Best Soft Top Gazebo
Soft Top Gazebos are very useful semi-permanent outdoor structures that are more functional than patio umbrellas but are more complex to set up and take down. They actually create outdoor “rooms”, which is a very attractive feature and can also be fitted for mosquito protection, and for privacy as well. After an extensive look at several soft-top gazebos on the market, we have found that the Best Soft Top Gazebo is the Sonoma Outdoor 10′ x 10′ soft top gazebo [Amazon Link]. It is not the largest footprint of the gazebos on our list, but it hits a great balance between quality, aesthetics, features, and price.
- Includes: (1) Canopy
- Materials: Polyester and steel frame | Color...
- Assembly required
- Dimensions: 118 inches L x 118 inches W x 107...
- The Sonoma Gazebo adds a functional touch to any...
Last update on 2024-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a full review of the Sonoma Outdoor Soft Top Gazebo, please see below.
Runner Up Best Soft Top Gazebo with Mosquito Netting
The Sunjoy 12′ x 10′ soft top gazebo [Amazon Link] sits on a larger footprint than the Sonoma Outdoors gazebo and has extra height in the interior, which makes for an appealing outdoor room. The curved two-tier roof structure is not as modern looking as we would like, but it does a good job of preventing rainwater from collecting on the canvas. Included in this package are four mosquito netting panels, which is a great extra, but privacy panels are not included.
For a complete review of the Sunjoy 10′ x 12′ gazebo, please see below.
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Pick Best Canvas Gazebo
For those who are stretching their dollars as far as possible, but who want an outdoor shelter that is functional and attractive, the Quictent 10′ x 10′ soft top gazebo [Amazon Link] is an excellent choice. This pavilion-style gazebo is available in three color options, has a waterproof cover, and depending on the color chosen, includes mesh mosquito side panels as well. The leg posts are overly ornate for our preferences, but overall this is a great choice for those on a budget.
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Soft-Top Gazebo Reviews
In this section, we’ll look in depth at five of our favorite Soft Top Gazebos. We’ll start with a comparison table to get the lay of the land, and then go in depth on each of these gazebos.
Last update on 2024-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sonoma Outdoor Iron Gazebo Canopy Umbrella w/ Net Drapery (Beige)
The Sonoma Outdoor Soft Top Gazebo is an elegant 10′ x 10′ gazebo with steel posts, a canvas top, and included mosquito netting and canvas side panels. Everything is completely integrated, and the package includes essentially all that you need to have a beautiful and functional gazebo in short order.
Key Points at a Glance
- Made of a steel frame powder coated antique bronze
- Canvas made of Polyester
- Includes two layers of drapery on all sides, one mosquito netting layer, and a drapery curtain layer
- Independent zippers for each layer
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 9’8″ L x 9’8 W x 8’10” H
- Inside Dimensions: 9’4″ L x 9’4″ W
- Corner Posts: 80″ H
- Netting Height: 81″
- Weight: 123lbs
The Details
The Sonoma Outdoors Soft Top Gazebo is a high-quality gazebo with good style and a solid build. It is fairly easy to assemble, and it looks quite nice when put together. Included in the package is everything you need for mosquito netting (zippered together) and canvas gazebo side panels.
Aesthetics
The Sonoma Outdoors Gazebo is fairly nice looking, with the standard beige canvas, and antique bronze powder coated steel posts. The posts are simple squares, with no extra detailing. Some may find the posts a little bit underwhelming, stylistically, but we feel they serve the purpose well and are not excessively fussy.
Materials and Build Quality
The canvas top is great shelter from the heat of the sun and will give some protection from light rain. Eventually, you will likely feel some water passing through the canvas and into the interior of the gazebo if you stay outside too long during a rainstorm. If you want a little extra water protection, you could spray the top canvas (inside and outside) with waterproofing spray [Amazon Link] each year for a little more peace of mind.
Occasionally water will pool at the top of the canvas in heavy, windy rainstorms, but typically this isn’t much of a concern. If this happens, do your best to push the water off after the storm, as the additional weight can harm the canvas if it sits too long.
