Your backyard is a place of innumerable possibilities. One of the most attractive garden features is a gazebo.
The perfect blend of beauty and function, gazebos have earned admiration across the world since their invention in ancient Egypt 5,000 years ago. Francis Bacon wrote of seeing them as far away as China, where he called them “viewing pavilions.”
Though originally a luxury of the wealthy or royal, many homeowners value gazebos as a highly desirable home decoration today. This is due mainly to their blend of function and artistry.
If you agree and would like to have one in your backyard, keep reading to learn about the best gazebo kits to consider!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
EROMMY 10′ x 13′ Gazebo Polycarbonate Double Roof Canopy
Budget Option:
Outsunny 11.5′ Patio Gazebo
Best Splurge:
PURPLE LEAF 12′ X 14′ Patio Hardtop Gazebo
Best Overall
EROMMY 10′ x 13′ Gazebo Polycarbonate Double Roof Canopy
If all you want is an appealing and reliable gazebo kit, then look at the EROMMY 10’ x 13’ gazebo with a double roof canopy. The powder-coated polycarbonate and aluminum material keep the gazebo sturdy and clear from corrosion. Both the polycarbonate roof and curtains repel UV rays, and the netting keeps the space free of bugs and other pests.
Thanks to the double canopy, there’s also plenty of airflow. You can also hang a fan from one of the three hooks, in addition to lanterns, stringed lights, birdhouses, bird feeders, potted plants, etc. The holes in the feet allow you to anchor the gazebo firmly to the ground, so no need to be concerned about high winds pushing it down.
Do you want something bigger to accommodate guests for parties and other events? This very model is available in multiple sizes, going up to 12’ x 20’, which is more than enough to suit large gatherings. Everything you need is in this one gazebo kit!
Pros
- Durable and stable
- Rust-resistant
- Well-ventilated
- Roof has three hooks
- Curtains keep pests and UV rays away
- Available in lots of sizes
- Priced affordably
Cons
- Directions are hard to follow
- Difficult to align bolts with holes for the roof
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Outsunny 11.5′ Patio Gazebo
With the Outsunny 11.5’ patio gazebo, aesthetic and practicality come together for a low price. You get a dependable frame made of steel and a charming polyester canopy with a matching set of curtains, all of which protect you from light rain and UV rays. The gazebo kit is so simple to set up that you could easily move it around your yard or even take it with you for a camping trip.
You can close the curtains for privacy or to keep out pests and inclement weather. Still, the double canopy ensures proper airflow so that you won’t get too hot. You get all this at a fraction of the cost of many other gazebo kits.
Pros
- Comes in two colors
- Well-ventilated
- Rust-resistant
- Fabric blocks out UV rays
- Very affordable
Cons
- Lightweight and easily knocked over by severe weather
- Not water-resistant
- Only comes in one size
Best Splurge
PURPLE LEAF 12′ X 14′ Patio Hardtop Gazebo
Do you want the best gazebo kit on the market, no matter the cost? Try the PURPLE LEAF patio hardtop gazebo. This model comes in various sizes, each at a lower price, but the 12’ x 14’ comes with a sunroom, double sliding doors, and LED lights on the poles. Although the doors don’t lock, you could drill a hole and add a padlock so that no one can interrupt your relaxation.
Plus, together with the aluminum, wood, steel, and alloy frame, the dark PC screen walls keep the interior safe from high winds, snow, and rain, as well as increased privacy. Even so, you’ll get plenty of natural light. In other words, this gazebo kit is usable all year round!
Please note that PURPLE LEAF sells curtains separately in case you’d like more coverage or heat retention during the winter.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Blocks out wind and precipitation
- Resistant to water damage
- Includes sliding doors
- More privacy
- Ideal for year-round use
- Features sunroom and LED lights
Cons
- Expensive
- Instructions are hard to follow
- Difficult to align bolts with holes for the roof
- Sunroom is only available with the 12’ x 14’
Best for a Fairytale Aesthetic
Yardistry Meridian 12’ Octagon Gazebo
When you hear or read the word “gazebo,” do you think of a magical or whimsical setting? Is that how you want your backyard to look? If so, the Yardistry Meridian 12’ octagon model is the gazebo kit that you need.
Made from wood and aluminum, this vintage style is meant to look like something straight out of a fairytale or romance novel. Imagine how elegant the railings would look decorated with garlands or vines, and how breathtaking a lantern or potted plant would be hanging from the hook in the center of the roof! You can paint the wood whatever color you’d prefer for the aesthetic you’d like.
Since the frame is made entirely from cedar, a notably durable wood, it’s unlikely to suffer from cracks, splinters, rot, or warping, even with regular exposure to rain. The aluminum roof, of course, is resistant to rust and water. It can also hold up well against high winds. You seldom need to worry about a storm destroying your enchanting gazebo kit.
Pros
- Has a vintage romantic look
- Cedar is strong, durable, and stable
- Aluminum resists damage from water and rust
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Only comes with one hook in the roof
Best for Gardening
APEX GARDEN Harmony II 10’ x 10’ Gazebo
Passionate gardeners may prefer a gazebo kit that supports their hobby. APEX Garden’s Harmony III gazebo is made with those shoppers in mind.
Each post is a trellis with a shelf, so you can encourage your climbing plants to scale the posts and set potted plants, tools, or other items on the shelves. Not only does this kit help your garden thrive, but it gives you a place to rest and reflect while basking in your handiwork. You can also close the mosquito netting to keep pests away, whether you’re there or not.
