The Best Pop Up Gazebo – A 2021 Buyers Guide

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Best Pop Up Gazebo

A gazebo is a great way to add to the amount of time that you can spend in your garden. Providing protection from both the rain and the sun’s rays alike, a gazebo will massively increase the opportunities that you have to be in your garden – as one of the main issues with British summers is that the weather is either too hot or too rainy to really enjoy your outdoor space! However, a permanent gazebo structure is going to be costly to build and maintain, and will take up a considerable amount of space in your garden throughout the year, which can actually be off putting for some people. 

If you are wanting the flexibility of being able to use your outdoor space freely, but also undercover, then chances are a pop up gazebo is going to be a better option for you. Or maybe you are wanting to move your gazebo between different places if you are planning on using it for a work tent, market stall or for catering events etc. In any of these cases, you will find that a pop up gazebo is going to be cheaper, lighter and more flexible – but still able to offer you the protection that you need…so you will be getting the best of both worlds! 

If this sounds like just what you need then keep reading for all you need to know before purchasing a pop up gazebo – from size to build material, we’ve got you covered (literally!).

Best Pick – SUNMER 3x3M Pop-Up Gazebo

Sale
SUNMER 3x3M Pop-Up Gazebo with 4 Sides - Fully Waterproof (420D Oxford PVC) with Heavy Duty Rust-Resistant Steel Frame - Wheeled Carry Bag Included for Easy Transportation - Grey
  • FOUR-SIDED GAZEBO WITH WALLS: This SUNMER Four-Sided Gazebo with Walls is perfect for sheltering from the summer sun or keeping cosy during the chillier nights. It can be used on sand, grass, concrete, wooden decking and more. It comes with eight tent pegs, four pieces of guide ropes, four sandbags (each sandbag can hold up to 10kg), two sides with windows, two zipper doorways and a heavy duty carry bag.
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND TRANSPORT: You need no tools to set up this gazebo as the easy pop-up function ensures a quick and simple set up. The double-handle carry bag has two 6” wheels which make moving this product around easier.
  • HEAVY DUTY: This gazebo has a rust-resistant steel frame that can be set to three different heights. The roof is made from quality 420D waterproof oxford PVC and the side walls are made from 210 Dernier Polyester with PVC lining.
  • DIMENSIONS: 3m x 3m (fully assembled height is 3.3m). | WEIGHT: 29.5KG | BOX DIMENSIONS: 148.5cm x 23cm x 31.5cm
  • WARRANTY: We aim to give the best customer service possible. In the unlikely event that this product is at fault, do not worry, as we have you covered with our 365-day warranty. This gives you peace of mind when purchasing a product from us.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In A Hurry?

If you have a social gathering planned in your garden or maybe an event to hold, but the weather looks as though it may not be on your side, then chances are you are going to need a pop up gazebo – and fast. Keep reading for some of our favourite pop up gazebos that are available at the moment and the key features that you need to look out for. 

Build Material

If you are wanting a pop up gazebo that is going to last then the first thing that you need to think about is the materials that your gazebo is made from. The two different areas that you need to consider are the frame and the cover, so we have broken both of these down below. 

Frame 

The frame or skeleton of your pop up gazebo is going to be there to literally hold the structure up so you need to make sure that it is going to be made out of durable and strong materials. This is usually going to come in the form of aluminium or steel. Steal is usually going to be your cheaper option and is slightly less durable (even with a power coated finish to prevent rust). But it is a great choice for if you know that you are going to be able to pack your gazebo away in the worst of the weather! If you are needing something to stand up to the storm then you could be better opting for aluminum, which is going to be stronger and rust resistant too! Aluminium tends to be lighter than steel, but then most manufacturers tend to use this feature to make thicker frames, which we found can then make them actually heavier overall than their steel counterparts – although you are getting a much stronger frame for this weight! For example, steel frames tend to be around 30mm in diameter, whereas aluminium frames are closer to 50mm. 

Cover

It is no good just opting for a strong frame if you aren’t going to have a decent quality cover to go with it! Without this, you just aren’t going to be able to rely on your pop up gazebo to keep you dry! We found two main material choices for the cover of your gazebo – polyester and PVC.

Polyester is going to be more reasonably priced and it tends to be quite a durable material so shouldn’t rip or tear easily. However, it isn’t waterproof on its own, so you will find yourself having to ensure that it comes with  PVC or PU coating over the main material. This coating can then deteriorate over time leading to it not being completely waterproof! 