There is a zipper in the middle of each panel of mosquito screen that allows the panel to be opened and closed for access, and straps to secure the privacy canvas to the posts as needed.
There is a top vent to allow air to flow through the gazebo, but it would be nicer if the canvas cover was a bit larger. In windy rainstorms, water can sneak up past the canvas cover, and down through the vent.
The posts are made of powder coated steel, and are rust resistant and designed to be out in the elements all year long. That said, over time scratches and dings may start to appear. We suggest spraying any bare metal you see with a Rustoleum spray [Amazon Link] to protect against rust forming on those spots.
Assembly and Installation
This soft top gazebo can be placed in a variety of locations, such as patios, decks, and lawns. The post bases include options for sinking into concrete, lag bolts (not included), and stakes for installing into lawns. Be sure that your lawn area is level before you install, as it can be a headache getting the gazebo to be configured properly if the land is not level.
If you don’t want to permanently secure the gazebo, you could consider patio furniture weights on the legs, though we would still suggest at least semi-permanent anchoring when possible.
If you’re interested in adding a ceiling light or ceiling fan, you can likely do so, though you may need to get creative in how you install and wire it, as there is no pre-designed fan/light hook.
Assembly of this gazebo is not insignificant, though it’s not terribly difficult as long as you have some help. Figure a few hours for at least two individuals.
Maintenance and Care
When the cold weather comes, it is wise to remove all canvas from the frame and store inside for winter. The frame does not need to be taken down, so you don’t need to worry about that. Removing the canvas top and curtains is a pretty simple process, and users should be able to get everything stored for winter in 15-20 minutes.
Should you have a problem with your canvas top or sides, and they get damaged, it is possible to order replacements through the vendor.
The Bottom Line: One of the Best Gazebos to Buy
The Sonoma Outdoors Soft Top Gazebo isn’t the largest gazebo on our list and is at the higher end when it comes to pricing, but this gazebo has a slew of great features and is quite attractive. The inclusion of mosquito netting and privacy panels make this gazebo a one-stop shopping experience. You’ll get everything you need to create a magnificent outdoor room inside the (heavy) box. It is the best soft top gazebo around, in our opinion!
- Includes: (1) Canopy
- Materials: Polyester and steel frame | Color options: Beige and light...
- Assembly required
- Dimensions: 118 inches L x 118 inches W x 107 inches H
- The Sonoma Gazebo adds a functional touch to any outdoor living space....
Last update on 2024-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sunjoy 12′ x 10′ Cabin-Style Gazebo with Mosquito Netting
The Sujoy 12′ x 10′ Cabin Style Patio Gazebo is an attractive gazebo with two-tone canvas top, a stylishly curved valence that runs along the four sides, and included mosquito netting with zippers for all panels. It is a large gazebo with a high central top, and is quite functional and is a compelling purchase at its price point.
Key Points at a Glance
- Posts and frame made of powder-coated steel (antique bronze)
- Canvas top and valence included
- Mosquito netting on all sides included
- Mosquito netting has zippers for security
- Additional rod for privacy side panels included (canvas panels not included)
- Central hook included for light or ceiling fan
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 10′ L x 11’10” W x 10’10” H
- Mosquito Netting Height: 7’1″
- Interior Dimensions: 9’4″ x 12′
- Weight: 82.7lbs
The Details
The Sunjoy Soft Top Gazebo is a high quality 10′ x 12′ gazebo positioned at a pretty aggressive price point, with mosquito netting included. While privacy panels are not included, this package is still quite nice given its price and size.
Aesthetics
The Cabin-style Sunjoy 10′ x 12′ Soft Top Gazebo is a stylish gazebo with some fairly significant curved lines. It’s not the best looking gazebo on our list, but it is completely reasonable stylistically, and the extra ceiling height in the center is a bonus. The look is not super modern, but it is stylish and will fit in most any decor.
The posts are round and are nothing special to look at. We certainly feel that square posts look better, though these are not especially ornate, which is a good thing.
