Best Gazebo For High Winds

If you want to transform your backyard into a multi-functional space, nothing beats having a gazebo installed. Whether you put one on your patio or you want to create a dedicated space on the grass. Gazebos add class and elegance to your property.

While a canopy tent or canvas gazebo works for seasonal uses, a permanent gazebo with a hard top is better for use all year round.

But what if you live in an area with high winds? Wouldn't they topple the gazebo during a heavy storm? Well, not if you install a sturdy gazebo with a hard top (i.e., a galvanized steel roof). While wooden gazebos are always a mainstay, modern varieties are better built for wind resistance, so they last longer (and look better).

With that in mind, let's break down the top five permanent gazebo models that can withstand high winds. Even better, most of these models are perfect for DIY installation.

Best Gazebo for High Winds

If you're not sure how to compare the best gazebos for high winds, we'll break down the various features to pay attention to after this list. However, wind resistance should only be one factor to consider when picking out the best gazebo for your backyard.

That said, we've ranked these gazebos based on their capacity to withstand strong winds first, and then looked at the other features and benefits they offer. Here's our roundup.

Paragon Outdoor | Santa Monica Hard Top Gazebo - Most Windproof Gazebo

If you're trying to find the best gazebo for high winds, you should start by looking at the structure's wind rating. Not all gazebos have this rating, but those that do can tell you whether it's worth it to install or not.

Fortunately, the Santa Monica hardtop gazebo is the best of the best while also looking incredible and adding a sense of traditional elegance to your backyard. This is also one of the largest hardtop gazebos with 130 square feet of living space.

Here are a few features we like about this model.

Max Wind Resistance of 80 Mph

80 mile-per-hour winds are pretty intense, and they're more than strong enough to knock over most other gazebos. So, knowing that this unit can withstand strong winds like that can give you peace of mind.

Part of the secret of this gazebo's sturdiness is the anchoring system, but also the shape of the roof makes a difference as well. Not only is this gazebo sleeker with smoother surfaces, but it also allows wind to escape out the top vent, reducing the pressure on the inside.

Dual Anchoring System

If you have a concrete patio or just grass, you can mount this permanent gazebo either way. That said, if you mount it using ground stakes, there's a chance it could blow over, depending on how soft the dirt is. Ideally, you can mount this hardtop gazebo to concrete so it will stay put, even in extreme weather.

Pros

• Architectural grade aluminum frame

• Cream-colored interior for soft lighting

• Wind protection up to 80 mph

• 12 x 20' size yields 130 feet of living space

• Can hold up to 26 pounds of snow or debris on the roof

• Five-year limited warranty

Cons

• Can be hard to build and install yourself

• More expensive than other hardtop gazebos

Buy the Paragon Santa Monica Gazebo

Paragon Outdoor | Siena Hard Top Screen Room Gazebo - Best All-Season Gazebo

While the Santa Monica gazebo was massive, this model from Paragon Outdoor is a bit more compact. However, with a 12' by 12' frame, you still get lots of covered space, making it ideal as an all-season hardtop gazebo.

Although this model doesn't have as high of a wind rating, it's still more than sufficient to hold up against strong winds. It won't last against a hurricane or any other destructive force of nature, but then again, what will?

Powder-Coated Aluminum Frame

As we'll discuss later, one of the features to pay attention to when choosing a permanent gazebo is the building material. Aluminum is both lightweight and durable, and it's also rust-resistant, which is helpful if you get a lot of rain and humidity.

To protect the aluminum structure even more, this gazebo comes with powder coating to provide UV protection, wind protection, and more. Plus, the entire structure looks stylish with its curved roof and cream-colored interior.

Vented Roof for Wind Escapement

When high winds are blowing through, you need a roof vent to allow them to escape. Otherwise, the gazebo could act as a sail, allowing wind pressure to build and knock the entire structure over. So, when searching for the best gazebos for high winds, you want to avoid units that don't have a top vent.

