Buying guide for best hardtop gazebos
You’ve spent time getting your yard just how you want it, and now it’s time to reap the rewards. Installing a hardtop gazebo gives you a spot to enjoy your garden come rain or shine. Made from sturdy materials that last, a hardtop gazebo is a permanent addition to your outdoor space, ideal for entertaining or simply relaxing alone or with family.
It is a fairly large purchase, however, so you’ll need to be certain you choose the best hardtop gazebo for your outdoor space. You’ll need to decide whether you want a hardtop gazebo made from metal, wood, or vinyl. Shape is important, too, whether you choose a standard square or rectangular model or something more unusual. You’ll also need to make sure you choose a gazebo that’s large enough for your needs.
Our buying guide covers everything you should consider before purchasing a hardtop gazebo. For our five favorite products, check out the matrix above.
Key considerations
Size
A hardtop gazebo’s size is all about balance. It must be large enough to fit the number of people you want to accommodate but not so large that it will completely dwarf your yard. On the more compact side, you’ll find 10x10-foot gazebos. You can also buy some smaller models, but they aren’t common. On the larger side, you’ll find gazebos as big as 14x18 feet. A common gazebo size is 12x12 feet, which is large enough to fit a sizeable dining set with room to spare, a rattan sofa set, or similar outdoor furniture. However, if you regularly host large groups, bigger is better.
Materials
Aluminum is a common material for hardtop gazebos since it’s lightweight yet durable and can be galvanized or powder-coated for rust resistance. Some aluminum gazebos incorporate steel parts into the frame for added strength without increasing the weight too drastically as a 100% steel gazebo would be extremely heavy.
Wood hardtop gazebos have an attractive, traditional appeal. They’re highly durable and long-lasting if cared for correctly, though some woods weather better than others. They often have shingle-style roofs, though you will find some hardtop gazebos with wood frames and glass or clear vinyl roofs and sides. On the downside, wood hardtop gazebos usually cost more.
Vinyl hardtop gazebos are generally designed to look like painted wood from a distance. With a vinyl gazebo, you don’t have the issues that can affect other materials, such as warping or rusting, and there’s no need to treat or repaint. However, vinyl gazebos must be made from a UV-resistant vinyl or they will fade badly over time.
Shape
Square and rectangular hardtop gazebos are by far the most common choice. They are simple shapes to assemble, with just four posts to anchor or sink. Although harder to find, there are also hexagonal or octagonal hardtop gazebos, in addition to some non-standard shapes. Hexagonal and octagonal gazebos might look attractive, but they have six or eight posts to sink, making assembly more complicated.
Sides
The majority of hardtop gazebos consist of a roof and legs only, but other gazebos include sides of some type, whether hard panels, soft panels, or curtains. Hardtop gazebos that don’t include sides may come with the option of purchasing them separately.
Curtains or soft panels are great for anyone who occasionally wants to have the privacy or shelter of sides on their gazebo but not full-time. Curtains for hardtop gazebos are often made from mesh to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out but allow light and air through. Hard sides turn your gazebo into something akin to a sunroom and allow you to use the gazebo in cooler weather, too. They often have large windows to allow light in.
Aluminum, vinyl, and wood are the three most popular roof materials for hardtop gazebos. Each has its pros and cons, which we take into consideration before we make a recommendation.
We explore the measurements of various gazebos to help consumers find the best one for their needs. Gazebos come in a range of sizes; large models require significant outdoor space.
For gazebos with side material, we look for the three popular types — curtains, soft panels, and hard panels — and research their functionality and durability.
We check to see if a hardtop gazebo has built-in seating, which appeals to customers who don’t want to add freestanding furniture. We research the durability and comfort of gazebos with built-in seats.
We think about where customers may place their new gazebo. Some models are designed to be set up in a yard, while others can be placed on a patio or deck.
A vented roof can improve airflow in and out of a gazebo. When recommending products, we consider the fact that this feature is especially useful for customers who live in hot climates.