Materials and Build Quality
The canvas soft top of this Sunjoy gazebo is high quality, and it looks great when combined with the small valence that runs around the frame. Also included in this package are four mosquito screens, which is an important feature. These screens zipper to each other, forming a complete wall around the gazebo. In addition, the middle of the panels features a zipper for access in and out of the gazebo.
The lack of canvas side panels is notable, as some of the other soft top gazebos on our list do include such panels, designed to fit the space perfectly. You can order separate gazebo side panels, but they probably won’t match perfectly. Fortunately, Sunjoy did include a second rod for privacy panels in the structure, so installation of these panels will be fairly painless.
The frame is made of powder-coated steel and is painted an antique bronze, which is pretty standard for these gazebos. the top of the gazebo has a second tier air vent, allowing air to flow through the gazebo, but preventing water from getting in the air vent.
One nice feature Sunjoy includes in its 10′ x 12′ cabin-style gazebo is a central hook for placement of a ceiling fan or lighting. This hook makes the suspension of a fan or light much easier than on some of the other gazebos on our list and is a helpful extra.
Assembly and Installation
Assembly of the Sunjoy Gazebo is a significant undertaking, with tall panels and a large footprint. We strongly recommend two people be present to assemble the gazebo, and having ladders present will make the process much simpler.
The Sunjoy gazebo needs to be installed on a level surface and is best placed on a patio or on a deck, and lag bolted to the substrate. This setup will ensure the strongest anchoring of the gazebo frame and is the best option. This gazebo can be placed on a lawn using included lawn stakes, though users should find a spot that is as level as possible, as the legs do not have any adjustments to account for uneven ground.
If you don’t want to permanently anchor your gazebo, you could use patio furniture weights, though we suggest permanently anchoring whenever you can.
Maintenance and Care
Like all soft top gazebos, you want to be sure to take the canvas off when the weather is nasty — certainly, remove it for the winter, and you should also take it off during strong rainstorms and wind storms. This will increase the useful life of your canvas and prevent water from pooling on it.
The height of this gazebo makes water pooling issues less significant than other soft top gazebos, but it is still helpful to remove the canvas when the weather is questionable. Removing the canvas does not take more than 15 or so minutes, and will significantly increase the life of your gazebo.
The frame does not need to be removed during the winter and can be left out all year. Keep in mind that while the posts are powder coated, over time you may see bare metal due to nicks and scratches. It is wise to spray these spots with Rustoleum paint [Amazon Link] in order to prevent rust from taking hold of those areas.
The Bottom Line: A Great Patio Canopy Gazebo
The Sunjoy 10′ x 12′ Patio Gazebo is a great choice for many, with a large footprint, a high-quality build, and a great price point. If privacy panels were included in the package, we would probably lean toward putting this unit at the top of our list, but as is, it’s an excellent runner up.
- 4-side mosquito netting protects against insect bites and entry of...
- Supported by durable, powder-coated steel frames which is...
- 12' x 10' footprint offers wide space for outdoor dining, gatherings,...
- Perfect for adding shade and protection during outdoor parties,...
- Dual-tiered vented canopy feature allows stability against windy...
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Abba Patio 10×13 Feet Fully Enclosed Garden Gazebo Patio Canopy with Mosquito Netting – Brown
The Abba Patio 10′ x 13′ soft top gazebo strikes a different stylistic pose than most of the other gazebos on our list. With a single tier roof and pavilion-like design, this gazebo as no excess detailing and is a fairly simple design with a large, useful footprint.
Key Points at a Glance
- Large pavilion-style soft top gazebo
- Powder coated steel frame
- UV Protected, weather-resistant canvas top
- Mosquito netting with zippers included
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 10′ L x 13′ W x 9.65′ H
- Screen Height: 7’2″
- Weight: 83.6lbs
The Details
Abba Patio is one of our favorite brands of outdoor goods, and they consistently produce high-quality outdoor products with good attention to design, functionality, and aesthetics. This pavilion-style gazebo is no exception, with a high-quality build and good attention to detail, at a great price point given its size.
