6 Best Gazebos for Your Backyard, According to Outdoor Experts

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab tests and reviews outdoor structures and gear of all kinds, from outdoor speakers to inflatable pools. Our experts evaluate products on factors like ease of setup and installation, weather resistance, structural integrity, and more. When possible, we test products in our Lab, as well as in real-life scenarios, to see how viable and practical they are.

We have also researched and reviewed all types of gazebos (standard soft-top, pop-up, and hardtop) over the last two years, and our on-staff experts have extensive knowledge of the materials used in gazebo canopies and structural supports, allowing them to offer insights into what the best choices are for weather-resistance and durability.

When reviewing the gazebo market, we look at warranties, materials, special features, and how many people would be needed to assemble. The picks on our list are from brands that we have previously reviewed and feel good about recommending, that have unique features with stellar reviews from users, or are personal favorites of Good Housekeeping Institute analysts and editors.

If you’re in the market for a shelter for your deck, patio, or backyard, keep these factors in mind:

✔️ Style: For the canopy, you will see hard-top or soft-top options. Hard-top gazebos are more suited for all-season use in areas with more wind or inclement weather. Some soft-top gazebos have removable canopies, plus they may be easier to take down during the off-season. Pop-up gazebos are generally made with lighter materials to allow for portability, but the trade-off is that they are usually less durable and stable. Some gazebos are permanent fixtures that anchor into the ground, while others can easily pop up and be disassembled for easy storage when not in use.

✔️ Materials: Depending upon the structure and materials used, gazebos will offer varying levels of shade, weather-resistance, ease of setup, and versatility. For the frame, you’ll see many are steel or aluminum as these materials are very durable, but there are also options featuring wood or vinyl frames. Most of the materials we reviewed were either naturally weather-resistant or had special coatings to help with water-, fade-, and rust-resistance. It’s important to check the product description, usage, and care guidelines, as well as warranty information, to ensure you're using and caring for your gazebo correctly.

✔️ Size: When determining the appropriate size for your gazebo, you’ll want to think about where you will be installing it and what you plan on doing under its shade. For instance, do you just want a shaded area to sit with friends and family, or will it be used for large dining affairs? You’ll want to ensure the area where you intend to set up the gazebo is free of any physical obstructions and that the ground is flat. Many of the gazebos included here will require at least two people to assemble and install properly, though some of the instructions call for upwards of five people to help with the install.

✔️ Shape: While shape is largely an aesthetic decision, there is some practicality to consider when determining which shape is most suitable for your home. Rectangular structures are usually easier to set up and come in larger sizes to enable more room for coverage. Hexagonal, octagonal, and round look classic, but may be a bit tougher to install and fit items underneath.

✔️ Ground: Besides ensuring a flat, clear space, you'll have to think about where the gazebo will be placed to ensure you can properly anchor it if needed. Most gazebos do not include a floor, so if you do not like the ground underneath where you plan to use yours, you’ll have to factor in building or installing a flat surface as well.

✔️ Additional features: Of the gazebos we reviewed, we noted added features like mosquito netting, double-roof designs, curtains, and anchors for hanging lighting.

Although many municipalities don't require a permit for a gazebo, it's still important to check with your local government—and your homeowners association, if you have one—to ensure you don’t need to obtain a building permit to install a gazebo on your property.

Oftentimes, when someone is considering a covered outdoor structure, they have yet to decide if they want a pergola, pavilion, or gazebo. While gazebos and pavilions are designed to offer full coverage from the sun, pergolas are designed for partial shelter.

Most gazebos, like the ones on this list, have a fully closed, solid roof (even if it has two levels) with open sides. Some use curtains, netting, or other coverings for the sides as add-on attachments. While a pergola is usually similarly supported by beams and has a top, it’s not solid or fully covered; rather, it features a lattice or trellis to offer partial shade.

The steps you’ll need to take to keep your gazebo in good condition will depend on the materials. Gazebos made of natural wood will require you to apply a waterproof sealant every few years. Vinyl gazebos tend to be lower maintenance, since they’re waterproof and scratch-resistant, but they require an occasional power washing. Metal gazebos are the easiest to maintain since they’re made of cast iron, aluminum, or steel, which are durable, weather-resistant materials.

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power tools to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, and other outlets.

In researching and writing this story, he worked with Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoors Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For more than two decades, he has written about all things home-related, from big-ticket remodeling projects to routine home maintenance. DiClerico has reviewed thousands of consumer products across a wide range of categories, including building materials, fixtures, and outdoor power equipment.