Hardtop gazebos are great additions to a backyard deck or patio. Although regular gazebos do a fine job sheltering you from the sun, many have a fabric canopy that is a pain to remove and replace when the seasons change.
To eliminate this problem, a hardtop gazebo is the way to go. These durable sun shelters use high-quality metals for the frame and roof, ensuring it will stand the test of time.
The most popular roof material is galvanized steel, which is zinc-coated to resist rust and corrosion from humidity, rain, and snow.
Translucent Polycarbonate roofs are also common. They can withstand extreme temperatures and let sunlight filter in, while protecting you from UV rays.
Hardtop gazebos are great for covering seating areas, hot tubs, and some manufacturers design their model with a cupola to ensure proper ventilation at all times.
A far throw from pop up gazebos, which are quite the opposite, designed to be ‘on the move’, these are not. Definitely suited for people looking for a permanent fixture on their property for an evergreen experience.
In this article, we review the best hardtop gazebos currently available on the Canadian market.
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What Is The Best Hardtop Gazebo?
There is no doubt in our minds that Outsunny appear to be the market leader when it comes to steel-roofed or polycarbonate-top gazebos. Their sheer variety of models and sizes available pits them well above the other contenders. They also stay in stock all year round and don’t float in and out just for the summer, which can be a pain when you’re trying to find replacement parts and the like. With an abundance of models from garden, patio and BBQ gazebos, and the variation in roof design from double tiered to party canopy, we would have to go with Outsunny.
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Sojag and Aleko would come in 2nd and 3rd places. Sojag also have a few eloquently designed steel gazebos, in a sleek black color, which aren’t commonly seen from anyone else. Their roofs have a unique look using galvanized steel, and make some great BBQ gazebos and hardtop gazebos for the yard. Due to the materials used and meticulous designs however, they are more pricey than Outsunny’s line.
10 Best Hardtop Gazebos to Buy in Canada
1. Outsunny 10 x 13 Double Tier Garden Gazebo
For those that are looking for an eye-catching gazebo that will be a conversation starter as much as a functional outdoor shelter, this orange beast from Outsunny might be perfect. Providing you with 130 square feet to relax under, it has a two-tier top to help with air circulation, ensuring you won’t overheat.
Stakes are included so you can fasten it to the ground if you aren’t bolting it to a deck, and the rustproof aluminum frame is sturdy with reinforced bars for added stability. Dual dense curtains are also included: a mesh screen for keeping bugs out, and a privacy curtain that is waterproof as well as UV resistant.
Key Features:
- 130 Square Feet with Dual Curtains
- Cupola Design Aids with Ventilation
- Includes Stakes for Securing to The Ground
2. Outsunny 10 x 12 Deluxe Steel Patio Gazebo
An elegant-looking hard top gazebo measuring 10 x 12 feet with a 9 foot peak height, it has a galvanized steel roof that is ribbed for your pleasure. Jokes aside, the strong aluminum frame is powder coated, with railing support designed throughout for additional stability.
Outsunny includes two layers of zippered curtains for each wall of the gazebo. The mesh curtain does its job to keep the mosquitoes out, and the privacy curtain helps you relax in peace. It will also protect you when the weather turns windy or rainy.
A nice feature that is included in this model is dual hooks, so you can hang lanterns for night time illumination.
Key Features:
- Elegant Design with High-Quality Steel Throughout
- Includes Both Mesh and Privacy Curtains
- Interior Hooks for Hanging Lights/Lanterns
3. Sojag Messina Hardtop Sun Shelter 12 x 20
Weighing over 250 lbs., this 240 square foot hard top gazebo from Sojag is their best selling model, and with good reason. Raising it with 2 people is completely doable, even by those in their senior years. The steel roof is galvanized with a zinc-coating for corrosion resistance, and it rests on a charcoal aluminium frame which is, similarly, rustproof.
Entry headroom is 6’4” so most people won’t hit their head on it, and it has dual tracks for curtains. Sojag includes a high-quality, PVC-coated mosquito mesh curtain to combat the nasties, but if you want a privacy curtain it will have to be purchased separately. While the opaque roof can absorb heat, there is a cupola on top to help circulate air inside the gazebo so you are comfortable at all times.
