Are you searching for the Best Waterproof Gazebo?
This list of the best waterproof gazebos explains what to look for in a gazebo to stay dry in the rain. We provide our ultimate guide to buying a waterproof gazebo at the bottom of the page where you will learn how to spot a rain gazebo from a sunshade gazebo. There is a difference.
If you live in a climate with diverse weather systems throughout the year then rain can be a worry for anyone wishing to spend time outdoors. If you are planning to host a BBQ or dinner party outdoors then having a reliable waterproof gazebo can be a lifesaver when it rains. The top-rated gazebos for rain protection can sustain hours of heavy rain while keeping everyone inside dry as a bone. You can choose between permanent wood gazebos, pop-up gazebos, or gazebo kits that are semipermanent.
Using a completely waterproof fabric for the canopy is a must for the best waterproof gazebos but other features such as sealed seams, roof angles, overhangs, and adjustable leg height will all help keep you dry. We look at all of the most waterproof gazebos and test which offers the best rain protection and share the results with you.
6 Best Waterproof Gazebo Reviews
Christopher Knight Home 303379 Bali Outdoor 10 x 10 Foot Gazebo
TheChristopher Knight Home 303379 Bali Outdoor 10 x 10 Foot Gazebo is the best waterproof gazebo with polycarbonate roof tiles. Designed for backyard and patio use, the semi-permanent structure is perfect for keeping you dry in style. Unlike fabric canopies, you will never get pools of water building up and causing damage in heavy rain.
Featuring a rust-proof aluminum frame, you don’t have to worry about leaving this outside over winter but the roof panels can be damaged in strong wind. It is easy to assemble with some simple tools and is equally as easy to take apart which means that you could take it down over winter if you want.
The polycarbonate roof panels slot together snugly to provide total waterproof protection from above while still letting light through. We really like this waterproof gazebo if you want something you can leave up all year or at least for the summer. The curtains are also water-resistant which will block wind and rain coming from the sides which makes this a top choice for open spaces.
back to menu ↑
Sojag 10′ x 10′ Sanibel II Hardtop Gazebo
The Sojag 10′ x 10′ Sanibel II Hardtop Gazebo is our top-rated pitched-roof gazebo to protect you from rain as well as snow, sun, and bugs. It is designed for backyards and is suitable to have a BBQ underneath which makes it ideal for social occasions. The pitched roof provides excellent rain protection and because of the steep angle, it can be used in snow which should slide right off.
The bug netting screens at the gable ends of the roof are only effective when paired with the bug netting curtains but when used together offer excellent protection against biting insects. The curtains sit on a double-track system which allows you to hang privacy curtains (sold separately) alongside the netting. Both tuck neatly out of the way during the day which is very convenient with kids running around and for easy access.
The frame is made from strong powder-coated aluminum which means it is protected against rust, corrosion, and UV rays. Powder-coated galvanized steel is used for the roof panels which is incredibly durable and doesn’t rust. The structure is very solid and holds itself together well which gives you peace of mind when it starts snowing or the wind picks up.
If you want a waterproof hardtop gazebo that you can leave up all year round then the Sojag 10′ x 10′ Sanibel II is an excellent choice. It costs more than a fabric gazebo but it will make your life easy when it rains and provides an epic place to host BBQs or relax.
back to menu ↑
Coleman Water Resistant Event Outdoor Shelter
The Coleman Water Resistant Event Outdoor Shelter is unlike any other gazebo on this list because of its dome shape which works incredibly well to shield you from rainfall. As the name suggests, this waterproof gazebo is suitable for events because it has so much space underneath. You can easily keep 10-12 people dry during a brief shower or comfortably seat 6-8 people with chairs and a table.
Your typical square gazebo will supply ample rain coverage from above but when the wind picks up and it’s raining sideways you can find yourself getting wet unless you sit right in the middle. This waterproof gazebo has a dome canopy that deflects rain from all angles and stretches down to the ground for maximum shelter space.
