9 Different Types of Gazebos | Comprehensive Guide of 2023

Gazebos give your outdoor space a luxurious setting!
Gazebos are made to enhance your house’s beauty while protecting you from sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions, but it is important to consider a few factors before making the right choice. For example, the material should be considered as well as the size.
Such that, the size can determine the style of your gazebo, and whether you can add accessories, such as flower boxes, mosquito netting, fairy lights, etc.
There are many options and Types of Gazebos when choosing one depending on what suits your property the best as these structures can be free-standing or attached to any building or a wall.
Do you know you can decorate your gazebo with furniture?
You can add a table inside your gazebo to make it a pleasant sitting area where you can dine with family and friends. Besides that, it can be a tranquil spot where you can read books, do some work, or play.
You can sit and praise the beauty of nature in your garden as some gazebos are made to be decorated. Also, In these same cases, you must learn How to Decorate a Gazebo for a Wedding?
Gazebos have a wide range of designs and brands but you should consider a gazebo according to what you want to use it for and how much space you have in your backyard.
A gazebo can come in different materials such as wood, steel, and vinyl, and can be used for both decorative and functional reasons.
- Metal and steel are usually used in public spaces but they are not recommended for backyards.
- Metal gazebos are heavy and difficult to put together. They are vulnerable to rust when left outside.
- Aluminum can be used for a gazebo at home as it is less expensive and lightweight.
- Aluminum gazebos have canvas or fabric canopies.
- Wood is preferred for the backyard over metal as it is aesthetically appealing and durable.
- Wood can withstand wind and snow.
- Wood gazebos are durable as they are treated to resist weather and insects.
- Redwood and cedar are the common types of woods used for a gazebo.
Let us explore the different styles and types!

Which Types of Gazebos Are Best for You?
Here are my recommended 9 different kinds of gazebos:-
1). Folly Gazebo
A gazebo made only for ornamentation is a folly gazebo. These gazebos have grandiose designs and were designed to resemble ancient ruins that appeared centuries ago. The folly gazebo is made for show and decoration only and is not to be used.
If you want to decorate your garden or backyard, this gazebo is your answer so people can admire it from a distance. Other than being ornamental, this type of gazebo is available in different sizes and styles.
They provide elegance, enhance your scenery, and they are delicate and frequently extravagant.
2). Rotunda Gazebo
Rotunda Gazebo is a huge, circular gazebo and generally has a domed roof that is supported through rings of pillars. Being of European origin in design, they are popular architectural style buildings.
The rotunda refers to a circular chamber having a domed roof and a rotunda gazebo is the same with the exception that it is free-standing and it has no walls.
3). Pagoda
In Japan, Pagodas first originated as a building, made up of wood, and were used for religious purposes. Such pagoda-style wooden gazebos are a stunning addition to your garden decorations and they can be functional and used for any event.
The pagoda is marked by its oriental style in any case, but they are mostly seen in the curved, pointed roof and it can have two or three-tired. These gazebos can sometimes have a complex, lacy woodwork decoration on the sides, with pillars supporting the roof.
4). Pavilion
The pavilion is a simple type of gazebo having open sides usually rectangular in shape and supported by only four columns. The roof is plain and functional rather than just decorative.
If you have a bigger pavilion, then it will have additional columns. They are spacious and easily filled with furniture, they have a lot of gathering space.
Pavilions are located next to any main building and they are utilized as a place for family events or parties, as they are quite large and have a lot of standing room. This is the perfect option for outdoor parties with the combination of fresh air and roof, making visitors quite comfortable.
5). Pergola
Pergolas are used to support climbing plants and have a lattice ceiling. The purpose of this structure is to support vines and any other climbing plants that cover it.
They have a roof, that is simple, with strong pillars to support, that can be opened or close.
This type of gazebo can be used as a seating area so you can relax in the shades provided by the plants that are growing all around it and it can create a corridor as well.
They have an enormous size and are usually utilized to provide flower-filled, and shady pathways in public gardens. It is frequently used as a walkway between pavilions or an extension of your house or terrace.
6). Lean-to Gazebo
A gazebo that leans against the outside of your home, typically over the back door is referred to as a lean-to gazebo and it can either be free-standing or fixed with a wall for more security and stability.
7). Freestanding Gazebo
You can install a freestanding gazebo in your backyard whenever you want without having to lean it against your house or wall as it doesn’t require any additional support.
8). Pop up Gazebo
Some gazebos can be set up in no time. The pop-up gazebos offer space to relax and eat indoors while protecting you from wind, rain, sun, and snow making it perfect for summer-time gatherings, BBQs, and parties.
9). Gazebo Tents
The gazebo tents have walls and a canopy that makes them perfect for picnics, garden parties, and adding privacy to your campsite. To let in some light, those with sides have windows constructed from the same material, mostly polyethylene.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1). Are aluminum gazebos a good option?
Traditional wood gazebos can be replaced with aluminum as it is a lightweight, less expensive model and if you prefer a natural polished appearance, you can leave it untreated or paint it in several hues.
2). Is steel gazebos expensive?
Steel is the most expensive option as the weight of the steel used in construction needs specialized lifts or cranes.
The steel gazebos are ideally used for commercial purposes such as in parks or public spaces as it has a high cost and substantial weight. The steel gazebo can withstand years of intensive use making it difficult to harm.
3). How many types does a gazebo have?
There are 9 Different types of Gazebos:
1). Folly gazebo
2). Rotunda gazebo
3). Pagoda
4). Pavilion
5). Pergola
6). Freestanding
7). Lean-to gazebo
8). Gazebo tents
9). Pop-up gazebo
4). Is the roof important when choosing a gazebo?
The roof plays a crucial role and its form might contribute to many factors. A classic pointed roof has a more conventional appearance, and clean straight lines or smooth waving canopies are perfect for a contemporary setting.
Metal is sleek and modern, but wood versions give a cozy and rustic feel.
Conclusion
These different Types of Gazebos can protect you from sun and rain and they are an extra living space in a crowded home while being an ideal setting for family get-togethers. They have many varieties available, and buyers should evaluate the material, style, and design while picking the ideal model.
Although many designs of gazebos are lightweight or simple to use, others can be heavy and require heavy machinery along with specialized skill and they can be made up of wood, metal, steel, and plastic.