Gazebos provide a wonderful excuse to enjoy your yard or landscape. If you’re looking to add a gazebo to your outdoor space, you may want to think about gazebo kits. These kits include all the materials you need to build your perfect gazebo. Best of all, they can be customized to suit your surroundings and needs.
They may remind you of turn-of-the-century garden parties and fairs. However, they can be a perfect place to relax, have a modern picnic, or host a family get-together.
The structure provides shade and shelter, but the open sides give you a panoramic view of your landscape and let the breeze in.
To help you find the best kit possible, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite gazebo kits and rated them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars.
How We Choose Our Ratings
We want to provide the most accurate and honest information to help you make the smartest buying decisions.
For our ratings, we consider all kinds of factors to determine the best products for your money. We look at customer testimonials and reviews, product data, brand reputation, and more, which all contribute to a product’s final rating from us.
Products with ratings of 4 stars or higher are the best out there – the product is useful, well-designed, does what it promises, and customers love it. The brand is reputable and trustworthy, and the product is a great value for your money.
Quick Comparison Table: Our Top 5 Favorite Gazebo Kits
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Product |
Image |
Details |
Our Rating |
Price |
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Sojag Messina Hard Top Sun Shelter |
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Charcoal colored rustproof aluminum frameGalvanized steel roofPVC-coated mosquito nettingNo need to store the roof away for the winter |
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Outdoor Living Today Octagon Bayside |
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Twelve foot octagon PANELIZED cedar gazebo kit with floor, railings, roof, and two-tier cupola. Panelized Gazebo Kits |
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SOJAG Portland Wall-Mounted Gazebo |
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Dark brown Rust-resistant aluminum frame Galvanized steel roof Double track system for mosquito netting and/or curtains (included) |
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Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo |
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Hard top metal steel roof is long lasting and durablePowder coated to resist rust, corrosion and chippingAluminum & Steel powder coated rust resistant frame Kits |
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Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola |
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Multilevel pergola with a classic archway designBuilt-in Bench with Console arm rests and BarDurable resin foot to prevent decay from ground moisture |
Full Review: Our Top 5 Best Gazebo Kits
Sojag Messina Hard Top Sun Shelter
If you want a sturdy yet modern shelter for dining or entertaining, this one fits the bill.
The SOJAG Messina Hardtop Sun Shelter is a contemporary gazebo made from a rust-proof aluminum frame and a galvanized steel roof with a screened cupola. This allows air to circulate but keeps bugs from entering through the roof.
It comes with a PVC-coated polyester mesh mosquito netting that hangs around the entire perimeter on a double track system. This makes it easy to enclose the gazebo when you want to keep bugs out or open it all the way to get the full breeze. You can also purchase privacy curtains separately if you want additional screening.
Reviewers were overall pleased with this gazebo. They noted installation went as expected and relatively quickly – the average time for install ranged from 4 to 12 hours, with 8 hours being the most common.
Reviewers were especially impressed with the sturdiness of this gazebo model and were very happy with the look and design.
Plus, SOJAG is a trusted brand for gazebo kits. Most of their products are highly rated on Amazon and Google, and they promptly respond to customer questions and concerns.Bottom Line: The SOJAG Messina Hardtop Sun Shelter is an attractive, modern gazebo that will last through many seasons and stand up to sun, rain, wind, and even snow.
Pros
Cons
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PRICE |
RATING |
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Best quality |
$$$ |
Outdoor Living Today Octagon Bayside
Are you desiring that classic gazebo look, the kind with an octagonal shape, a graceful cupola, and side rails? The Outdoor Living Today 12 ft. Octagon Bayside Panelized Gazebo should be your pick.
This kit includes all the pieces you need for that classic post and after construction. The whole thing is made from Western red cedar, and many of the pieces come pre-assembled, including the cedar lap sided ceiling, the cupola, and the cedar roof with attached shingles.
You’ll also install cedar deck flooring and panelized hand railings for a true gazebo structure.
Western red cedar is a durable wood that can stand up to insects and decay. However, before assembly, it’s recommended that you pre-treat or stain the wood for an even longer-lasting finish.
In general, reviewers were impressed with how easy this gazebo was to assemble, and was extremely pleased with the finished look and sturdiness. They also noted that the pieces in the kit were well-manufactured, and the company replaced any pieces that were damaged during shipping.
Bottom Line: For a beautiful, classic gazebo made from durable wood, the Outdoor Living Today 12 ft. Octagon Bayside Panelized Gazebo is a great choice. It’s easily assembled and adds a custom, architectural touch to any landscape.
Pros
Cons
QUALITY |
PRICE |
RATING |
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Best quality |
$$$ |
SOJAG Portland Wall-Mounted Gazebo
If you want the feel of a gazebo with a more minimal structure, choose the SOJAG Portland Wall-Mounted Gazebo.
This kit is different because it’s meant to adjoin an existing exterior wall for support, such as the wall that faces your home’s backyard. The lean-to structure is unique and acts as an extension of your back porch or back room.
This gazebo also has a thoroughly modern look and feel. The clean design, dark brown finish, and squared-off edges will appeal to people who appreciate a minimal aesthetic.
The frame is made from powder-coated aluminum and the slanted roof is made of UV-resistant polycarbonate steel, both of which will stand up to all kinds of weather while resisting rust. Nylon mosquito netting and curtains are included in the kit, too.
Reviewers were particularly impressed with this gazebo’s sturdy structure. A few noted that it held up well to severe snow storms, high winds, and heavy rain.
It’s unsurprising that another product from SOJAG made our list of favorite gazebo kits, as the brand is one of the top gazebo manufacturers in the country.