As PVC is a more plastic based material, it is going to be naturally waterproof so will offer much greater protection from the get go. Not only this but the thicker material tends to allow a good level of durability, although we did find that some models can end up with small plucks in the fabric if rubbing against coarser materials! The main downside to PVC really is that the material is so thick that it can be heavier to lift onto the frame of the gazebo and can also be harder to fold down and pack away – so less ideal for if you are wanting a portable model, but definitely a good option for if you need to know that you are going to be protected from the elements. 

Once you have decided on the material choice that is going to be right for you, you need to check the actual quality of that material! The weave of the material is known as the “denier” and this is going to determine how good quality the fabric is. If the material has a higher denier of 500 or more then you are going to know that the weave will be relatively tight and the fabric will be less likely to rip and tear. If you are planning on using your pop up gazebo as protection from the rain, then you will also need to consider whether your gazebo is going to be waterproof or just water resistant! This is most often determined by the hydrostatic head score, a low score will mean that your cover will resist water absorption to a certain point, but then will start to allow water in, whereas a higher score will mean that your cover is fully waterproof. We would recommend looking for a reading of at least 5000 if you are wanting your gazebo to be completely waterproof. 

TOP TIP: If you are looking for the best pop up gazebo then look out for models with heat sealed seams or dual-layer fabric. This will help to offer that extra protection from the elements! 

Dimensions

The next thing that you need to think about is the size of the pop up gazebo that you are going to need. Obviously, this is largely going to depend on what you are planning on using it for and the space that you have available. We would never recommend choosing a size that is going to touch your perimeter wall or property wall as this could lead to rainwater pooling against  your property which could cause damp problems, so always make sure to consider where your water run off will lead to! Equally, you need to make sure that your pop up gazebo is going to be big enough – purchasing one that is exactly the length of your patio table is probably going to leave a lot of your guests with wet backs in the rain! 

Most pop up gazebos range in size from around 2 metres squared up to 4m x 8m models. The height of the gazebos are much more standard, with most ranging between 7 and 8 feet tall. 

Best Budget – AIRWAVE 2m x 2m Pop Up Gazebo

Airwave 2x2m Pop-Up Garden Gazebo - Black
  • Compact design is a great space saver and looks stunning in the garden
  • Quick and easy to use POP up design sets up in minutes – no fiddly or loose parts to assemble
  • Robust steel frame with built in support bars for durability and stability
  • 420D waterproof fabric with extendable tapered pole flaps
  • Includes handy carry bag for safe storage and transportation

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Will your Pop Up Gazebo Actually ‘Pop Up’?

Unfortunately pop up gazebos won’t actually “pop up” in the way the name suggests – so we might as well let you down with that now. However, that isn’t to say that they aren’t still going to be worth their money! A pop up gazebo gets its name from the design, which allows it to be much easier to set up than a standard gazebo. Not only that, but they are going to be much more temporary than a standard gazebo set up that may be made from wood or metal. A pop up gazebo is designed to be erected and then put away again as and when you need them, and there are various features that different models use to make that possible…

  • Connected metal structure – Some pop up gazebos are going to have a frame that is connected and concertinas in on itself when it is not in use. This saves you from having to connect different parts of the structure together, you simply “pull” the structure apart from its centre when you are wanting to use it. 
  • Connected cover – Check whether the cover is already connected to the frame or not. Some will be connected which will make the build process even easier, however this does have the disadvantage of potentially making them harder to store and to repair when they are not in use. 
  • Click-in fittings – If your frame comes with detached parts then it is worth checking how these parts connect together. Some are going to need nuts and bolts to connect them together, whereas others can simply click into place which will save you a considerable amount of time. However, it is worth checking the quality of “click in” options as these can wear over time. 
  • Telescopic legs – As the name suggests, telescopic legs are going to shrink into themselves like a telescope would. This is the perfect way to reduce space when storing and make the gazebo more portable.

Extra Pop Up Gazebo Features 

Now that you know the main considerations you need to make before purchasing your pop up gazebo, here are some of the extra features that we found on the best models! If you need a pop up gazebo that you can rely on and that is going to last, this is where you need to be. 

  • Side panels – If you are wanting your pop up gazebo to offer you some extra protection then look out for models that have side panels. The best models will have these as an optional extra that can be zipped on and added or removed as you need them. Some even have window and door panels for that extra elegance! 
  • Springed roof – The best pop up gazebo manufacturers know that sometimes you are going to need your gazebo to withstand strong winds. These models will have springs in the roof structure to allow for some movement in the cover in inclement weather! 
  • Floor secures – You are going to need to secure your gazebo to the floor if you are wanting it to be safe and offer maximum protection. Make sure to check if the fastenings are going to be suitable for grass or patio areas. 
  • Storage – It is definitely worth considering what storage solutions come with your pop up gazebo, as by nature you are not going to have them up all year round. Make sure that the bag used for storage is heavy-duty enough and big enough to hold all of the parts. If you think that you are going to be taking your gazebo from one place to another then it may be worth looking for one of the storage bags that come on wheels. 