Because the steel frame is powder-coated and water-resistant, this gazebo kit can endure every season, and you don’t have to worry about damaging it while watering the garden. There are grommets in the frame to drain whatever water you get on it. The polyester canopy is fire-retardant, too, so even the craziest accident is unlikely to ruin it.
Pros
- Trellises and shelves are perfect for gardens
- Rust- and water-resistant
- Canopy is fire-retardant
- Double-roof canopy encourages airflow
- Priced affordably
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Only comes in one size and color
- May need extra support for high winds
- Just one hook in the roof
Buyer’s Guide for Gazebo Kits
Definition of Gazebo
Perhaps you know that you love gazebos, but you’re not sure how they’re defined, especially in comparison to similar structures, like pergolas and pavilions. Since this could affect your choice in a gazebo kit, it’s important to know the difference.
Basically, a gazebo consists of an enclosed roof or canopy with four to eight sides, each supported by a post. Some gazebo roofs are perfectly round while others are shaped like squares, pentagons, hexagons, septagons, or octagons. They may also include railings, floors, seats, trellises, curtains, doors, and/or walls.
The smallest gazebo kit tends to measure 8’ x 5’, but they can be as huge as 30’ x 30’, which is more common in commercial spaces. For residential backyards, they tend to range anywhere from 10’ x 10’ to 12’ x 20’.
No matter the size, a gazebo is supposed to be a pleasant place to rest and look around. In fact, the word comes from attaching the Latin suffix “ebo”–meaning “I shall”–to the English word “gaze.” It was coined sometime in the 18th century.
Shapes and Materials Used for Gazebos
Traditionally, gazebos were fashioned from wood, usually with metal hardware. Nowadays, many are built with vinyl to reduce costs. More expensive gazebo kits use only metal–typically steel, aluminum, and/or alloy–or a strong type of wood, like arcadia.
What to Look For
The traits you should prioritize in a gazebo kit may depend on your goals and the amount of time, effort, and resources you want to devote to it. For example, if you want something low-maintenance or with lots of color options, consider a vinyl frame and/or polyester fabric. The main problem is that their life expectancy is only a few years.
If you value environmentally or cost-efficient products, then wood or metal might be best. They are more likely to be made with eco-friendly methods. They will also last for decades with proper maintenance, including staining, painting, and applying anti-corrosion chemicals regularly.
Size and style are a matter of personal preference, the amount of space available to you, and your intended use for the gazebo. For a sense of coziness and personalization, get a smaller gazebo, but bigger gazebos are better for entertainment, socialization, and play areas.
No matter the type of gazebo kit you want, however, look for certain characteristics. For example, a warranty is prudent in case something happens to your gazebo. Also, the material should always be treated with water- or rust-resistant chemicals.
You may also appreciate a kit that includes electrical outlets, even if you don’t initially think you’ll need them. They would come in handy if you ever want to plug in fans, decorative lights, appliances, or personal devices.
Basic Maintenance
Every gazebo kit will require pressure washing or scrubbing every few months. Otherwise, dirt, dust, and debris could shorten its lifespan.
Other than that, maintenance will depend on the material you choose. Vinyl, metal, plastic, and similar materials should receive a new coat of anti-corrosion spray every year. Wood needs to be painted and stained every one to three years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gazebo Kits
What are the benefits of having a gazebo?
The most obvious benefit of building a gazebo is that it will instantly beautify your backyard once it’s finished. You can even express yourself artistically with a gazebo kit that suits your personal style or values. The more roundish the roof shape, the more enchanting it appears, almost like a stationary carousel.
However, there are more reasons to invest in one. Have you ever wanted to spend prolonged time in your backyard without being exposed to wind, rain, snow, or UV rays? A gazebo can provide you with shelter for your outdoor furniture so that you can enjoy your property comfortably. Installing a hot tub would help you relax even better.
The gazebo is a lovely and safe area for children and pets to play or rest, too. If you put it next to a pool, swimmers would love taking a break inside it.
Also, consider the social possibilities! A gazebo is a wonderful place to cook and hold gatherings for your friends or family. You could even use it for a special event, such as a party, mitzvah, wedding, or reception.
Finally, if you ever decide to sell your house, the gazebo could raise its market value. Of course, you can also disassemble the gazebo and take it to your new home, if you’d prefer.
Do you need a permit to set one up?
Many towns and cities require permits to build a gazebo, but not all. If you’re not sure whether you need one, contact your local township or city government to ask before choosing your gazebo kit. We don’t want you to get in legal trouble!
Where should you put the gazebo?
As long as you choose a flat area with sufficient space, take your gazebo kit wherever you’d like. Concrete and wood surfaces are easiest for installation, but you can also go with grass, dirt, or stone.
The ideal location may also depend on how you want to use the gazebo kit. If you anticipate that it will primarily be for social events, then a central spot may work best, as it gives everyone a 360-degree view of the backyard. If it’s for gardening or a hot tub, you may like it most in a corner area. Of course, should you want it as a rest area for swimming, then put it as close as you can to your pool.
How should you prepare the gazebo’s site?
Before setting up your gazebo kit, make sure the ground you chose is even. There should be no more than six inches of difference between the area’s highest and lowest points. If you measure a greater than that, level the ground with additional soil or pavers, or have a professional landscaper assist you.
Get the Perfect Gazebo Kit for Your Backyard!
Any of these gazebo kits could transform your backyard for the better, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop there! There are countless ways to make your backyard more fun, beautiful, and/or usable. Visit our page on backyard living for more ideas on optimizing your space!