Setting up a hardtop gazebo can be challenging. It requires tools, help, and a little experience in construction. We factor this into our product evaluations.
We research a gazebo’s longevity before recommending it. Rust-resistant and UV-resistant materials can help protect your investment against the ravages of wind, rain, sun, ice, and snow.
We recommend hardtop gazebos in a variety of shapes and colors to fit different styles of outdoor décor.
Some customers look for a specific brand when buying a hardtop gazebo. We consider the overall quality offered by each brand when making our recommendations.
Features
Color and style
In addition to its functionality, you want your hardtop gazebo to be an attractive feature in your yard. Choose a gazebo in a color and style that complements your garden and your existing outdoor decor. You could choose a gazebo in the same color as your outdoor furniture or the window frames on your house, or you could just pick a model that appeals to you.
"Hardtop gazebos are generally bolted or cemented into the ground, so they’re not easily movable once set up. Choose the position of your gazebo carefully."
STAFF
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Vented roof
It can get hot sitting under a solid aluminum or vinyl roof, which is why some hardtop gazebos have vented roofs. This allows air to flow in and out rather than hot air getting trapped under the roof, raising the temperature in the gazebo. Vented roofs are designed in such a way that they shouldn’t let rain in unless it’s falling at an extreme angle.
Built-in seating
Although it’s not an extremely common feature, some hardtop gazebos have built-in seating around the perimeter. Some buyers love this feature, whereas others prefer to use freestanding furniture.
Hardtop gazebo prices
Hardtop gazebos are quite expensive, but bear in mind that they should provide much-needed shelter in your garden for decades. Basic hardtop gazebos cost roughly $600 to $1,000. Gazebos in this price range are usually fairly compact with simple designs and no extras, such as curtains.
Mid-range hardtop gazebos usually retail for around $1,000 to $2,000. In this price range, you’ll find some excellent, generously sized models that are extremely sturdy and may have curtains or soft sides.
High-end hardtop gazebos are priced between $2,000 and $5,000. These are the cream of the crop. They may be extra large, have hard sides all around for use in cooler weather, or be especially ornate.
Tips
Choose a hardtop gazebo suited to all-weather use. Gazebos made from materials that aren’t UV-resistant and rust-resistant will start to degrade after a few years of use and must be covered when it’s wet out.
Check local zoning laws before buying a hardtop gazebo. Some areas have laws restricting the height of hardtop gazebos or their positioning in relation to neighbors’ properties or public highways.
Find out what’s under the ground where you’ll be installing your gazebo. If you’ll be digging holes to cement your gazebo into the ground, contact your local utility company to find out if any pipes or power lines run under your yard.
- Consider how you intend to use your hardtop gazebo. For instance, if you want to use your gazebo for large gatherings, be sure to choose a sizeable model. If you want to use it year-round, a model with hard sides is your best bet.
FAQ
Q. Will I need to hire a professional to assemble my hardtop gazebo?
A. While it is technically possible to erect your hardtop gazebo without professional help, it is a fairly big job. It will require one or two additional people to help you, a range of tools, and some DIY know-how, especially if you plan to cement the legs in place. Prepare for some heavy lifting, and expect it to take between five and 12 hours, depending on the complexity of the gazebo and your level of construction knowledge. A large percentage of buyers, however, choose to hire a professional to assemble their hardtop gazebo to ensure the job’s done correctly and avoid any hassle.
Q. Can I put a hardtop gazebo over a hot tub?
A. Hot tubs benefit from being covered or sheltered to prevent leaves and other debris from falling in and to protect them from the elements. A hardtop gazebo is an ideal shelter for a hot tub and allows you to enjoy your hot tub in any weather. That said, the gazebo you use to cover your hot tub shouldn’t have hard sides.
Q. Can I grill under a hardtop gazebo?
A. Grilling in an improperly ventilated area can be extremely dangerous, so it’s best not to grill under a standard hardtop gazebo. Plus, wood gazebos are flammable. But you can buy compact hardtop gazebos specifically designed for grilling under.