Designed to be used anywhere and everywhere, Coleman gazebos are well built for things like camping but they are equally useful for your backyard or patio. The guy lines will help add tension to the canopy but are not totally necessary and the legs will sit on patio slabs if you have some sandbags or weights to keep it secured.
With many tent canopies using thin fiberglass poles to keep the weight down we were glad to find this waterproof gazebo has solid steel poles that provide excellent structural integrity. Seriously, you don’t need to worry about this gazebo being too fragile. We wholeheartedly recommend this gazebo to increase your outdoor living space and take to events to stay dry.
back to menu ↑
Harrier 10×10 Pop Up Canopy
The Harrier 10×10 Pop Up Canopy is a deluxe waterproof gazebo you can use in your backyard that is also nice enough to be used at fancy events like weddings. With the instant setup system, you can pitch your gazebo in under 2 minutes which means that even in a flash rainstorm you don’t have to get wet. Designed for a wide variety of duties, the Harrier waterproof gazebo is ideal for occasional use in the garden or using every weekend at the farmer’s market.
Made from black powder-coated galvanized steel, this frame is manufactured to stand the test of time and not look scruffy and outdated within a few years. The locking mechanisms have a great build quality too which makes putting it up and taking it down fast and painless with no-pinch adjusters. A benefit of being so easy to put up makes this gazebo fantastically portable which is made easier by the wheeled carry bag and lightweight.
The canopy is made from durable polyester coated with a waterproof silver finish which helps reflect UV rays and keep you cool on a hot day. It has a thickness of 180 gsm which is thick enough to provide excellent abrasion resistance as well as total waterproofing. You have a multitude of color and side panel options which make it simple to meet your custom requirements. The side panels can be plain or with a window panel to help make the gazebo more waterproof and block the wind.
If you want a waterproof gazebo that is portable and lightweight, but strong and reliable then this is the best option.
back to menu ↑
Gazelle Tents G6 Pop-Up Portable Gazebo Screen Tent
The Gazelle Tents G6 Pop-Up Portable Gazebo Screen Tent is 100% waterproof and bugproof all year round. Designed for up to 8 people to sit around a table and with plenty of headroom, this shelter is perfect for keeping you dry when it rains. At 7 feet tall and with 92 square feet of living space inside you can rely on this gazebo to keep the party going when it starts pouring rain.
Designed for backyard use as well as camping and events where there might be biting insects or the risk of rain showers. You can buy additional wind panels in 3 packs that attach to the outside of the mesh panels to enclose you inside, totally protected from wind and rain. With 6 sides you would need to buy 3 packs but then you have yourself a waterproof gazebo tent that keeps you covered from all angles.
The fiberglass pole frame keeps the weight of the Gazelle Gazebo to a bare minimum and lets the structure stay flexible when the wind picks up. This is good if it is raining as the last thing you want is for the poles to snap under pressure. The fabric is a super tough 210D Oxford weave which is tear-resistant, UV protected, and most importantly 100% waterproof with a 2,000 mm hydrostatic head.
At just 34 lbs, this is the lightest waterproof gazebo featured in our recommendations and comes with a carry bag included. If you want the best waterproof gazebo with bug netting sewn in then this is perfect to use in your backyard or when camping out.
What to look for in a waterproof gazebo
When looking for a waterproof gazebo, there are a few things you should look for to ensure you are getting the right style for your needs. While many gazebos will keep you dry for the most part, some are just not cut out to handle rain. Here are 4 things to consider when searching for the best waterproof gazebo:
- Size: One of the biggest factors in keeping people dry under a gazebo is the size of the canopy. Because rain can come in at an angle you often end up shuffling towards the center of the gazebo to avoid any drips. So, a bigger canopy means that you are less likely to get wet from rain blowing in at the sides. This is of course not necessary if your gazebo has side panels.
- Shape: Believe it or not shape doesn’t make too much difference in providing the best waterproof shelter. What we do tend to see though is that hexagonal gazebos tend to have more consistent rain cover than square gazebos. What we mean by this is that with a square gazebo, some people will have better shelter than others when sat in a group. Whereas with a more circular-shaped gazebo everybody can sit in a circle and get equal protection.
