The best garden gazebo is a savvy investment if you plan to host guests outside but are fretting over the weather app, and praying for sunshine. This kind of garden furniture means that come rain or shine now you can spend more time outside under a protective cover but still reap the benefits of being in your garden.
Gazebos also work perfectly for covering hot tubs or providing protection from wasps or bugs when you are out having a BBQ party. You can also turn it into your outdoor sanctuary with some lovely outdoor furniture. Whether you are on the hunt for a budget gazebo for camping or some shade, or if you are browsing for a luxury gazebo with curtains and bug nets, we have researched the best garden gazebos for your outdoor haven. If not, consider a sail shade.
The best garden gazebos at a glance:
• Best budget garden gazebo: Kingfisher Gazebo – View on Amazon UK
• Best garden gazebo with side panels: Argos Home 4m Hexagonal Garden Gazebo – View on Argos
• Best metal patio gazebo: Dakota Fields 3m x 3m Metal Patio Gazebo – View on Wayfair
Perhaps, you're thinking: what are the different styles of garden gazebos? Firstly, there is a pop-up gazebo, which has been designed to be set up in minutes. These gazebos are budget-friendly and great for setting up at summer gatherings, BBQs, and parties. On the other hand, there is a patio gazebo, which is made typically from wood or metal, these freestanding gazebos require zero support and can be set up permanently on your patio.
Next, there is a gazebo tent, designed with fabric walls with windows, these are another great pick for gatherings and private parties on campsites. Lastly, did you know that there are grill gazebos? These are made to be placed over your BBQ or grill to protect it from impromptu rain or provide shade cover to the cook hard at work. With a gazebo, you can gather with your friends and family, park yourselves on beautiful wicker furniture and sip botanical gins... Bliss.
Best garden gazebos
Take a peek at our favourites below...
Best budget garden gazebo
KingfisherIf you are on the hunt for a gazebo on a budget for camping trips or for occasional general use in your garden, then this basic Kingfisher Gazebo does the trick. It will protect you from rainy weather and offer that extra bit of protection from the sun's rays.
This "party tent" measures in at 2.4 metres square, has a white, powder-coated metal frame, and comes complete with ropes to secure it. Reviewers are pleasantly surprised by this budget option's durability and say it has survived a range of British weathers.
Pros
- Great budget option for occasional use
- A portable and lightweight choice
- Ideal for camping or to provide shade at events
Cons
- Needs to be weighted down to prevent damage in the wind
| Size: | 240 x 240 x 235 cm |
| Material: | Plastic, metal and fabric |
| Includes: | Tie ropes to secure the structure |
Best garden gazebo with side panels
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This attractive garden gazebo from Argos Home is a sturdy, functional option with decorative looks softened by mesh curtains. As well as looking good, those curtains can help protect you from mozzies and other flying pests. Reviewers describe this gazebo as roomy and great for garden parties.
This has a frame made from powder-coated steel, a shower-proof roof, and a wind vent to protect against breezy gusts. This comes with everything you need to get it set up and a handy storage bag to keep things tidy when it's time to pack it away.
Pros
- Attractive mesh curtains can work as mosquito nets
- This can be set up quickly by two people
- Generous dimensions of four by four metres
Cons
- Not the sturdiest option on this list
| Size: | 260 x 400 x 400 cm |
| Material: | Made from metal and steel |
| Includes: | Guy ropes, pegs, storage bag, side panels, plastic connectors |
Best metal patio gazebo
Dakota Fieldswww.wayfair.co.uk
This pavilion-style gazebo from Dakota Fields is an elegant choice that reviewers praise for its attractive looks. This has a striking black metal frame, which contrasts against the beige roof. The side panels are water-repellent, can be closed for privacy or left open for ventilation.
The double roof is vented for protection against the wind. The whole structure is weather- and UV-resistant for longevity. Taking into account the roof overhang, this gives you 1.73 by 1.73 metres of usable space.
Pros
- Stylish design with a striking black frame
- Integrated curtains to offer privacy and protection
- UV-resistant polyester roof is durable
Cons
- Less than two metres of usable seating space
| Size: | 300 x 300 x275 cm |
| Material: | Metal and polyester cloth |
| Includes: | Side curtains and panels with hook and loop fastener |
Best garden gazebo with curtains
HorwoodAdding a touch of safari chic to your outdoor space, this Horwood garden gazebo is a popular choice to use as a hot tub shelter. This is thanks to the side curtains which can be used to up your privacy levels, the quality of which is said to be better than expected by happy customers.
This hexagonal choice gives you plenty of space under the metal frame and its domed roof. It measures 3.1 metres across the centre of the gazebo, with each side measuring 1.8 metres. The leg height is adjustable - handy if you're placing this on uneven ground.
Pros
- Effortless to put up with reviewers saying it takes mere minutes
- Integrated net curtains for privacy
- Will add some safari-style glamour to your outdoor space
Cons
- Not suitable for wind speeds exceeding 25mph
| Size: | The footprint measures 3.6m x 3.1m, the overall height 2.77m and the width between posts are 1.8m. |
| Material: | The canopy is made from quality PA-coated, water-resistant polyester fabric |
| Design: | Incorporates built-in anti-pooling drainage |
Best garden gazebo with nets and canopy
SunTimeThis trendy SunTime Polenza 2.5m Outdoor Garden Gazebo with its geometric design is a great contemporary centrepiece for your outdoor space. The cream canopy will give you privacy and protect you from the sun on hot days.
This features substantial metal sides for stability. One reviewer reveals this gazebo has survived in their garden through two wet and windy winters. There are bug nets throughout that can be zipped up so you can banish those pesky mosquitoes and wasps, making this ideal for outdoor dining.