Pros

• Durable aluminum materials

• Easy to assemble and install

• Wind rating of 60 mph

• UV protection for longer life

• Vented roof allows high winds to escape

• 10-year manufacturer's warranty

Cons

• Not as large as other gazebos

Buy the Paragon Siena Gazebo

Paragon Outdoor | Cambridge Hard Top Gazebo

Last but not least we have the Cambridge gazebo from Paragon Outdoor Furniture. As an aluminum gazebo, this model is both lightweight and easy to assemble, and it should withstand most environmental factors, including high winds, rain, and even snow.

This gazebo is a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list, but that's because it's built sturdy and will last a long time, which is why it's one of the best gazebos around.

UV-Coated Frame

Although wind damage can be devastating for a gazebo, you mostly have to worry about UV rays weakening the structure and causing discoloration. Fortunately, that's not a problem with the Cambridge because the entire frame has a UV-protective coating to ensure you can get the most out of your outdoor spaces.

Fast and Easy Installation

Although you may need help from at least two other people, assembling this gazebo is much easier than you might expect. It only takes a few hours to complete, and you can mount it to a concrete patio or stake it into the ground directly. Again, if you're anchoring it to concrete, you might want some professional help to ensure it all goes smoothly.

Pros

• Durable aluminum composite frame

• Protects against high winds and harsh UV light

• Sleek design

• Works on grass, concrete, or wood

• 10-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Not as durable as other gazebos

• More expensive than other models

Buy the Paragon Cambridge Gazebo

How to Choose a Hardtop Gazebo for High Winds

As we mentioned, while wind resistance should be a top priority, you must also consider other elements like the aesthetics and size of your gazebo. After all, you'll be the one living with this structure in your backyard year round, so you should enjoy it as much as possible.

With that in mind, let's look at all the different factors to pay attention to when choosing the best gazebos, both for high winds and other reasons.

Roof Design

All gazebos come with a sloped roof, although some are steeper than others. When choosing a gazebo for windy areas, you want to avoid those that don't have a top roof vent. This vent is both practical and looks good because it gives the gazebo a distinctive profile. This design is classic and, depending on the rest of the roof, can give the structure a more exotic and "tropical" feel.

Another point to consider about the roof design is its shape. As we've seen on this list, some roofs have curved edges while others are straight on all four corners. Curved roofs are a bit more aerodynamic, and they help shed rain and snow more easily since it's harder for them to collect on the surface.

Finally, you should also pay attention to any designs or patterns that may be on the roof. For example, the Myknonos II gazebo has something of a tropical "bungalow" design, while the Santa Monica has a grid pattern that makes it look more modern and chic.

Size and Dimensions

When choosing permanent gazebos, you have to make sure you have enough room for the structure itself. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how strong or resilient it is if you don't have the space to install it.

The most important aspects of these dimensions to pay attention to include:

• Height - Not only do you need enough clearance around the gazebo (i.e., regarding trees and overhangs), but you need to be able to stand up and move around. Plus, if you're planning to hang lights or fans from the top, you need to be able to reach it.

• Interior Space - Part of the appeal of having a gazebo is that you can use outdoor furniture inside it, such as lawn chairs, couches, and weather-resistant cushions. So, you want to make sure you have enough room for all of these pieces. Keep in mind that you can't put a heat source (i.e., a fire pit or BBQ) inside a gazebo as that could damage the roof. But, you can put a dining set underneath to have meals underneath the covering.

• Square vs. Rectangle - Many gazebos are square-shaped, but some of them are more rectangular. You can make a final decision based on the amount of space you have on your patio or backyard. Rectangles are better for furniture and tables, while squares are a bit easier to set up and won't take up as much room.

Building Material

As we've seen, most permanent gazebos either have a strong aluminum frame or steel. Aluminum is lighter and resists rust better than steel, but it can get damaged more easily, especially if high winds cause any debris to strike the sides or roof.

As a rule, aluminum is better because it will last longer. However, steel can often be cheaper because it doesn't need as much treatment to become sturdy. This is why the Sojag gazebos are more affordable than those from Paragon Outdoor.

When it comes to weather resistance, aluminum is typically better overall, but powder-coated steel works well for most other situations. Both options should work well for the rainy season and can hold up against strong winds, as long as they're anchored correctly.

Another point to consider when comparing materials is whether the gazebo comes with privacy curtains or a mosquito net. These options are perfect for hot summer days when you don't want pests ruining your time outside.

