Both a place of rest and relaxation, the gazebo allows you to enjoy beautiful weather without fear of suffering the negative effects of too much sun. The gazebo offers shaded space that is difficult to do without, and this is why more and more homeowners are choosing to install it in their backyards. Are you also thinking about it? To learn more about this type of shelter, read on!
All About Gazebos
Different types of materials
While we may tend to believe that most gazebos are made of wood, be aware that the range of materials in which the gazebo can be created is quite large. Indeed, it’s possible to find polycarbonate, aluminum, wrought iron, stone, steel and even concrete! Obviously, the most popular option is wood, both for its charm as well as for its attractive price/quality ratio. Cedar and pine are the two types that attract buyers most often.
Gazebo Shapes and Designs
If patios, balconies or solariums often come in more conventional forms, gazebos are distinguished from them by the originality of their design. On this point, know that the shape of your gazebo is limited by your imagination alone! There is something for everyone: circle, square, oval, hexagon, octagon, rectangle and even dodecagon.
The dome-shaped models are particularly interesting because of their aesthetic which recalls ornamental gazebos installed in many parks. The elaborate details of their architecture are definite assets that work in their favour. We should mention that these characteristics are features specific to Victorian models. The latter imitates this particular style of architecture by highlighting refined and delicate woodwork.
Pergolas, which embody a specific type of gazebo, has the distinction of having no floor. Their roof, for its part, consists of planks that sit parallel to each other. Pergolas are often criticized for their lack of opacity and protection from the sun, it should be noted that some opt for the installation of a canvas roof in order to remedy this shortcoming.
Types of Gazebo Tops
Soft top
Gazebo tops fall into two categories: rigid and flexible. Soft tops are made of canvas and have the advantage of being available at a very affordable cost. For those who are tempted by this style of top, you should bear in mind that it’s highly recommended to choose a fabric resistant to ultraviolet rays in order to avoid discoloration.
As this material is less resistant than those with rigid tops, it is also possible that tears or punctures may occur. These will absolutely have to be repaired, otherwise, the space under your gazebo could accumulate rainwater. What is more, it must be said that the canvas roof is not very wind resistant. This is why it’s absolutely essential that the gazebo with a soft roof has an opening in the middle of the roof, specifically a vent. Otherwise, the shelter could fall as a result of the wind, especially if it’s strong.
Hardtops
If you choose a gazebo model with a hardtop, don't necessarily assume that you’ll get better protection. In this regard, we’ll emphasize that if you set your sights on a gazebo with a polycarbonate roof, it may not be able to withstand all the bad weather to which it'll be subjected. This is an issue since the repair of this material is complicated.
If you want your gazebo to have a roof for optimal protection, you should rather choose a gazebo equipped with a metal top (which is often made of steel). The latter is, in fact, the strongest gazebo roof covering. Because of their greater waterproofness, they offer much greater protection than gazebos with flexible roofs. Regardless of the rigid material you choose for the roof, remember that it is recommended to remove the snow that collects on its surface to avoid breakage.
How much does a gazebo cost?
As far as prices are concerned, let's say these vary. For a traditional wooden model and 9 square feet in area, expect to pay between $2,000 and $12,000. For a polycarbonate gazebo, the prices will be between $1,000 and $5,000. If you have a generous budget, you may decide to have a custom gazebo built. which will cost between $8,000 and $20,000.
If you are thinking about purchasing a basic model, sold in a kit and folded out for transport, you may be able to find what you need for approximately between $1000 and $5000.
Apart from the type of material involved in the construction of your gazebo, other factors can impact its cost. Effectively, you should expect to shell out an advance for a gazebo whose side openings are closed.
Not only will you have to pay more for the amount of material involved in the construction, but this increase in price will be due to the more substantial labour cost required for its installation. In addition, levelling work or pouring a concrete slab may be necessary to ensure that the structure is stable on the ground surface. To avoid overspending, make sure that these additional works are included in the price set in the bids obtained.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•08 Nov 2023
With city populations growing rapidly, and space becoming dense and limited, many are choosing to live in a townhouse or condo in lieu of more traditional housing choices. There are plenty of benefits to townhouse and condo living, but what are the rules and regulations for those interested in renovating?
Editorial Team
•10 Apr 2025
In a fictional world made up solely of residential drainage solutions, the French drain is the epitome of all systems, distinguished by its features and efficiency. This article will focus on the key differences between a French drain and other commonly used home drainage solutions. Understanding the differences is crucial to efficiently manage water around the perimeter of your home and prevent moisture problems. Uncover which drainage system best suits your residential needs.
Editorial Team
•19 Mar 2026
Whether you’re gearing up for a busy summer in downtown Vancouver or preparing crews for rural builds in Alberta, technology has become essential to staying organized and competitive during peak season. As demand ramps up, successful contractors rely on more than their tools and crew—they depend on software to streamline operations, respond quickly to incoming leads, keep clients informed, and maintain steady cash flow.
Editorial Team
•08 Nov 2023
Fibre-reinforced concrete was a definite turning point in the construction industry. Designed to offset the brittleness of standard concrete and with a low-tensile strength, fibre-reinforced concrete sets a new record. As a result, some mixtures allow for fewer rebar use on construction sites since this material can withstand tensile forces of 2,300 MPa, compared to standard concrete’s 500 MPa.
Editorial Team
•29 May 2026
Reducing electricity consumption starts with understanding where your home uses the most power. In Canadian homes, electricity can go toward lighting, appliances, electronics, water heating, cooling, and, in many provinces, space heating. Natural Resources Canada notes that space heating and water heating are among the largest energy uses in the average Canadian home, which means small daily habits and larger efficiency upgrades can both make a noticeable difference.