Best gazebo 2023: add shelter and shade to the garden

The best gazebos provide shelter from the rain and add shade on a sunny day. Here are our top picks of the best pop-up gazebos, gazebos with sidewalls, and BBQ gazebos

A contemporary sail shade gazebo over a modern garden seating area
(Image credit: Dobbies)

Looking for the best gazebo? Whether you want to add shade to the garden when the sun’s beating down or create a shelter from the drizzle on a less-than-perfect day, a gazebo is a really useful item to have stashed in the garage for when it’s most needed.

Perfect for adding shelter over an outdoor living area, for creating a shady kids' play area on the lawn, or to provide protection from the elements at the all-too-familiar drizzly British barbecue, a gazebo will make your outside space a more weather-resistant place to be.

Gazebos come in many varieties, from quick-to-erect pop-up gazebos to permanent hard-topped structures, and from stylish sail shades to more practical waterproof designs with side panels to keep out the elements. In this guide, we’ve delved into the detail to collate a selection of the best; whether you're looking for the cheapest gazebo money can buy or a more substantial option to take pride of place in the garden.

And once you've found the perfect gazebo? Don't forget to check out our guide to the best garden furniture to ensure you have your outdoor seating sorted, and our edit of the best BBQs of the year so that you're ready to cook up an alfresco feast. 


The best gazebos

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A grey pop-up gazebo with waterproof side panels

(Image credit: Sunmer)

1. SUNMER 3x3m Pop-Up Gazebo with 4 Sides

Best pop-up gazebo: a robust waterproof gazebo with detachable sides and quick and easy set-up

Specifications

RRP: £249.99
Dimensions: H330 x W300 x D300cm
Materials: Steel & PVC
Type of assembly: Pop-up
Weight: 28kg
Colours: Grey, white & black

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to assemble pop-up design
+
Waterproof
+
Good on any surface
+
Four detachable sidewalls
+
Wheeled carry bag 
+
Four sandbag weights, tent pegs and guide ropes
+
Three colour options

Reasons to avoid

-
Maybe not the most stylish option

Sheltering from the elements doesn't get any easier than with a quick and simple pop-up design, and, in our opinion, the waterproof Sunmer gazebo is one of the strongest pop-up gazebos about.

The pop-up frame makes for fast and easy assembly when the clouds loom, whilst the waterproof roof offers plenty of protection from a full-on rain shower. If you want more protection then the four detachable side panels with see-through windows and two zipper doorways will provide plenty of shelter from the worst of the elements.

Although most gazebos aren't built for strong winds, the four 10kg sandbags included (you'll need to add sand yourself), tent pegs and guide ropes make this gazebo easier to secure than most and mean it's suitable for decking, patio, grass and more.

Even better, it comes with a wheeled carry bag that makes manoeuvring it from the garage to the garden – or from the car to the campsite – as easy as can be.


A white pop-up gazebo with carry bag from VonHaus

(Image credit: VonHaus)

2. VonHaus Pop Up Gazebo 3x3m

Cheapest pop-up gazebo with water-resistance: a good-value gazebo that's quick to set up

Specifications

RRP: £134.99
Dimensions: H250 x W300 x D300cm
Materials: Steel & PVC
Type of assembly: Pop-up
Weight: 11kg
Colours: White

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to assemble pop-up design
+
Water-resistant
+
Telescopic legs can be adjusted to any surface
+
Carry bag 
+
Anchoring pegs and cords included

Reasons to avoid

-
No side protection

If you're looking for a budget buy that still offers ease and convenience, then we love the simple functionality of this fairly cheap pop-up gazebo.

You don't get sidewalls with this model, but if you just want some shade on a sunny day and enough protection to keep off the drizzle when the skies are grey, then this budget gazebo is a great option. Plus that pop-up design means you can whip it out of the garage and have it set up on the lawn in no time. 

Great for adding shade to a kid's play area or covering one of the best hot tubs in our buyer's guide, there are anchoring pegs and cords included to help you secure it to the lawn, and the telescopic legs are a useful addition to help you adjust the fit to uneven ground. There's also a handy carry bag to take it out on location.