Even if the gazebo doesn't come with a mosquito net, you should check to see if it can accommodate one. Otherwise, you'll have to rig something up, which may or may not work against these bothersome bugs.

Wind Rating

As we mentioned, not all gazebos come with a wind rating, so you have to do some estimating to see which ones will stand up against strong winds the best. Based on this list, Paragon Outdoor models have the best ratings, with models holding up to 60 and 80 mile-per-hour winds. If you live in an area that gets much higher winds, especially if it also gets heavy rain regularly, you may need to look for extra heavy-duty models.

Another point to consider is that some parts of your patio or backyard may be more of a wind tunnel than others. So, it might make sense to test different sections before installing the gazebo to see where it would make the most sense. Ideally, you can put it somewhere where high winds are not an issue so you have more flexibility about what kind of gazebo you can buy.

Which Gazebo Also Works Best for Snow?

Environmental factors can impact your gazebo in vastly different ways. For example, to stand strong against high winds, a gazebo just needs to be built solid and anchored correctly. However, snow and ice can create different hazards, such a roof collapses and weak joints.

For those reasons, here are our top picks for the best gazebos for snow and why we like them.

Paragon Santa Monica

Most of the gazebos on our list don't come with a snow load capacity rating. However, this model says it can hold up to 26 pounds on the roof, which is more than enough for a few inches of snow. Again, if you're looking at about a half-foot or more of snow and ice on the gazebo, you should clear it as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Top Considerations When Choosing a Gazebo for Winter Weather

Depending on where you live, winter weather may just bring wind and heavy rain, or it could bring inches of ice and snow. Also, some climates may get a few inches of snow every few years, or they could get feet of snow annually.

Overall, when choosing a gazebo for winter weather, consider these factors:

• Roof Weight Capacity - Snow can be pretty heavy when it sits on top of a gazebo roof. This is why you don't want pop up gazebos during the colder months, since the fabric or canvas can rip pretty easily. As a rule, you should clear any snow accumulation as quickly as possible so it doesn't put too much pressure on the joints and weaker areas of the structure.

• Rust Resistance - Ice and snow wear down powder coatings and other surface protectants, meaning that the materials underneath are more susceptible to rust. Aluminum is often better than steel, but if you take care of your gazebo, both materials should last for years without any problems.

• Wind and Rain - Ideally, you should be able to use your gazebo when it's raining and during fair weather. Otherwise, your new investment will likely be out of action for much of the year. Larger gazebos are better for wet weather since you don't have to worry as much about water dripping inside. However, you may also want to get weatherproof curtains so you can avoid wind-blown water ruining your fun time.

Installing a Gazebo - Professional or DIY?

If you were to build a wooden gazebo in your backyard, you would need extensive carpentry experience to ensure the structure could withstand strong winds and hold people without collapsing. Fortunately, modern gazebo kits allow you to build the structure yourself without complex machinery or know-how required.

That said, building your own gazebo from scratch can be a daunting task, which is why many people hire professionals. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which route to take:

• Cost - Overall, you don't have to pay yourself anything to put a gazebo together, so you can save a lot of money by doing it on your own. However, you can't do it all solo, so you'll need to enlist the help of friends and family, which may be harder to secure.

• Time - A professional team can build a gazebo much faster because they know what they're doing and they've built similar structures many times before. So, if the idea of spending half a day (or more) building a gazebo seems unbearable, you should call the pros.

• Guaranteed Results - One of the biggest drawbacks of assembling and installing a gazebo yourself is that you're on the hook if anything goes wrong. For example, if you didn't anchor it correctly and the gazebo collapses, you can't blame anyone else. If a professional installer does the work, though, they have to guarantee the results, lest they open themselves up to liability claims.

Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to using professionals or building everything yourself. So, you have to weigh these pros and cons and decide which option is right for your needs.

Final Verdict

As we've seen, the Santa Monica gazebo from Paragon Outdoor Furniture is the best model because it's built tough and actually comes with wind and snow load ratings. So, while we have to estimate how well other gazebos can handle high winds and other environmental factors, we know for sure how well the Santa Monica can deal with these elements. Overall, if you want a gazebo that will last season after season, this model is the best option.