Metal Gazebo vs Wooden Gazebo: Which is More Suitable for Your Garden?

The Garden Centrepiece Debate

A gazebo is more than just a shelter—it’s the centrepiece of a garden, where families gather, friends celebrate, and homeowners enjoy quiet retreats. But when shopping for a garden gazebo UK, one question dominates: metal gazebo or wooden gazebo? Each material brings its own advantages in style, durability, and maintenance.

This guide explores the pros and cons of both, provides inspiring garden gazebo ideas, and showcases four bestselling Sunjoy gazebo designs UK that help you choose the structure that best fits your lifestyle and outdoor space.

1. Metal Gazebos: Strength and Modern Style

A metal gazebo UK is a favourite for homeowners looking for durability and a contemporary aesthetic.

Benefits of metal gazebos:

• Durability: Powder-coated steel or aluminium resists rust, rain, and the unpredictable UK climate.
• Low Maintenance: Requires less upkeep compared to timber—just occasional cleaning.
• Modern Design: Clean lines and dark tones suit sleek, minimalist, or urban gardens.
• Functional Add-ons: Many models include curtain rails, mosquito netting, or double-tier roofs for ventilation.

Considerations:

Metal gazebos may feel less “natural” in traditional gardens, and their industrial look might not blend seamlessly with rustic settings.

Recommended Sunjoy Metal Gazebos:

SUNJOY PASU Steel Framed Hardtop Gazebo (3m x 3m): A square-shaped design with a sturdy frame, double-tier steel roof, and ceiling hook for lighting. It’s a reliable choice for year-round use and fits perfectly in smaller UK gardens.

SUNJOY Metal Roof Wall Mounted Gazebo (3.6m x 3m): A practical lean-to gazebo that attaches to your home, offering shaded dining or lounge space on patios. Complete with curtains and netting, it’s ideal for those wanting to extend indoor living into the garden.

2. Wooden Gazebos: Natural Warmth and Timeless Appeal

For many UK homeowners, a wooden gazebo UK offers unmatched charm and traditional elegance.

Benefits of wooden gazebos:

• Natural Beauty: Warm cedar or treated wood blends seamlessly into greenery and landscaping.
• Classic Appeal: Works beautifully in traditional, rustic, or country-style gardens.
• Customisation: Can be stained, painted, or styled to complement your home.
• Strength with Style: Many models pair wood frames with steel roofs for added resilience.

Considerations:

Wood requires more maintenance (treatment, staining, sealing) to protect it from rot and insects. It’s also typically heavier and sometimes pricier than entry-level metal models.

Recommended Sunjoy Wooden Gazebos:

SUNJOY KAPS Outdoor Wooden Gazebo (3.3m x 3.3m, Warm Cedar): Crafted with premium cedar and topped with a double-tier steel roof, this gazebo combines natural warmth with modern strength. Its ceiling hook allows you to add lighting for cosy evenings.

SUNJOY EGGI Octagon Wood Patio Gazebo (3.95m x 3.95m): A statement-making octagon design with a cedar wood frame and a steel roof. Its unique shape creates a focal point in larger gardens and provides expansive coverage for dining or entertaining.

3. Metal vs Wooden Gazebo: How to Decide?

Both options have strong merits, but your decision should be guided by practical and aesthetic factors.

Key considerations before buying:

Garden Style:

Modern gardens: metal gazebos like the PASU or Wall Mounted model fit seamlessly.

Traditional/rustic gardens: wooden gazebos like the KAPS or EGGI add timeless elegance.

Maintenance:

Prefer low effort: choose metal.

Enjoy DIY care and natural wood: choose wooden.

Budget:

Metal gazebos generally offer more budget-friendly entry points.

Wooden gazebos often require higher investment but provide a premium, natural look.

Functionality:

For attached patio areas: Wall Mounted Gazebo is ideal.

For freestanding focal points: Wooden options like the EGGI excel.

4. Current Gazebo Trends in the UK

The UK gazebo market shows clear design directions:

Minimalist Aesthetics: Slim, powder-coated steel frames in neutral colours dominate modern homes.

Hybrid Designs: Wooden frames paired with steel roofs for strength and beauty.

Integrated Features: Ceiling hooks, dual tracks for curtains/netting, and double-tier roofs for airflow are now expected standards.

Lifestyle-Oriented: Gazebos aren’t just shade structures—they’re outdoor living hubs, used for dining, lounging, or year-round entertaining.

Sunjoy’s metal and wooden gazebo collections reflect these trends, offering versatile designs for every homeowner.

5. Final Thoughts: Which Gazebo Suits Your Garden Best?

When it comes to the debate of metal gazebo vs wooden gazebo, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

If you want a modern garden style, minimal upkeep, and versatility, a metal gazebo like the PASU or Wall Mounted model is the way forward.

If you prefer natural aesthetics, rustic charm, and timeless appeal, then wooden gazebos like the KAPS or the bold octagonal EGGI will elevate your garden.