However, there are a few items lacking in this package, which we will mention below.
Aesthetics
The lack of a second tier on the roof and the lack of any curves make this Abba Patio Garden gazebo stand out compared to the competition. We like the more modern look of this simple pavilion-like design, though some buyers may feel that it is too plain or austere for their preferences.
Overall, the look of this sizable soft top gazebo is good, and the large footprint makes it quite useful in a variety of circumstances.
Materials and Build Quality
The canvas is a high-quality polyester and is UV protected and water-resistant. While a strong storm will likely let water through the canvas, this top is essentially waterproof in smaller rain storms. The low slope of this roof allows water to sometimes pool on the canvas, which can deteriorate the canvas over time. Keep an eye out for pooled water, and remove it whenever possible. Take down the canvas if you know that a heavy rainstorm is on its way, and the material will stay in much better shape than if you leave it out during these storms.
The posts are made of powder coated steel and are well constructed. The entire frame is sturdy, and if properly anchored, will stay up in virtually any conditions.
There is no central hook at the apex of the frame in order to hang a light or ceiling fan, unfortunately. While a hook is not present, it is possible to install your own hook or use a wire tie or other mechanism to secure a fan or light to the ceiling frame.
The zippered mosquito panels are high quality and include a central zipper on each panel to allow access to the gazebo. They attach to the single rod that wraps around the interior of this gazebo.
There is no privacy canvas included in this package, and there is no second rod included to hang a privacy canvas, should you want one. This oversight is significant and is definitely an issue with this gazebo. If you want gazebo side panels, you can jury rig something, but it’s not as straightforward as what you will find with other gazebos in the same price range.
Assembly and Installation
The legs are a fixed length circular poles, about 1.5″ in diameter, and cannot be adjusted. For this reason, it is imperative that this Abba Patio soft top gazebo is installed on level ground so that everything will be square. It is best to install this on a concrete patio or a wood deck, with lag bolts into the substrate. One can install this into a lawn with the included stakes, but the lawn needs to be quite flat for it to be properly installed.
Assembly of this gazebo is a significant undertaking, and it is best that at least two people be present for the assembly process, and it is wise to have a couple of ladders on hand to make things easy. It can be helpful to view the assembly instructions prior to purchase, so you’ll see what you’re getting into. You can view them here.
Maintenance
When the bad weather comes, users must remove the top canvas and mosquito netting panels for storage in a deck box or indoors. This will keep the canvas in the best shape possible. It only takes 10-15 minutes to remove the canvas and store it away.
Should a canvas or mosquito netting panel get damaged, contact Abba Patio for a replacement.
The steel frame is sturdy and can be left standing during any weather, assuming it is properly anchored. Keep an eye out for scratches and dings, as these are locations where rust will form. Spray with Rustoleum paint [Amazon Link] any spots where bare metal shines through.
The Bottom Line: A Quality Gazebo with Netting Included
The Abba Patio Soft Top Gazebo is a high-quality gazebo with a large footprint and a simple look, at a good price point. Buyers should be aware that water tends to pool on the canvas, and the canvas should be removed before big storms come, and buyers should also understand that there is only one rod, designed for the included mosquito netting. If you want privacy panels too, you’ll have to share the same rod or jury rig something. Otherwise, this Abba Patio soft top gazebo is a nice choice and will keep you sheltered and comfortable for years to come.
- Double Vented Roof: The vented soft-top outdoor canopy is made from UV...
- Durable Steel Gazebo Construction: The structure is crafted from...
- Curtain and Mesh Bug Netting Sidewall: Outdoor canopy gazebo with...
- Commercial or Recreational Use: The 10 x 13 gazebo is ideal for small...
- Dimension: This soft top gazebo is 10 x 13 feet can hold a five to...
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Choice Products Outdoor 12′ x 10′ Soft Top Patio Wicker Gazebo Canopy W/ Fully Enclosed Mosquito Netting
The BestChoiceProducts 12′ x 10′ soft top wicker gazebo shoots for the moon in terms of its price, relative to the other gazebos on this list. The big differentiation between this gazebo and the other gazebos for significantly less money is the inclusion of a brown PE wicker frame that covers the steel post structure, giving a more elegant look.
