Sitting out in the garden is a pleasure for most people but the weather can spoil the experience. Whether you are trying to shelter from the rain or taking cover from those strong midday rays of the sun, a gazebo with sides is the perfect solution. However, owing to wind and heavy use, some gazebos simply cannot stand up to the challenge so you need something a little more heavy duty.
Finding the right gazebo for your needs is essential and for small to medium sized patios and 3m x 3m gazebo is just right. If you’ve been struggling to find a good solution, you’re in the right place. We’ve been checking out and reviewing heavy duty pop-up gazebos and are excited to bring you some of our top picks.
Latest update: March 2022
In a hurry? If you don’t have much time using the links below to quickly find our favourite gazebos for you on Amazon and beyond. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
5 Of The Best Heavy Duty Pop-Up Gazebos With Sides
No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got your back! Grab a cuppa and take a look at some of the most impressive and durable pop-up gazebos available today. Note that all of the gazebos we are looking at measure 3m x 3m.
OUR TOP PICK
Coming in a choice of four colours, the Maximus gazebo will easily fit into the aesthetic of your garden. But looking good is one thing; how does this gazebo measure up in terms of durability and strength?
Well, you’ll be pleased to know that this gazebo is incredibly heavy duty. It boasts a sturdy frame made from industrial grade powder coated steel. This gives it good rust resistance and ensures that no bending or warping will occur. What’s more, the gazebo comes with weight bags (that you’ll need to fill yourself) that will keep it rooted down even when the wind picks up.
The canopy is made from 600D Oxford fabric so you can feel confident that it will remain waterproof regardless of the conditions. This material is also resistant to tears and what’s great is that the frame can be adjusted to alter the height of the canopy. The four sides are just as strong and can be easily added and removed using velcro fixtures; no need to spend hours putting up your gazebo.
Pros | Cons |
Waterproof | We couldn’t find anything wrong with this gazebo |
Adjustable canopy | |
Industrial grade frame | |
Comes with weight bags | |
Extra thick frame |
EDITORS CHOICE
Any heavy duty gazebo needs to be able to withstand a lot but there are some that are far superior to others and the Gorilla Gazebo is one of them. It is made from very high quality materials including an alloy steel frame that is rust resistant and won’t weaken.
What’s more, the crossed roof means that the structure is far more supported and will withstand wind and heavy use without budging. This makes it ideal for the garden but also perfect for as a stall or for other professional uses. It also helps that this is a very good looking gazebo with an attractive grey canopy and walls.
The fabric is 100% waterproof so can be used in all weather and the removable sides give you a variety of options. Two panels feature windows so you won’t feel enclosed and the gazebo comes with a handy travel bag further demonstrating its suitability for professional use.
Pros | Cons |
Hammerlite finish for rust resistance | A little more expensive than other options |
Adjustable height | |
Attractive design | |
Versatile use | |
Waterproof |
BEST FOR OCCASIONAL USERS
If you only intend on using your gazebo for a few weeks each summer then you need something that is incredibly easy to put up and take down. While most products on our list benefit from this advantage, the Hoteel Gazebo is just that little bit more effortless.
It comes with a storage bag so you can protect it when not in use and the adjustable height is smooth and easy to operate. But just because this is best for occasional use that doesn’t mean that the gazebo is lacking in strength or features.
It’s made from powder coated steel giving it excellent resistance to the weather and corrosion and the canopy is 100% waterproof. There are also air vents to prevent moisture build up on the inside and keep things cool, even when all four sides are in place.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable | The canopy feels a little more flimsy than some other products |
Easy to put up and down | |
Good air flow | |
Removable side walls with large windows | |
Durable frame |
BEST VALUE
You must be mindful that when buying a cheaper gazebo, not all products are going to be as heavy duty as you would like but that isn’t the case with this one from Dawson’s Living. The gazebo frame is made from a high quality steel alloy that is just as hard wearing as some of the more pricey products.
The gazebo features a simple yet attractive design that wouldn’t look out of place at an intimate wedding or in the back garden. It has large windows so you get plenty of natural light inside and everything is waterproof and durable.
Included with this gazebo are four sand bags so the entire structure can be weighted, making it ideal for use in windy or temperamental conditions. What’s more, it includes a travel/storage bag making it super simple to move around.