Bottom Line: This is the perfect gazebo kit if you want to enjoy your backyard but still get sun or wind protection. It will add a touch of Zen to any garden or yard. Best of all, it’s built to last, no matter which climate you live in.
Pros
Cons
QUALITY |
PRICE |
RATING |
|---|---|---|
Great quality |
$$$ |
Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola Gazebo
For a rustic look, the Backyard Discovery Cedar Pergola might suit your taste. It’s perfect for people who want the look of a gazebo structure but would prefer something slightly simpler to install.
As opposed to the other modern gazebos on this list, this product is made from pre-cut cedar wood. Pergolas also have a latticed roof made of interlocking slats of wood – not the cupolas that traditional gazebos have. However, pergolas provide shade and beauty for any type of landscape, not to mention architectural interest.
You can easily add a shade to the top of this pergola to block the sun. Many people also choose to plant climbing vines or flowers that naturally weave throughout the slatted roof. The effect can be quite stunning.
Reviewers loved how easy this structure was to build and install and raved about its aesthetic appeal. They also noted how sturdy and strong it is, especially when it’s anchored to the ground.
A few caveats: Most reviewers noted that, in many cases, the pre-drilled holes in the wood were not large enough or didn’t line up with other pieces. This was easily fixed by widening the holes with a drill bit.
Most buyers also pre-treated the wood with stain or sealer before they assembled the structure.
Bottom Line: This pergola/gazebo has a beautiful rustic look and elegant finish thanks to the cedar wood slats, which also provide strength and solidity. Get it if you want to add some punch and pizazz to your outdoor space, but beware that assembly will require a little bit of finessing and extra work.
Pros
Cons
QUALITY |
PRICE |
RATING |
|---|---|---|
GREAT quality |
$$$ |
Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo
If you want to make a grand statement in your backyard, choose the Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo.
This is another modern gazebo, but it has an elegant look and graceful design. At 10’x12’, it will comfortably fit an outdoor dining table and chairs, or a set of outdoor loungers.
The entire structure is rust-resistant due to the powder-coated aluminum/steel frame and steel roof.
The roof, in particular, has a more pronounced cupola than some of the other models on this list, which contributes to its elegant appeal. It’s also vented, which allows for airflow while keeping out rain and bugs.
In general, reviewers were impressed with the strength and beauty of the structure once they assembled it. As for the assembly itself, reviews were a bit mixed. Some said that the instructions for building this gazebo are horrible, while others said construction was pretty easy and straightforward.
Most reviewers recommended enlisting the help of 3-5 friends to assemble it and reviewing additional assembly instructions online before you begin.
Sunjoy is a well-known manufacturer of gazebo kits, but many reviewers complained that the company doesn’t respond well to questions and feedback.
Bottom Line: For beauty, longevity, and durability, you can’t beat the Sunjoy Chatham Steel Hardtop Gazebo. It would be an incredible addition to any backyard.
However, because the assembly isn’t totally straightforward and the company doesn’t always respond to inquiries, buyers should purchase with these aspects in mind, or consider hiring professional installers.
Pros
Cons
QUALITY |
PRICE |
RATING |
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GREAT quality |
$$$ |
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for When Buying Gazebo Kits
If you’re in the market for a gazebo kit, you may not be sure which kit is right for you. Follow along as we demystify the essentials for buying your perfect kit.
1. Consider Your Climate
Does the hot desert sun beat down on your home and backyard? Or do you live in a mild climate with cool, rainy winters and comfortable summers? Do you deal with snowstorms, or do you rarely see snow?
The type of gazebo you get needs to have the right materials to stand up to your climate, especially if you don’t want to disassemble and store parts of it seasonally.
For example, if it’s constantly raining in your neck of the woods, a wood structure will be harder to maintain and keep looking new.
Consider the climate you live in and choose the gazebo type with materials that will stand the test of time, whatever your weather.
2. Think About the Style of Your Home
For the most cohesive look, the style of your home needs to mesh well with the style of your gazebo.
For instance, if you live in a Craftsman-style home built in the 1920s, you might want to consider a gazebo with the same wood details and custom look. A pergola-style gazebo would mesh nicely with this type of home.
On the other hand, if your home is modern, you should think about getting an equally modern gazebo with clean lines and minimal details, made of powder-coated metal.
3. Not Handy? Buy a Kit with Easy Assembly, or Hire a Pro to Build It
Don’t forget to choose gazebo kits based on your level of handiness.
Have you never picked up a hammer? It’s time to call in the pros to put together your kit.
On the other hand, if you regularly do odd jobs or work with tools, building your own gazebo can be immensely satisfying. Just remember to enlist help for assembling the larger pieces.
4. Know How You Want to Use Your Gazebo Kits
What will you use your gazebo for? Are you planning on family meals al fresco? Or do you want to entertain friends by the light of the moon? Or, maybe you just want a shady spot in your backyard where you can relax in comfort.
Think about how you will use your gazebo and purchase accordingly.
For example, if you plan on throwing outdoor dinner parties, you might need a larger gazebo to accommodate a table, chairs, and a grill. If you only want to shade your outdoor swing or a small bistro table for sitting and sipping your morning coffee, a much smaller structure will do the trick.
A Gazebo Kits Can Make Your Outdoor Time Sweeter
A gazebo can be a fantastic investment for any backyard, especially if you love spending time outdoors. You’ll beautify your home, add entertaining space, and give yourself a retreat in one fell swoop.
Follow this guide and make your best gazebo kit purchase for your particular wants and needs. Here’s to many balmy days and nights spent enjoying your backyard from your new gazebo.