Best of the Rest

ABCCANOPY 3.6x3.6M Roof Pop up Gazebo Outdoor Canopy Shelter with Netting (Brown)
  • POP UP GAZEBO: The latest technology design enables ONE PERSON to easily SET UP and close the canopy in ONE MINUTE. Not only for sports, camping or trip, also for patio, backyard and screen house room. (Not suitable for lightning storm, rainstorm or snowing days use)
  • MORE SHADE: This gazebo designed with EXTRA AWNING,10'x10' straight leg frame and13'x13' coverage at the top, provides 169 square feet of coverage, roomy enough to accommodate 8-12 people and some chairs. Four removable zippered mesh walls services as a barrier to against small things, and provide MORE PRIVACY.
  • HIGHLIGHTS: 1)Small top +Big top design, wind vented, It helps to ventilate the interior of the canopy helping to release trapped heat and also provides increased stability in windy conditions by allowing the wind to pass through the vent. 2)Several drain holes are unique, keep this shelter always dry for a longer service. 3)A compact carry bag for storage gazebo and perfect for your trunk. 4 ropes and 4 stakes bonus to secure the canopy into the ground and withstand the wind.
  • SUN PROTECTION/WINDPROOF: Each color of the top has silver coating inside, blocking 99.99% of the sun's harmful UV rays. Stay comfortable and protected. DO NOT FORGET TO USE THE ROPES AND STAKES. They will help a lot in windy days.
  • WHY BUYING FROM ABCCANOPY: One year after-sale protection for frame, six months after-sale protection for fabrics and accessories. If you have anything about our products, We are ready to help.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Outsunny 6 x 3(m) Garden Gazebo Marquee Party Tent Wedding Portable Garage Carport shelter Car Canopy Outdoor Heavy Duty Steel Frame Waterproof Rot Resistant
  • 19x9FT SIZE: Large and spacious, this gazebo with sides will protect your car with plenty of room to keep it covered. Three-room design, can also be used for events and gatherings etc.
  • SIX WINDOWS: Three on each side, allows light through, with a roll up curtain to create privacy to the event shelter.
  • STEEL FRAME: Powder coated for extra strength, this garden tent stands up in place steadily, won't collapse in on your car. Do not leave up in heavy weather for safety.
  • ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Guy ropes and ground stakes to secure to the ground.
  • DIMENSIONS: 600L x 300W x 280Hcm. Eaves: 200Hcm. Single room: 300L x 200Wcm.

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

All Seasons Gazebos 3x3m Heavy Duty Fully Waterproof Pop up Gazebo With Accessory Pack - White
  • 3x3m (10ft x 10ft) Heavy Duty pop up Gazebo from one of the UK’s largest pop-up gazebo brands – All Seasons Gazebos
  • All Seasons Gazebos offers full UK based phone, e-mail or web chat customer support to deal with any after sales enquiries or questions you may have. A market leading 24 months warranty is offered against manufacturer defects on the frame and canopy
  • Comes with accessory pack which includes 4 x Leg weight bags, 1 x Carry bag with wheels, Rope and Tent pegs
  • No Poles to slot in with the pop-up frame design made from strong steel. Roof can be left on the frame meaning a portable almost instant fully waterproof shelter wherever you are
  • Can be used on multiple surfaces such as Concrete, Grass, Patios, Sand, Decking and many more. Please always anchor the gazebo properly using the supplied accessory pack

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty will I get with a pop up gazebo? 

Most pop up gazebos are going to have between and one year and a three year warranty – largely depending on the build materials that have been used. It is worth checking what is covered under this warranty, as some will only cover the frame for the full amount of time as the cover is more prone to ripping. 

Do I need a fire rated pop up gazebo?

We would always recommend opting for a fire rated pop up gazebo at least to safety standard BS7837: 1996. If you are planning on using your gazebo for work purposes then it may even be a requirement that you have it! This rating is not going to stop your pop up gazebo from setting on fire unfortunately, but it shows that the build materials are designed to burn slowly in the event of an incident – which is most definitely safer. If your pop up gazebo is going to be anywhere near a BBQ or exposed flame then we would definitely make sure that it is fire rated if not completely fireproof!

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