- Canopy: The canopy material you choose requires more research with soft top waterproof gazebo than with hardtops because hardtop gazebos tend to use metal or plastic sheeting which is non-permeable and 100% waterproof. Softtop gazebos use varying levels of waterproof materials but the amount of rain resistance can also be affected by the quality of manufacturing.
- Frame: Solid wooden gazebos that are permanent structures should be durable and treated with a weatherproof solution for longevity. With waterproof gazebo kits, you should consider the benefits of both aluminum or steel and select which works best in your environment. If you opt for a pop-up waterproof gazebo then again, consider whether you want something strong and heavy or lightweight and durable. Fiberglass poles are the most lightweight and flexible but lack real strength when looking for a semi-permanent waterproof gazebo.
- Features: The features on a gazebo can really help determine how waterproof it is going to be. Apart from the build quality and materials, look for things like side panels, overhangs, adjustable legs, roof pitch angle, tension ropes, and vents that could potentially leak water if too large. Some gazebos are designed mostly for sun shade so try and avoid these if you are looking for total waterproof specifications.
How to waterproof a wooden gazebo
To keep a wooden gazebo waterproof and weather resistant you will need to treat the wood with natural oil or a protective finish. To get the most out of your waterproof gazebo and to keep it looking its best, this should be done every year if possible and if not then at least every 2 years. Use a brush to get rid of any cobwebs and debris then sand any rough areas down before treating. Using your chose wood treatment and apply liberally to get a good covering and leave to dry. Try and do this on a dry day to let the treatment really soak into the wood grain.
How to waterproof a fabric gazebo canopy
All gazebos designed for outdoor use should have some level of water resistance but even the most waterproof gazebos benefit from a little waterproof maintenance. For soft top gazebo canopies, you can use products designed for camping tents to enhance and maintain their waterproof ratings. These are typically in spray form and are very easy to apply. For canvas tents, you can also use waxes and oils if you want to use traditional methods.
How long does a waterproof canopy last?
A brand new gazebo canopy will easily last 2 – 3 years if left outside all year round and never treated with a waterproof finish. If that same gazebo canopy is kept inside a shed or garage for half of the year then there is no reason it won’t last 5 – 10 years. If you look after your waterproof canopy and treat it with a resistant finish routinely then it will likely outlive most metal frames which will eventually rust.
What is the best waterproof gazebo?
The best waterproof gazebo we recommend that is also portable is the Coleman Water Resistant Event Outdoor Shelter. It is lightweight, big enough for a lot of people, and very waterproof which makes it ideal for events and camping The best hardtop waterproof gazebo we can vouch fr is the Sojag 10′ x 10′ Sanibel II Hardtop Gazebo because it handles sun, wind, and snow just as well as it keeps you dry.
Are gazebos waterproof?
Not all gazebos are waterproof but almost all gazebos with a roof are water-resistant. Some fabric will absorb water in a heavy downpour which will inevitably leak through eventually. Other fabric works to repel water and won’t absorb it like say an untreated canvas gazebo. Hardtop gazebos are waterproof and typically feature plastic or galvanized steel gazebo roof tiles. If you are not sure whether a gazebo is waterproof or not just shoot us a message and we will find out for you.
Can you leave a gazebo up in the rain?
Gazebos are designed to be left up in the rain and you really can’t hurt a gazebo by doing this but if left out for months on end you will find that rust will eventually find its way into the frame. Fabric also becomes brittle over time and will start to degrade if not properly looked after. To reproof your gazebo for extra waterproof protection follow the instructions above.
How do I protect my wooden gazebo from rain?
To protect a wooden gazebo from rain you can either use a treatment to provide a protective finish that will help the wood last far longer, or use a cover. Some people choose to use a cover if their gazebo is made from expensive hardwood and they don’t use it during the winter. This is arguably the most extreme way to protect a wooden gazebo but each to their own. You can buy large tarpaulins online or from your local DIY shop.