Key Features:
- Rustproof Steel & Aluminum for Year-Round Use
- Roof Designed with Gutter System to Channel Rainwater
- PVC-Coated Mesh Screens Included
4. Outsunny 14 x 12 Hardtop Gazebo
This 14 x 12 foot hardtop gazebo from Outsunny gives you 168 square feet of covered space you can sit under to enjoy the outdoors at any time of year. With plenty of headroom at 7 feet high (and almost 9 feet of peak height), the roof is composed of 7 mm thick polycarbonate.
Outsunny has designed the roof with ventilation, and treated it for UV resistance, allowing sunlight to shine through. Weighing over 200 lbs., it has a strong aluminum alloy frame, and fastening to the ground is easy with 8 provided stakes.
You won’t be dining with bugs as long as you use the 4 zippered screens, which protect you while making it easy to get in and out. Also included are privacy curtains that are water-resistant as well as UV-resistant, and large Velcro fasteners keep them buckled out of the way when they aren’t needed.
Key Features:
- Translucent & Durable Polycarbonate Roof
- Excellent Ventilation for Summer Months
- Includes Zippered Screens and Privacy Curtains
5. Patiotrends 10 x 12 Outdoor Deluxe Gazebo
Patiotrends makes this 10 x 12 foot hardtop gazebo that would be a welcome addition to any backyard. The fully steel construction makes for a durable product that will last for many years, and you won’t have to worry about it degrading over time as it is anti-rust, anti-chip, and anti-corrosion treated.
With its open design, air can pass through it freely, and a cupola is built into the roof to aid in airflow. The gazebo can be secured to the ground using stakes, or fastened to your patio deck with heavy duty bolts.
As for the curtains, it comes with 360 degrees worth of mesh curtains, which can provide shade, relief from airborne insects like mosquitoes, and a bit of privacy once the sun goes down.
Key Features:
- 120 Square Foot Steel Gazebo
- Anti-Corrosion Treatment for Longevity
- Includes 4 Walls of Mesh
6. Kozyard Rosana Aluminum Hardtop Gazebo
Built for longevity and allowing for many years of use, this 10’ x 10’ hardtop gazebo from Kozyard stands 6.4 feet high with a 9.2-foot peak. It comes in multiple designs and sizes (this one being the smallest), all of which can withstand harsh elements and 35 mph winds. At 0.4 mm thick, the galvanized steel roof is double-treated with zinc and powder coatings.
This helps it combat rust and deformation that can occur when metals are left out in the rain and snow. The roof will never cave in with its insane 4400 lb. weight capacity, and its supported by 4, strong, 3” x 3” triangular aluminum poles.
Keeping bugs out is a layer of mosquito mesh, so you can enjoy your backyard without dousing yourself in insect repellent. A fireproof and waterproof privacy curtain is also provided, and a double track allows for you to use both the netting and curtain at the same time.
Key Features:
- Galvanized Steel Roof to Withstand Harsh Elements
- Includes Mesh Netting and Privacy Curtain
- Available in Multiple Designs and Sizes
7. Sojag Messina 12 x 12 4-Season Gazebo
Sojag is a top of line gazebo manufacturer, and their 12 x 12 foot Messina model follows in their tradition of high quality. With an attractive dark grey exterior, this model is available in larger sizes (12 x 14 or 12 x 16), and provides plenty of headroom at almost 77 inches.
The aluminum frame is sturdy, rustproof, and holds up the galvanized steel roof with ease. A cupola on top promotes airflow through the gazebo, as it can get a bit warm with the sun beating down on it in the summer months. A mosquito netting is included and made of PVC-coated polyester, keeping bugs out while simultaneously keeping your skin free of bug spray.
A double track design allows you to add a polyester privacy curtain (separate purchase), and Sojag also sells an additional support pole that can be fitted during the winter months, to combat heavy snowfalls.
Key Features:
- Durable, Rustproof Build Quality
- Includes Cupola to Circulate Air
- Available in Multiple Sizes
8. Festnight 10 x 10 Hardtop Shelter
Standing tall at 6.5 feet high, with 2 additional inches to peak height, this 10 x 10 foot square gazebo provides a durable sun shelter with its hardtop roof. Made from Polycarbonate sheeting, this roof is tough and resistant to heat, as well as the harsh ultraviolet rays pumped out by the sun.
Polycarbonate is also a fairly transparent material, so it allows plenty of light to shine through while keeping you protected. Propping up the overhead are 4, anti-rust aluminum legs, ensuring they won’t degrade when left out in the rain and snow.