This gazebo definitely gets extra points for style, and it has a great feature selection, but unless you just love the wicker, we would suggest going with one of the less expensive patio gazebos on our list.
Key Points at a Glance
- PE Wicker panel design covers frame
- Powder coated steel frame
- Two-tier canvas soft top included
- Mosquito netting on all sides, with zippers, included
- Privacy panels on all sides included
- Hook for suspension of a light or fan from the frame included
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 11’10” L x 9’8″ W x 9’2″ H
- Interior Dimensions: 11’10” L x 9’8″ W x 8’6″ H
- Weight: 130.9lbs
The Details
BestChoiceProducts is a good brand of patio and garden products, and we are fond of a great deal of the items they sell. This 10′ x 12′ soft top gazebo looks nice and hits every major feature on our list, but given its price point and the quality of construction, it just doesn’t make much sense to us to spend this much on a garden gazebo unless it is available at a significant discount.
Aesthetics
The PE Wicker that wraps around the frame is the stand out feature of this soft top gazebo, though we’re not sure that this feature is worth enough to justify the significant price jump compared to the other units on our list. For this price, buyers aren’t too far away from a hard top gazebo, which tends to be significantly nicer than soft top gazebos in general.
Materials and Build Quality
The BestChoiceProducts wicker gazebo hits all the right specs when it comes to materials, with a sturdy canvas soft top, a powder-coated steel, and a wicker wrap around decorative frame that is not excessively fussy, and adds significantly to the overall look of the gazebo, moving it from a “temporary” structure to closer to a permanent structure.
The soft top is water resistant but is not waterproof, so you should expect some water infiltration during inclement weather. The canvas is sloped nicely, and water typically does not pool significantly on the canvas. Any pooled water should be removed as soon as possible, and if you know inclement weather is on the way, it is best to remove the canvas from the frame.
Included in the package is a complete mosquito netting set, with zippers as part of each panel, to enable easy access to the interior of the gazebo. Additionally, privacy curtains are also included, which is a nice feature not all gazebos have. These privacy curtains help keep the sun out during the early and late hours and help keep rain out during mild storms.
Assembly and Installation
Assembly is not terribly difficult, though the instructions could be better than they are. This is a large gazebo, and two people are recommended to perform the assembly. Having ladders on hand will make assembly a bit easier.
The posts can be mounted into concrete or wood decks with lag bolts, and this is the best method of securing the gazebo. Also included are stakes for use in securing the gazebo to a lawn; however, the legs cannot be adjusted in their height, so the gazebo must be installed on level ground.
The posts are made of powder coated steel and are quite sturdy. They are covered with wicker panels, as are the upper frames, for a more built-in look than the other soft top gazebos on our list.
The canvas top has a two-tier design, with air vents for aid in allowing air to flow through the gazebo. The interior frame of the ceiling is made of powder coated steel, and a hook is included to allow for the suspension of a lamp or fan from the center point.
Many users have complained about issues with the canvas sewing resulting in holes upon installation, and issues with missing parts. If you have parts issues, be sure to contact BestChoiceProducts immediately to get the correct parts, and if you have any canvas issues, let them know so that they can replace the canvas for you. With such a large, expensive soft top gazebo, we suggest setting up the gazebo when you receive it, to ensure that you have everything you need so that you don’t find out 6 months later that you have a defective part.
Maintenance
The frame and wicker panels can stay up all year and are weatherproof. Any scuffs or scratches in the powder coat should be treated with a Rustoleum spray so as to prevent rusting, but otherwise, the frame is good to leave up year round.
The canvas should be removed for winter, and ideally any time you know a storm is on its way. This will keep the canvas in the best possible shape for the longest time. The canvas is pretty easily removed, and can typically be done in 15 or so minutes.
