Hardtop Gazebos

A hardtop gazebo has a roof of galvanized steel panels instead of fabric: full shade, rain that runs off instead of pooling, and a structure meant to stay put rather than come down every fall. Every model here pairs the steel roof with a rustproof, powder-coated frame — aluminum on all of them except the Corriveau Metropolis, which combines aluminum with e-coated steel. Several have a double roof that lets hot air escape at the peak: the Sojag Ventura, the Gazebo Penguin Yosemite and the Shefford.

Some are built around a use: the Sojag Skylight sets polycarbonate panels into its steel roof to let daylight in; the Lucca adds a wrap-around L-shaped bar counter and a trellised privacy wall; the Barilo bar gazebo has counters designed for easy wiring; the BBQ Ventura and Dakota 6x8 BBQ are grill gazebos; the Portland mounts to the house wall. Sizes run from 5 x 8 to 12 x 16 ft — 8x8, 10x10, 10x12, 10x14 — and see aluminum gazebos and polycarbonate-roof gazebos.

Hardtop gazebo FAQ

What makes a gazebo a hardtop?

A rigid roof instead of a fabric canopy. The gazebos on this page have galvanized steel roof panels; gazebos with a polycarbonate roof (Sojag Meridien, Verona, Pompano) are hardtops too, with panels that let filtered daylight through.

Can a hardtop gazebo stay up in winter?

That is the main reason to buy one, but the winter guidance is per model. Sojag says the Ventura's roof does not need to be stored for winter and the Portland can be left up year-round; Corriveau says snow should always be cleared from the Metropolis and sells a winter support kit separately. Clearing heavy snow is good practice on any roof, and winter covers add protection.

What does a double roof do?

The upper roof sits above the lower one with a gap between them, so hot air escapes at the peak and the space underneath stays cooler. The Sojag Ventura, the Gazebo Penguin Yosemite and the Shefford — whose double roof is 0.4 mm galvanized, UV-protected steel — are built this way.

Can I put a barbecue under it?

Use a gazebo made for it: the Sojag BBQ Ventura (5 x 8 ft) and Dakota 6x8 BBQ are grill gazebos built to shelter a barbecue, and the Barilo bar gazebo has tool hooks for the grill master. Follow both the grill's and the gazebo's clearance instructions.

Are netting and curtains included?

Most models come with mosquito netting — the Ventura, Dakota, Sanibel, Genova, Skylight, Shefford and Portland among them — and several run it on a double track so privacy curtains can hang alongside. Curtains are usually an accessory (the Ventura's and Shefford's are sold separately).