Double Roof Gazebos
A double roof gazebo has a second, raised roof tier with a gap between the two. If you live somewhere hot or breezy, that gap is the whole point. This page helps you decide whether the extra cost of a vented two tier roof is worth it for your yard, and which shape and material suits it.
Rectangular gazebos
Rectangular models are the easiest to fit into a yard. They line up with a house wall, a fence or a patio edge. They also give the most usable floor for dining tables, sofas and outdoor kitchens. If you want one shaded spot for a long table in a hot climate, this shape is the practical choice. The smaller sizes suit a pair of chairs and a bistro table. The larger ones suit a family that entertains.
Cedar and treated pine are both on offer here. Cedar costs more but gives a warmer look. Treated pine keeps the price down on the big footprints.
For a very large gathering space, the biggest rectangles run to 36 or 40 feet long. Check that your lawn or slab can take that size before you fall for the look.
Oval gazebos
An oval has no sharp corners, so it feels softer in a garden with curved beds or round patios. It also sits well in an open lawn where nothing lines up with a wall. The long sides give you room for a lounge area at one end and a table at the other. Ovals come in cedar, treated pine and vinyl, in a wide range of lengths.
If you want a long, narrow shaded space along a pool or a path, the longer treated pine ovals cover a lot of ground for the money.
Octagon gazebos
An octagon is a classic standalone shape. It works as a focal point at the end of a garden, with seating all the way round and no front or back. It suits a smaller yard that needs one quiet shaded corner. These come in 12, 14, 16 and 20 foot sizes, in vinyl or treated pine. They are among the lower priced ways to get a two tier roof.
Vinyl models
Vinyl suits owners who want to do as little upkeep as possible. It is offered in rectangular, oval and octagon shapes, from compact to very large. In a sunny, dry climate, the lower maintenance is the main draw. You pay more for it at the larger sizes, so compare against treated pine of the same footprint.
How to choose
- Is the vent worth it? If summers are hot or gusty, the gap between the two roof tiers lets warm air escape. In a mild, calm climate, a single roof may do the job for less.
- Size. Measure your space first, then leave room to walk around the gazebo. Think about what will go inside: a table, a sofa, a grill.
- Material. Cedar for looks, treated pine for value, vinyl for low upkeep.
- Shape. Rectangles fit against buildings, ovals suit curved gardens, octagons stand alone.
- Installation. Follow the manual, and check your local rules on structures before you buy.
Questions people ask
Does a double roof keep the space cooler?
The two tiers leave a gap for air to pass through. That is what the design is for. How much difference you feel depends on your yard and weather.
Which material is cheapest?
Treated pine is usually the lower priced option at a given size, though it varies by shape. Compare like for like.
Which shape suits a small yard?
An octagon or a small rectangle. Both fit into a corner without taking over the space.
Can I put one on a lawn?
That depends on the model and the ground. Read the product details and the manual for what base it needs.