardens. However, certain styles of gazebos might be better suited for specific areas; for example, canopy-style gazebos are generally designed to be used on a deck or patio, while grill gazebos should be placed wherever your grill is (no surprise there).
Do gazebos hold up to wind?
Most gazebos are designed to resist not only wind but rain, snow, and other inclement weather. They can also help block the wind when you’re underneath. However, if you’re concerned about your structure flying away or topping over in heavy wind conditions, you might want to anchor it down for good measure.
Are gazebos waterproof?
Many gazebos are waterproof and can hold up in rainy and even snowy weather. They’re typically made of all-weather materials, like steel, powder-coated aluminium, cedarwood, and resilient polyester. If you’re concerned about potential water damage, be sure to read through the product description and warranty information carefully.
And now onto the buying guide. Here we rank the best gazebos we could find on the Amazon UK store.
Best Spa Gazebo Choices
The first on our list and by far one of the finest quality gazebos ABC canopy has to offer, the Deluxe Black Package.
COMMERCIAL GAZEBO FRAME AND FABRIC: 2.5×2.5M Commercial Full Truss Structure (1mm thick square shaped legs and extremely strong cross truss), larger and stronger, can handle severe winds. 500 Denier polyester canopy with special PU lining, CPAI-84 fire retardant certificated, waterproof, UPF 50+, blocks 99.98% of harmful UV radiation. Heat sealed seams, the most recent technology in the business, prevent water from penetrating seams.
EASY TO INSTALL: 1-2 people can do it in a few minutes. Without the use of any tools. Remove the completely completed frame with cover from the bag, pull open, lay the fabrics over the frame, extend the legs, and you’re finished. You may choose the ideal height from three different height settings: 315cm, 327cm, and 335cm. Best thumb latch lock mechanism that is simple to lock and unlock.
MULTIPLE USE OCCASIONS: Three side walls and one door wall may be installed or not depending on the occasion, making it convenient and useful. Ideal for parties, trade exhibits, outdoor sports, picnics, BBQs, and other outdoor activities. It is suitable for usage in commercial areas, beaches, playgrounds, yards, gardens, farms, and other outdoor settings, as well as inside settings such as huge gymnasiums.
About the Brand (ABCCANOPY)
ABCCANOPY supply a large variety of selections on shelter products:
- pop up gazebos,
- canopies,
- party tents,
- parasols and
- marquees
which are of high quality.
Dawson’s Living’s premium one touch garden gazebo is the second item on our list.
With the simple pop-up gazebo, you can transform your outside area. Because of the easy-to-use features on the piece, you will have the gazebo up in a matter of minutes, with no poles, tools, or assembly necessary. One minute, one person, one touch. The item has a rust-proof steel-coated frame.
The shelter’s top is composed of a PVC-coated cloth, and the piece’s supporting poles are rust-resistant. A fantastic garment for keeping you warm in the unpredictable British weather. The fabric is also UPF 50 rated, giving it an excellent sun protection cover. Everything about the gazebo is of high quality, with a heavy-duty cover that provides excellent stability while being simple to erect and dismantle for a single person.
When combined with a travel bag, you can simply transport it and swiftly set up and take down the outdoor shelter. This set includes four detachable leg weight bags that are easy to connect to the piece in the wind to provide a secure and solid basis. With 8 guy ropes and 4 ground stakes, this make fastening the item straightforward and quick. Together with the movable legs, which let you to choose between three different heights, the maximum height is 9.2ft.
The shelter is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide, with a fabric height of 6.8 feet and a total height of 9.2 feet.
Another ABC Canopy product of comparable quality is available on Amazon. This gazebo has an extended awning that wraps over the tent’s eaves, offering additional shade.
The 3.6×3.6 gazebo tent has 169 square feet of shelter and can fit at least 8 people as well as several chairs for your party. The gazebo has four detachable zippered mesh panels that shield you from the sun and rain. The gazebo tent has a vented top that allows you fresh ventilation as you work or rest outside. The frame is made of powder-coated steel and the fabric is 150D silver coated polyester.
The gazebo canopy is strong, rust and weather resistant, and has a UPF rating of 50+, which means it protects 99 percent of dangerous UV rays. This gazebo canopy is ideal for your lawn, patio, garden, back yard, or pool area. Outdoor activities such as small business, craft shows, picnics, camping, parties, flea markets, and so on are appropriate for this versatile contender.
The next item on the list is the EX26027 Pop-Up Gazebo from Airwave measuring at 2.5m x 2.5m. It comes fitted with attachable sides, guy ropes, sand bag, and anchor pegs included and a durable 420D polyester canopy with water resistant PVC coating. It also features a roll up door and 2 church style window panels and is constructed with a sturdy powder coated steel frame
Fifth on the list and also from Airwave comes the cheapest item yet on here which is the 2x2m Airwave Gazebo. To begin with, the compact design is a great space saver and looks stunning in the garden for this particular pavilion.
It is quick and easy to use pop up design sets up in minutes – no fiddly or loose parts to assemble.
The robust steel frame is just made for durability and stability given the 170g PU coated waterproof fabric with all seams taped sealed. And on top of all that, it comes with a handy carry bag for safe storage and transportation.
Next on the list and also from Master Canopy comes Durable EZ Pop-up Gazebo Tent which comes with its own roller bag.
Free with an upgraded Frame: A modern and long-lasting design. With a vent on the roof, it is conducive to ventilation and cooling. With an updated steel frame design, strengthened stress places where peak poles connect, and plastic elements, this model is strong and long-lasting. All of this contributes to the pop-up canopy’s extended lifespan.