Pros | Cons |
Easy to assemble | Other gazebos may have greater aesthetic appeal |
UV50 protection canopy | |
Waterproof | |
Sturdy frame | |
Comes with sand bags |
One of the first things we noticed about this gazebo was how nice it looks. There are some out there that look like more of an eyesore but this is a truly beautiful product that can be used in a number of ways.
The canopy is waterproof and offers UV protection meaning it is ideal for use in a variety of conditions. The frame is made from a hard wearing steel that is finished in a rust resistant coating further demonstrating that this is an ideal product for use in the rain.
We really love that this gazebo is so simple to put up and can be done by just two people. The height is fully adjustable and features secure locks to keep the gazebo in place and 100% sturdy. When you’re ready to store the gazebo, it comes with a travel bag that sits on two stable wheels so the gazebo can be easily moved around.
Pros | Cons |
Comes with weight bags | Heavy |
100% waterproof | |
Adjustable heights | |
Easy to put up | |
Good value for money |
What To Look For In A Heavy Duty Pop-Up Gazebo With Sides
Buying a heavy duty gazebo with sides isn’t as simple as you might think. There are some manufacturers that advertise their product as being strong and durable when in reality, it won’t withstand even the slightest gust of wind or a knock from the kids when they’re playing football. To make sure that you end up with the best gazebo possible, always check the following aspects.
Strength
The most obvious thing to keep and eye out for when shopping for a heavy duty gazebo is strength. If you’ve ever owned a flimsy gazebo, you’ll know how easily it can blow down and become unusable. That is not what we’re looking for here.
It’s important to check what material the frame is made from. Heavy duty steel is an excellent choice where strength is concerned but this type of metal will corrode more easily than something like aluminium. However, aluminium doesn’t offer as much strength so it’s important to consider things like whether you intend on leaving the gazebo out in the rain and just how strong you want it to be.
Powder coated steel gives a little more resistance to the elements and you should also be looking for frames that have been reinforced. The frame should be thick and durable as this will prevent it from bending or warping when put under pressure.
Security
As well as strength, it is important to be able to secure your gazebo. This is often done using guy ropes and pegs so you’ll need to make sure that the frame accommodates these. Hooks for the ropes and peg holes in the feet are some of the most essential things to look out for.
You might also consider whether the gazebo comes with ropes and pegs and how strong they are. Many gazebos do come with these accessories but they’re often cheap and unreliable. If you want your gazebo to stand up no matter what, then it might be worth considering getting some heavy duty tent pegs or ropes for extra security.
The Canopy
If you’re sitting under your gazebo in the rain, you want to be certain that no water is going to get through. Most manufacturers will advertise their gazebo as being waterproof but this isn’t always the case.
Make sure that the canopy fabric is waterproof but also check the stitching to ensure that there are no holes and gaps that rain could leak through. Cheaper gazebos will typically be made from much poorer quality fabrics and this is something you will want to avoid at all costs. If you are looking for a hardtop gazebo we wrote a guide about that.
Price
It’s more than possible to buy a cheap gazebo for less than £100; much less in some cases. But is this always a good idea? We wouldn’t advise it. If you want a gazebo that is going to remain strong and stable all summer then you’ll need to be willing to part with a little more cash. Some of the best heavy duty gazebos might set you back a few hundred pounds but the investment is worth it as you’ll have a product that will stand the test of time.
Moreover, if you are looking for a gazebo with sides then you will need to pay a little extra for this but the benefit is that you have much greater protection from the weather. An awning might be more affordable option.
It’s also worth checking whether the gazebo comes with a warranty and exactly what this covers. In some cases, there will be limits on how the gazebo is used that might affect the warranty.
Conclusion
Just because the weather isn’t doing what you had hoped, that shouldn’t mean that you miss out on enjoying your garden. Having a heavy duty gazebo with sides gives you reliable protection from rain, UV rays and the cold allowing you to dine outdoors, socialise and have fun.
Of course, you do need to be mindful of what you are buying and make sure that the gazebo is of the best quality and is designed to withstand whatever life throws at it. When you’re confident on what to look for, our top picks give you a great place to start in finding your perfect gazebo.