Pros
- Easy to collapse down and store
- Attractive net curtains that zip together
- A good option for shady outdoor dining
Cons
- Only available in grey
| Size: | 250 x 250 x 250 cm |
| Material: | Powder-coated tubular steel |
| Assembly: | This gazebo can be assembled in 15-30 minutes with ease. Two persons to assemble are recommended. |
Best gazebo for privacy
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Perfect for popping up on a campsite for some privacy, using at a car boot sale, or in your own garden, this lightweight and easy-to-transport gazebo has reinforced waterproof fabric panels to withstand wind and rain. According to reviewers, thanks to the shelter it provides it makes a great weatherproof area for kids to play.
The Argos Home 3m x 3m Pop Up Weather Resistant Garden Gazebo can be set up on grass with the fixings supplied or can be attached to decking with additional screws. This is easy to set up and takedown.
Pros
- Offers excellent shelter from the weather
- Lightweight design is relatively portable
- Frame is made from powder-coated steel
Cons
- Not to be used in high winds
| Size: | 255 x 300 x 300 cm |
| Material: | Powder-coated steel and fabric |
| Includes: | Guy ropes, pegs, storage bag, side panels, and plastic connectors |
Best retractable gazebo
Grendalewww.robertdyas.co.uk
We love this attractive gazebo that looks like a pergola but has the shelter needed to keep the bright sun or rain at bay. The grey Grendale Seville Gazebo is fully retractable - keep it fully closed or open it up as much as you like to enjoy the perfect balance of light and shade.
This has a very sturdy aluminium frame and the pull forward canopy boasts easy glide runners. This structure has large fixing plates with robust magnets attached to keep the canopy open. This gets good reviewers from people who have bought this to cover their decking.
Pros
- Stylish gazebo with pergola looks
- A great statement piece to create a focal point
- Fully retractable polyester roof panels
Cons
- This doesn't offer any side protection
| Size: | 260 x 300 x 300 cm |
| Material: | Powder-coated aluminium and polyester |
| Assembly: | Supplied flat-packed for self-assembly |
Best gazebo for sturdiness
KETTLERwww.johnlewis.com
For protection from sunshine and showers, the KETTLER Panalsol Pagoda Gazebo is a sturdy and stable option to arrange over your garden furniture. It has a shower-resistant polyester parasol that can be removed with ease if you want to protect the canopy during bad weather but don't want to take down the entire structure.
This gazebo's no-nonsense design is ideal for minimalist outdoor spaces. For extra rigidity, it's recommended to fix this gazebo to the ground. This measures in at 2.9 by 2.9 metres, offering plenty of space for an outdoor dining table.
Pros
- Sturdy and easy to store away
- Simple 2-in-1 parasol and gazebo design
- Shower-resistant canopy made of 180g polyester
Cons
- Some reviewers say assembly can be tricky
| Size: | 292 x 290 x 290cm |
| Material: | Iron-coated steel frame with polyester parasol |
| Assembly: | Self-assembly required |
Best statement garden gazebo
Not On The High Streetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
Looking to impress? This Wooden Geodesic Outdoor Garden Pod will definitely grab some attention and is a little different from the more standard gazebos we're featuring.
A high-end option, this is crafted from hazel wood with a geodesic design, this statement piece will bring a little extra glamour to your garden. Either cover your hot tub or use it as a lounging area.
Pros
- The aesthetic is on point to create a quirky focal point
- Choose three or five shade sails
- Shade sails available in light blue or light grey
Cons
- Might be a little too alternative for some
| Size: | 320 x 235 cm |
| Material: | Hazelwood |
| Guarantee: | There's a five-year guarantee on all parts |
How we chose the best garden gazebos
All of these garden gazebos have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the type of frame, construction, and size in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden gazebos to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
What to look for in a garden gazebo
Construction type - do you want a convenient pop-up gazebo for occasional use or a semi-permanent design that you can use for the whole sunny season? Pop-up options are generally cheaper and require less assembly. More substantial designs may see you reaching for your garden tool kit.
Side designs - a simple garden gazebo will create an area of shade in your outdoor space, but many of the gazebos we're featuring offer side panels, or mesh curtains, that can provide privacy, perfect for shielding a hot tub from neighbours.
Size - it's an obvious consideration, but it's an easy one to get wrong. The dimensions given for a gazebo may refer to the overall roof or canopy size, so the actual usable space underneath may be smaller. If you want to dine under your gazebo, double-check the size of your garden dining set.
Head height - following on from thinking about the size of the gazebo you need, ensure it offers enough space to stand up in, especially if you are on the tall side.
Frame materials - steel frames are strong, aluminium frames are lightweight. With either, look for a powder-coated finish as this will ensure rust-resistance and durability.
Canopy materials - most of the roofs and sides of garden gazebos will be made from durable polyester or even PVC. Look out for water resistance and whether the fabric has been given a UV-protective coating to prevent fading.
Portability - some of the more lightweight gazebos we're featuring come with a handy carry case, an added extra to consider if you want to use your gazebo away from your garden.
FAQs
Which is better: Gazebo or pergola?
The difference between pergolas and gazebos is that structurally, garden pergolas are much less cluttered and more elegantly built than gazebos. A pergola's main purpose is a statement piece that provides optimal space for plant growth. It will provide some shade, but the light is still likely to get through the roof slats.
On the other hand, gazebos can come in all sorts of shapes, from square to rectangular, hexagonal to octagonal, but are typically smaller in size than pergolas. Their sides may be entirely open or provide a half or full wall, with curtains or nets making them more practical.
The main purpose of a gazebo is to provide a seating area protected from the elements, come rain or shine.
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Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.