A charcoal grey sail shade from Maisons Du Monde

(Image credit: Maisons Du Monde)

3. Maisons Du Monde Sail Shade Gazebo 3m x 3m

Best sail shade gazebo: zone an outdoor area in style

Specifications

RRP: £324
Dimensions: H270 x W31 x D312cm
Materials: Epoxy-treated metal & polyester
Type of assembly: Self-assembly
Weight: 37kg
Colours: Grey & white

Reasons to buy

+
Contemporary design
+
Freestanding
+
Ideal for decking or a patio

Reasons to avoid

-
No side protection
-
Not so good on grass
-
Self-assembly required

Although a gazebo is a brilliantly functional item, let's face it, many of them can be a bit of a compromise aesthetically. 

Sail shades may not be the cheapest or offer quite as much functionality as a waterproof side-paneled design, but they do perform in the style stakes.

This contemporary Ombre sail shade from Maisons Du Monde will create a statement look in a modern garden, allowing you to add freestanding shade to a patio or decking area.

Available in dark grey or bright white, the 3m square canopy offers plenty of space to cover a garden dining area or outdoor lounge area and is a great way to zone a space. Just add one of the best outdoor rugs on our list to finish the look.


A large white gazebo with side walls and see through window panels from Blooma Betty B&Q

(Image credit: B&Q)

4. Blooma Betty White Rectangular Gazebo 6m x 3m

Best large gazebo with side walls: the ideal party tent for large garden gatherings

Specifications

RRP: £245
Dimensions: H281 x W596 x D297cm
Materials: Steel & polyethylene
Type of assembly: Self-assembly
Weight: 42.5kg
Colours: White

Reasons to buy

+
Great size for a party
+
Good value considering its size

Reasons to avoid

-
Self-assembly required
-
Guide ropes and tent pegs not included

If you're looking for a large gazebo at an entry-level price point then the Blooma Betty rectangular gazebo from B&Q offers plenty of space to play with.

At 6m wide it's big enough to cater for a small party, and the water-resistant side panels with large see-through windows offer plenty of protection from the elements whilst keeping the interior bright. 

It's self-assembly, and due to its size this gazebo isn't going to be a spur-of-the-moment decision to erect, although with two pairs of hands the instructions are straightforward enough to follow. 

It's a shame the guide ropes and tent pegs aren't included in the price, but they're easy enough to add to your basket when you check out.


A blue and white hexagonal gazebo with netting side panels

(Image credit: Argos Home)

5. Argos Home 4m Hexagonal Garden Gazebo with Side Panels

Cheapest large gazebo with side walls: a useful hexagonal design with netting side panels to let the light in

Specifications

RRP: £150
Dimensions: H260 x W400 x D400cm
Materials: Polyester & powder-coated steel
Type of assembly: Self-assembly
Weight: 11kg
Colours: Navy

Reasons to buy

+
Hexagonal design makes good use of space
+
Netting side panels allow plenty of light in

Reasons to avoid

-
Self-assembly required

Another great large gazebo option is this hexagonal design from Argos Home. The unusually-shaped construction makes good use of space, allowing plenty of room inside for a sizeable gathering, without anyone getting stuck in the corner as with a square or rectangular build.

The decorative netting side panels also let in plenty of light, and offer some resistance to light drizzle, if not complete waterproofing, plus the option to open or close the drapes on all six sides makes for plenty of access points.

As a self-assembly option rather than a pop-up design, this gazebo will take a little more effort to put together, and definitely takes two to erect. But, the extra poles required for the six-sided shape also offer a little more stability than a regular four-poled option.


