It has a rust-resistant steel frame that’s been powder coated, and a heavyweight 260 g/m² polyester canopy. There are four leg-weight bags included as well, to help keep the gazebo in place, along with guy rope and tent pegs. It also comes with a large carry bag that makes transportation and storage more straight forward. Some gazebos don’t come with side walls. These are best suited to being used as sun shades. Their canopies may still be waterproof/showerproof but they won’t have any protection from the wind (or from rain blowing in sideways). Gazebos without sides are ideal for offering protection on warm days. Designed primarily for the summer months, the Alvantor Pop Up Gazebo Screen House has full-length mesh sides and comes in a range of sizes. It looks similar to those ‘domes’ that restaurants use for outdoor seating, but with netted sides. The overall look is contemporary and stylish. Measuring 2.5 x 2.5 m, the ABCCANOPY Pop Up Gazebo Commercial Gazebo is a good choice for smaller areas. It also comes in 2 x 2 m, and 3 x 3 m sizes.

What would you like to use your gazebo for? Depending on your intentions, different wall styles will be more appropriate. Some gazebos are most appropriate as a sun shade in hot weather, whereas others offer an ideal place for parties, rain or shine.If you’re hoping to host a gathering, no matter the weather, you’ll likely benefit from a gazebo with protective sides. These can be closed around you and your guests if the weather takes a turn. Avoid sides made of netting and look into more structurally solid sides which perhaps have windows built in.

A showerproof gazebo will protect from light drizzle but it will not keep heavier rain out. Gazebos that are ‘water resistant’ should be impermeable to heavy rain. There are 23 colours to choose from overall, so whether you have a favourite colour, or just want something that fits with the scheme of your garden, there will be viable options. One of the only downsides of this gazebo is that some of the brighter colours are more prone to fading in the sunlight over time. There are three heights to choose from (81”, 77”, and 73.2”), and this is adjusted by pushing the red button on each leg to extend it. According to MasterCanopy, the height adjustment feature is pinch-proof. Although I didn’t end up pinching my fingers each time I changed the height, you do need to be very careful! Designed to be assembled by just one person, this gazebo simply pops into place. It can be put up in around 10 minutes, with no poles or tools required. It’s easy to adjust the height settings, and it comes with a wheeled carry bag for transportation. The wheels make it easier to manoeuvre the 17 kg weight of this gazebo. Of course, gazebos shouldn’t be used in high winds, so we’re talking about protection from a light breeze instead of gale-force gusts.Even when the weather isn’t quite so good, this gazebo still performs well. Reinforced stress points ensure the frame is long lasting, and there are four weight bags included, as well as stakes and ropes. According to ABCCANOPY it’s been built to withstand winds of up to 50 km/h, and in practice it does seem to withstand heavy wind reasonably well. Being located in the North East of Scotland means that I have some seriously high expectations when a product claims to be weatherproof. What makes things even more challenging is the fact that my farm sits at the top of a hill, meaning that every day is a windy one. This gazebo is a high-quality product that comes with a mid-range price tag, making it great value. Its thoughtful design and durable materials will see it through the years. Even if it’s something that you’ll only use occasionally, it would still be a great investment. What helps to add even more value is the carry bag that comes with it. Complete with various handles and wheels, the gazebo folds neatly and easily away into this compact bag – it’s a convenience that’s worth paying for. Netted sides offer some protection from the elements, and are a great way to keep a breeze flowing through the gazebo. Of course, depending on the climate you may not want constant ventilation – so bear that in mind! Netting is also great for keeping out bugs. Available in a huge range of bright colours, the ABCCANOPY Fully Waterproof Pop Up Gazebo is a great option for those looking for a weather resistant canopy in a particular shade.