While we’d never complain about the sun shining (especially in a year where we’ve been so starved of it), a garden gazebo can provide some welcome shade for your garden furniture when it gets a little too hot. The best gazebos are equally useful when the weather looks a little unsettled, giving you the option to carry on your outdoor party rain or shine. But unless you want to leave yourself at risk of a gazebo that’ll blow away come any gust of wind, you want to know which ones to looking out for. Hence why we’ve scoured the internet to find the most practical and stylish designs to see you in good stead this summer.
You can buy a wide selection of gazebos in various shapes, materials, sizes and price points, with a range of options to suit your needs, whether you’re planning it for a patio, lawn, or camping trip. Choose from temporary pop-up gazebos with removable walls and windows that are highly portable, to freestanding options made from wood or metal that are designed to stand securely all year round. And if you want something particularly sturdy, look for canopies with waterproof fabric that has been treated to keep the UV rays out so you are suitably sheltered whatever the weather.
Whether you’re after a gazebo for an upcoming summer garden party, want something to pop over a hot tub to provide some extra shelter, or just want to add some extra coverage in your garden, these gazebos are well worth a look. Whatever reason would you have to be inside again?
What are the best garden gazebos to buy in 2023?
Best gazebo overall: Mondeer Garden Gazebo, £150
Mondeer Garden Gazebo
Mondeer Garden Gazebo
The Mondeer Garden Gazebo (£185.99, Amazon) comes in three contemporary colourways that make it a stylish and practical addition to your patio, lawn or poolside.
Best retractable gazebo: Metal Pergola, £260
Metal Pergola
Metal Pergola
The flexible 3 x 3M Metal Pergola with Retractable Roof (£296.99, B&Q) comes with a waterproof, UV-resistant canopy that can be easily folded to let the sun shine through when needed.
GQ’s best garden gazebos to buy in 2023 at a glance
- Best overall gazebo: Mondeer Garden Gazebo, £185.99 at amazon.co.uk
- Best retractable gazebo: 3x3M Metal Pergola with Retractable Roof, Garden Pergola with Sun Shade Canopy for Garden Lawn Party and Patio Furniture Set, £269.99. At diy.com
- Best garden gazebo for hot tubs: Garden Gazebo Dome Shelter Party Tent, £69.95. At amazon.co.uk
- Best wooden gazebo: Tiger Pavilion, from £848. At tiger.com
What is the best material for a gazebo?
In general, most gazebos tend to be made from either metal or wood, and while both have their advantages, there are plenty of factors to consider before choosing which will work best for your garden. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to care for your gazebo, especially after a period of bad weather, wooden options can be an excellent option, and might even scratch the chic itch you’ve been hunting for from your garden furniture. But on the whole, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to look after, can withstand winds and rains, and has good stability, metal will be best.