Festnight also includes 2 protective curtains that encapsulate the entire gazebo: 1 made out of mesh, and 1 out of waterproof polyester. Use the mesh curtains to keep mozzies from disturbing your outdoor fun, and use the polyester curtains for privacy, as well as protection if the forecast calls for rain.
Key Features
- 100 Square Foot Polycarbonate Roof
- Provides UV Protection While Allowing Light In
- Waterproof Privacy Curtains for Rainy Days
9. Outsunny 10 x 10 Steel Garden Gazebo
This black and coffee-colored gazebo has a fully steel structure for strong support, and uses a fabric canopy overhead. The metal used in its construction is powder coated, making it resistant to rust so you don’t have to worry about water damaging it. Extra ribs and railings in its design add to its stability, and Outsunny has included 8 grommets for drainage when it rains.
With an eave height of 6.8 feet, everyone can fit under it, and dense polyester fabric curtains are included in the box. These curtains give you a barrier against bugs and UV rays while allowing you some privacy and shelter from rain.
Of note, Outsunny does not recommend using this gazebo in high winds, storms, or during the winter season. If that’s not a problem for you, this is an affordable option that works well for a variety of occasions in your backyard.
Key Features:
- 10 x 10 Rust-Proof Steel Gazebo
- Dense Polyester Curtains for Convenience
- Affordable Option For 3 Season Use
10. Aleko 10 x 10 Aluminum Hardtop Gazebo
Measuring 3 x 3 meters (which roughly translates to 10 x 10 feet), Aleko’s hard top gazebo is designed with longevity in mind. The translucent polycarbonate roof allows light through while protecting you from the sun’s rays.
Polycarbonate can also block heat, and withstand cold temperatures, making it a versatile and long-lasting option. Equipped with dual curtain tracks, you get a mesh screen for keeping bugs out, as well as a privacy curtain.
Both of these can be removed or just fastened against the gazebo’s legs when not in use. Setting it up is pretty simple, and included screws and stakes allow you to secure it to either the ground or a patio deck.
Key Features:
- Polycarbonate Roof Provides Light & Longevity
- Includes Mesh & Privacy Curtains
- Excellent Bang for Your Buck
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one person assemble a hardtop gazebo?
For a general ‘Joe Blogs’ of the public, I’d have to say no. For someone whose got a fair amount of construction or handyman experience, I’d be inclined to say yes. However, no matter the level of experience, most would struggle with the larger, heavier pieces alone.
You will need at least two people (sometimes three) to put these gazebos together and manage the heavy sections safely. They are usually, at the smallest size, 10 feet by 10 feet but can go up 20 x 40 more the industrial versions that are tricky to find, and id say the larger the size, the more people you’d need.
Generally, you’ll find them between 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 for general home use. They also come in box kits, with various pieces ranging in size and weight. The whole build mainly weighing between 200 to 300 lbs.
Can a hardtop gazebo stay up all year?
Yes, it can. In fact, that is what they are designed for. The vast majority are made of rustproof metals and are built to withstand deformation due to being exposed to the elements 365 days a year.
What is the average lifespan of hardtop gazebos?
This depends on the build quality and the materials the gazebo is made out of. However, the majority of them employ a heavy-duty construction. Making the roof out of metal instead of fabric should ensure that you get many years of use before it starts to show major signs of wear and tear.
What is the best hardtop gazebo brand?
“Best” is a relative term, but some of the best-selling brands that provide excellent quality hardtop gazebos are Kozyard, Sunjoy, and Sojag.
Do hardtop gazebos get hot?
Most hardtop gazebos have a dark metal roof, which can definitely draw in heat. But it can also depend on how you are using the gazebo. If you are sitting around a fire pit table, and the privacy curtains are drawn, and you are using it in on the hottest day of they year, then yeah, it’s probably going to get pretty toasty.
But for the most part, if you are using the gazebo with the mosquito mesh, or no mesh, you should have minimal problems with overheating. Some gazebos even have a roof cupola to help vent the shelter and keep air circulating at all times.
Is there a cover that I can put over my hardtop gazebo during the winter?
Not really. Most hardtop gazebos really don’t need them as they are built to withstand the harsh elements that winter brings. Just make sure you store your mosquito mesh and privacy curtains during the winter months so they don’t get damaged.
Conclusion on Hardtop Gazebos
Spending time in your backyard should always be relaxing. With the 11 hardtop gazebos reviewed in this article, you should now have a good grasp on what they offer, and have no problem finding the right one to suit your needs.
