Gazebos for Your Backyard Patio or Deck.

Warm weather means more fun outdoors, and for those times when you need a break from the hot sun (or a place to duck during inclement weather), a gazebo is a great addition to your patio or deck, creating a covered space for dining, grilling or relaxing.

Outdoor gazebos come in a range materials and constructions, so when shopping for one of these structures you’ll want to consider a couple different factors: Pop-up varieties are intended for temporary use, while those that can be anchored to the ground function more like outdoor living rooms, with ample room for furnishings and electronics.

If you’re looking for shelter for your deck, patio or backyard, keep these factors in mind:

✔️ Style: For the canopy, you will see hard-top or soft-top, with hard-top being preferential for all-season use in areas with more wind or inclement weather. Some gazebos are permanent fixtures that anchor into the ground, while others can easily pop up and be disassembled for easy storage when not in use. Some of the soft-top canopies have removable canopies as well to remove during the off-season. Pop-up gazebos are generally made with lighter materials to allow for portability but the trade-off is they are usually less durable and stable.

✔️ Materials: Depending upon the structure and materials used, gazebos will offer varying levels of shade, weather-resistance, ease of setup and versatility. For the frame, you’ll see many are steel or aluminum as these materials are very durable, but there are also options featuring wood or vinyl frames. Most of the materials we reviewed were either naturally weather-resistant or had special coatings to help with water-, fade- and rust resistance. It’s important to check the product description, usage and care guidelines, as well as warranty information, to ensure you’re using and caring for your gazebo correctly.

✔️ Size: When determining the appropriate size for your gazebo, you’ll want to think about where you will be installing it and what you plan on doing under its shade. For instance, do you just want a shaded area to sit with friends and family, or will it be used for large dining affairs? You’ll want to ensure the area you select is free of any physical obstructions and the ground is flat. Many of the gazebos included here will require at least two people to assemble and install properly, though some of the instructions call for upwards of five people teams to help with install.

✔️ Shape: While shape is largely an aesthetic decision, there is some practicality to consider when determining which shape is most suitable for your home. Rectangular structures are usually easier to set up and come in larger sizes to enable more room for coverage. Hexagonal, octagonal and round look classic, but may be a bit tougher to install and fit items underneath.

✔️ Ground: Besides ensuring a flat, clear space, you’ll have to think about where the gazebo will placed to ensure you can properly anchor it if needed. Most gazebos do not include a floor, so if you do not like the ground underneath where you plan to use yours you’ll have to factor in building or installing a flat surface as well.

✔️ Additional features: Of the gazebos we reviewed, we noted added features like mosquito netting, double-roof designs, curtains and anchors for hanging lighting.