A BBQ gazebo with air-vented canopy

(Image credit: Outsunny)

6. Outsunny 2.5m Double-Tier BBQ Gazebo

Best BBQ gazebo: a practical grill solution with stylish built-in shelves

Specifications

RRP: £139.99
Dimensions: H255 x W245 x D148cm
Materials: Polyester & powder-coated steel
Type of assembly: Self-assembly
Colour: Coffee

Reasons to buy

+
Double-tier canopy allows smoke, air, and gathered heat out from the top
+
Two useful built-in shelves

Reasons to avoid

-
No fixings to secure to the ground
-
Self-assembly required

This useful BBQ gazebo features a double-tier vented roof to let out heat and grill smoke whilst you're cooking alfresco, plus two handy shelves (and an all-essential bottle opener) built into the frame to rest plates and glasses. 

It's not just a necessity for a drizzly British barbecue – as one of the smaller gazebos on our list, this option also makes a great addition to a compact courtyard or petite patio. 

The lack of fixings or guide ropes does mean that you'll need to ensure this gazebo is placed on level ground – ideally a paved or gravel patio –  to make sure that it's secure, and to be careful that the wind doesn't get too strong whilst it's in use. And again, this gazebo is self-assembly, which means you'll need to plan ahead as to when you want to use it. 


Where can I buy in-stock gazebos?

Just like garden furniture, gazebos tend to sell out fast once spring arrives. If our top choices aren't in stock when you want to buy, then you can browse the best in-stock options below. Just scroll to the right to see more options at a gradually increasing price point, and click through to shop.


How to choose the best gazebo

Size and style
Ultimately, you'll want your gazebo to be able to adequately shelter or shade your household and a couple of guests comfortably. Think about the garden space you have and when you're going to use it, then select the size accordingly. 

When it comes to looks, going for a neutral colour will blend well into most garden settings, while if you'll be taking your gazebo camping or to the beach, you could consider a brighter colour or a pattern to help your canopy stand out playfully from the crowd.

Bear in mind that if you're using it regularly in bright, sunny conditions, most gazebo will fade over time, so a lighter colour can help to keep your pop-up gazebo looking fresh for longer (as long as you can protect it from dirt or mud).

Coverage
Will you be using your gazebo solely during the day for shade, to house a BBQ or picnic area? Or, will you want to host there in the evening? This will determine whether you need to choose a gazebo with sidewalls or panels, or not. Walls will make for a more comfortable setting come sundown, and it should keep mosquitos and the likes at bay.

Weather-resistance
Not all gazebos are waterproof, with some just offering some welcome shade on the sunniest of days. So if you want an option that is going to keep you dry in the drizzle then make sure you check the small print to avoid disappointment. 

Assembly type
A pop-up gazebo is the most fuss-free option. These are also useful if you want your gazebo to be portable so you can take it to the beach or the car boot, or just so you can erect it in the garden in a hurry when the clouds loom. 

However, gazebos that require self-assembly can still be pretty straightforward to erect – although two pairs of hands will help – you'll just need to plan ahead as to when you want to use it. At the higher end of the price bracket, self-assembly gazebos can also offer more options in terms of style and aesthetics. 

How we chose the best gazebos

To find the best gazebos for this list we dived into the specifications to sort the wheat from the chaff, grilled the Gardeningetc team for their expert knowledge, asked friends and family for their top-rated products, and took into account third party reviews on retailer websites. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Gardeningetc

Want more outdoor inspiration?

Little brings as much pleasure as spending time in the garden, so make sure yours is working hard for you and embrace outdoor living with our outdoor living space ideas or transform your paving with these fresh patio ideas

And if you have a lawn you need to tame before you can set up that gazebo, find the right option for you in our guide to the best lawn mowers.

Amy Lockwood
Decor Editor

After specialising in Textile Design for Interiors at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent many years working in the design and interior industries, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She now writes for multiple interior publications, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, and Real Homes to offer advice on creating a well-designed interior, whether that's choosing the perfect shade of paint, what to look for when investing in a new sofa, or sourcing on-trend and sustainable products for the home.

Amy joined the Gardeningetc team to bring her design knowledge outdoors, offering advice on what to consider when shopping for the best garden furniture, how to choose the ideal garden bench, and sourcing everything you need to create an outdoor living area that will become the perfect place to kick back and relax when the sun shines.