The redesigned toggle leg adjustment keeps your fingers from pinching and makes unlatching easier. You may select the height that best suits your needs from three different height choices. Straight leg height possibilities are as follows: High 81′, Medium 77′, and Low 73.2′. Ideal for commercial activities, camping, festivals, tailgating, and backyard parties, among other things.
Included are a 2.5×2.5m Pop up canopy structure, a canopy tent top cover, a roller bag, and four weight bags. The wheeled bag is 52x9x9 and is made of 600D coated PVC fabric, making it ideal for transporting the pop-up canopy.
The upgraded fabric is water-resistant and UV-coated to deflect 99 percent of harmful solar rays.
Also included is a One-Minute Set-up.
Up: 1. Pull the completely completed frame with top out of the package and open it. 2.Cover the frame with the materials and extend the legs. 3.Use the thumb push buttons to quickly adjust the height before snapping it into place. Quick and easy.
About the Brand (Master Canopy)
MASTERCANOPY is a professional manufacturer and exporter specialising in the design, development, and production of outdoor items. Patio Umbrella, Pop-up Canopy, Gazebo, Escape Shelter, and Canopy Accessories are among the products available. All of their goods meet higher quantity specifications and function better at a lower cost.
Next on the list and also from Master Canopy as well comes the 3x3m Pop Up Gazebo Tent Instant Shelter Beach Canopy with 1 Sidewall.
The frame is comprised of rust-resistant steel and iron that has been powder-coated. The side wall is removable, allowing you to attach and detach it as needed. Set the side wall to prevent wind when it’s chilly or solar heat when it’s hot. This canopy is suitable for a variety of purposes, including small market stalls, parties, family dinners, and other outdoor activities.
There are two sizes: 2.5×2.5M and 3x3M, which provide 6.25 and 9 square metres of shade, respectively.
To protect yourself from the sun, wind, and rain with 100% water-resistant and 50+ UV protection fabric and heat-sealed seams, the canopy is constructed of polyester cloth with a PU coating on the inside. (10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Frame + Top Cover + 1 Side Wall + 1 Carry Bag + 4 Sandbags are included in the kit.)
Fitted with a Unique Design: With only two people, it is simple to set up. It’s simple to load into a car. On the top, a vent hole is uniquely built to create an air circle in the canopy. It’s both convenient and pleasant.
Super robust truss bars make up the Sturdy Canopy Structure. Steel feet with two drilled holes for stability. Push-button sliders that are smooth and secure. Stress points where peak poles meet are reinforced. Stable and significantly more long-lasting.
Wheeled Bag: 52x9x9 ultra heavy-duty roller bag is included. For mobility, the wheels are sturdy and simple to slide, with a strong steel axle. Base plate reinforcement and a heavy-duty zipper There are two rubber grips on the side enabling two persons to hoist. There is one rubber grip on top for one person to slide. The canopy is simple to move.
Fabric: Polyester Water and UV rays are well repelled by the cloth.
Commercial and outdoor activities are appropriate.
Frame + Top Cover + Wheeled Bag + 4 Weight Bags are included.
Features:
3-Layer Canopy Fabric
Provide minimal discoloration and high level of UV protection. With a thick blend of strong materials and a water-resistant outer layer. This canopy is ready for all occasions.
Protection of Side walls
The side walls can provide a shelter and block wind, snow and rain in the cold winter.
Adjustable Height
3 holes on the leg to adjust the height. With a smooth button, you can easily lock the legs at the height you need.
Convenient Wheeled Bag
A light-weight wheeled bag makes it easy to carry your tent wherever you want.
This coming item on the list is from ABCCANOPY and comes at four sizes to choose from: 2.5×2.5, 3×3, 3×4.5, and 3×6 m2 Which for the money, comes down like a dream. Smooth, no warps, cracks or bends. We would struggle to believe you could get better.
This commercial-grade 3x3m Full Truss Structure (with a super-thick square shaped leg system and super strong cross trusses), which are large and strong, can handle high winds.
Featuring 600 Denier polyester canopy with unique PU lining, CPAI-84 fire retardant certificated, waterproof, UPF 50+, to block 99.9% of harmful UV radiation. With heat sealed seams, the most recent technology in the business, prevent water from penetrating seams.
Designed to be setup almost instantly, the gazebo is built with a one-push lock system. Completely assembled One-piece frame in high gauge robust metal with the centre fast life mechanism, no tools required, allows for one-person one-push set-up in one minute. Under the sun, you can quickly and conveniently enjoy the shade.
Designed to be Quickly stored & transported, the gazebo comes with a rolling bag that measures 149cm x 29cm x 26cm and may be used to carry the gazebo. The carry bag has two wheels at the bottom, so you can simply transport the gazebo to wherever you wish.
Moreover, there are settings for 3 heights that pop up. The redesigned toggle leg adjustment keeps your fingers from pinching and makes unlatching easier. You may select the height that best suits your needs from three different height choices:
- High 342cm,
- Medium 335cm, &
- Low 325cm
are the available heights. Ideal for commercial activities, camping, festivals, tailgating, and backyard parties, among other things.
What you get in the box: Steel Gazebo Frame x1, Steel Gazebo Roof x1, Wheeled Carry Bag x1, Weight Bags x4, Bonus 4xRopes & 4xStakes Parts and accessories are available.