The Bottom Line: A Decent Outdoor Gazebo
Unless you’re in love with wicker, or this unit is on sale, we would suggest picking a different soft top gazebo than this BestChoiceProducts 12′ x 10′ unit. For a little more money, you could reach for a hard top gazebo, or you could get one of the other soft top gazebos on our list, and spend the extra money on patio furniture or other patio accouterments to make the environment under the gazebo a little nicer.
Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quictent 10′ x 10′ Metal Gazebo Patio Gazebo Canopy Waterproof Backyard Shelter (Beige)
The Quictent 10′ x 10′ patio gazebo straddles the line between a pop-up gazebo and a soft top gazebo. With three colors to choose from, you can pick the right canopy gazebo for your decor needs. Depending on the version you choose, mosquito netting is included, but no side privacy panels are included. The legs are somewhat more ornate than the other units on our list, but it hits a great price point and features a waterproof canopy.
Key Points at a Glance
- Powder coated steel frame
- Double stitched 180g waterproof canopy
- Vented, double tier roof line
- Canvas clips on for easy removal
- Mesh sidewalls are included in some units for mosquito protection
Dimensions
- Dimensions: 10′ W x 10′ L x 8’6″ H
- Weight: 68.3lbs
The Details
The Quictent 10′ x 10′ soft top gazebo features rather ornate two paneled columns as opposed to the round or square steel posts found on the other gazebos on our list today. These panels feel unnecessarily ornate to us, but they do have somewhat of an art deco look that may appeal to some.
Aesthetics
The lines on this gazebo are fairly simple, with no unnecessary curves and a two-tier pavilion-style roof line. However, the aspect of the soft top gazebo that is most immediately striking is the two-panel post system, which many buyers may feel is unnecessarily fussy. It does create a good structure, though, and helps hold the entire gazebo together.
Materials and Build Quality
The canvas top is waterproof, which is a helpful feature, and is unique among the soft top gazebos we have looked at today. The top is constructed of UV protected 180g polyester and has a two-tier design that features an air vent that keeps the air flowing through and keeps the gazebo from lofting in wind gusts.
Some versions of this pop-up gazebo include mesh side walls, which attach together with Velcro patches. We would prefer zippers, but at this price point, it’s hard to argue! Note: not all versions of this gazebo include mesh side walls.
The leg panels are made of powder-coated steel and are fairly easy to put together.
Assembly and Installation
As many of Quictent’s products are pop up gazebos, attention has been focused on speed of assembly. This unit can be assembled in under an hour by two people, which is a nice help.
These legs can easily be installed into a lawn with stakes or can be secured to concrete or a wooden deck with lag bolts.
Maintenance
When the weather starts to get sketchy, remove the canvas top and any side panels for storage. Fortunately, removal of the canvas is pretty simple and can be done in 10 minutes or so.
The powder coated steel frame can be left out in the elements, though it should be properly secured, either with stakes, or more ideally with lag bolts. In a pinch, you could use patio furniture weights, but this is more of a temporary solution than a long-term solution.
The Bottom Line: Inexpensive Backyard Gazebo for Sale
At its price point, the Quictent 10′ x 10′ Soft Top Gazebo is an excellent choice for those on a budget. With a 10′ x 10′ and waterproof canvas top, there is much to like about this gazebo. The metal panel design of the posts is not to everyone’s taste, but it does give a focal point and does not intrude on the visual space too much. If you want to stretch your pennies as much as possible, this Quictent soft top gazebo is an excellent choice!
- 【Vented Roof】: Our Gazebo with double tier roof which allows for...
- 【Heavy Duty Frame】: Rust & Corrosion Resistant Powder Coated Steel...
- 【Waterproof Gazebo Canopy】: 210g polyester with PA Coating---...
- 【Fashion design】:Four side legs and the eight thick pillars roof...
- 【12 Months Warranty】: 12-Month Replacement Warranty. 30-Day Money...
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Olivia says
Perfect gazebos for summer, but I need something that I can also use in the winter as I have a hot tub. If i removed the side panels and stores them away for winter, would a waterproof canvas top be good enough to protect from rain/snow?
OutsideModern says
It very well might. Please send along some pics of the project if it is a success.