Cedar Gazebos

Cedar gives a gazebo a warm, natural look that painted metal and vinyl can't quite copy. It also asks for some care in return. This page helps you weigh cedar's natural resistance to rot against the upkeep it needs, and pick a shape and size that suits your yard.

Rectangular single roof gazebos

The rectangular gazebo is the most practical shape in cedar. Straight sides sit neatly against a fence or house, and the floor plan makes it easy to fit a dining table or a row of loungers. A single roof keeps the build simpler and the lines clean. Smaller sizes suit a patio corner for morning coffee. Mid sizes work for a table and chairs for a family.

Larger rectangles are a different proposition. At 20' x 24' and up, you are planning a real outdoor room, with space for a kitchen run, a seating group and a dining area at once. Check your lot, your base and your local rules before you fall for the footprint.

Rectangular double roof gazebos

A double roof adds a second tier to the roofline. It gives the gazebo more presence and a more finished, architectural look. It suits larger yards where a plain single roof might look a little flat. The extra roof work also means more surfaces to look over when you do your yearly check of the cedar. Sizes run from compact 12' x 12' up to very long footprints, so there is room to scale to your space.

If you entertain often, the 16' and 20' widths give you room to split the space into zones. Think of one end for eating and the other for lounging.

Oval single roof gazebos

Oval gazebos soften a yard. The rounded ends break up the hard edges of fences and patios, and they feel more like a garden feature than a box. They suit people who want the cedar to blend into planting and curved paths. The 8' x 12' and 8' x 14' sizes are modest, good for a pair of chairs and a small table.

Step up to 12' x 16' or 14' x 24' and you get enough room for a proper seating group. The longest ovals are better kept for big, open lots.

Oval double roof gazebos

This style joins the curved plan to a tiered roof. It is the most decorative option here, and it suits shoppers who want the gazebo to be the centrepiece of the garden. Because it is a showpiece, it tends to look best when it has some space around it. Sizes begin around 10' x 14' and go up to 20' x 40'.

Octagon gazebos

The octagon is the classic garden gazebo shape. A 10' octagon is compact, sits well in the middle of a lawn and can be viewed from all sides. It suits a quiet seating spot more than a big gathering. If you want a small, traditional cedar structure, this is the simplest place to start.

How to choose

• Start with the footprint. Measure the spot, then allow room around the gazebo for walking and for the base it will sit on.
• Decide how you will use it. A pair of chairs needs far less room than a dining table for eight.
• Pick the roof for the look you want. Single roofs are simpler. Double roofs look more elaborate.
• Pick the shape for your yard. Rectangles fit tidy, straight-edged spaces. Ovals and octagons suit gardens with curves.
• Plan for upkeep. Cedar resists rot naturally, but it still benefits from regular checks and a finish or sealer if you want to keep its colour. Follow the maker's manual.

Questions people ask

Is cedar really rot resistant?

Cedar is well known for resisting rot better than many woods. That does not mean it needs no care. Water that sits on wood for long periods is still worth avoiding.

Will cedar change colour?

Natural wood tends to weather over time. If you like the fresh look, plan on sealing or staining. If you like a silvery tone, you may leave it more natural.

Do I need a double roof?

No. A double roof is a style choice. Pick it if you like the tiered look and have the space for it.

How big should I go?

Choose the size by what you will put inside it. Lay out your furniture on the ground first, then add walking room.