Looking for a gazebo with netting so you can enjoy summer evenings without bugs? You have two paths: buy a soft-top pop-up that includes screens, or build a permanent cedar hardtop and add netting. If you want long-term durability, better wind resistance, and year-round curb appeal, a cedar hardtop plus a quality netting kit is the smarter choice—and it’s more flexible than you might think.
With a wood hardtop, you get a structure that looks like part of your home, not a temporary tent. Add zippered mesh panels around the perimeter and you’ll block mosquitoes while keeping airflow and visibility. The trick is choosing the right size, attachment method, and entry location for how you actually move through the space. As the video below shows, two people can realistically assemble a Backyard Discovery cedar gazebo in one evening, so you can be relaxing behind netting the same night you build.
Our pick for a netted hardtop setup
If you want a permanent gazebo with netting, pair a 12×14 netting kit with the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. The Arcadia’s sturdy posts and clean roof lines make it simple to add mesh curtains with stainless cup hooks, a discreet cable, or curtain rings. It’s a sweet spot size for most patios—large enough for a dining set and grill cart, yet easy to screen in without odd gaps.
Backyard Discovery’s cedar holds up well outdoors, the hardware is organized, and parts are pre-drilled. That makes the base build straightforward, and you can add screens the same evening. If you need different coverage, the Arcadia family also comes in 12′ x 9.5′ and larger footprints; just match your netting to the interior span.
How to add netting to a cedar gazebo (quick plan)
- Measure inside-to-inside between posts and beam height to select a properly sized “12×14” style netting set.
- Choose attachment: stainless cup hooks + curtain rings, a low-profile stainless cable around the perimeter, or screw-on netting rails.
- Place your main entry where traffic flows from the house; zippered center panels work best for dining layouts.
- Add weights: use built-in bottom pockets with chain or discreet clip-on curtain weights to reduce billow in wind.
- Seal corners: overlap panels 4–6 inches and use small Velcro straps at posts to keep bugs out.
- Seasonal care: rinse with a hose, air-dry, and store nets during heavy winter storms to extend life.
What to look for in netting kits
- Fabric: tightly woven polyester mesh with UV resistance to prevent fading.
- Entry: double zippers for easy in/out from either direction.
- Hardware: rust-resistant rings, hooks, or straps for wood structures.
- Hem: weight pockets or magnets to keep panels down on breezy days.
- Coverage: full perimeter panels sized to your inner span, not just roof size.
Watch a Real Backyard Discovery Gazebo Build in 4K
Before you commit to a gazebo, it helps to see one go together in the real world. Preston and his brother built a Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ cedar gazebo in a single evening, start to finish.
In the 4K video below, you can see how the pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar pieces fit together, how the hardware is organized, and how manageable the process is for just two people. The fresh cedar smell, solid posts, and overall build quality are a big part of why we like Backyard Discovery so much.
If you want to see more photos and details from this exact build, Preston also wrote about the process on his personal site: PrestonShamblen.com/backyard-discovery-arcadia-gazebo-setup. It includes tips, notes, and behind-the-scenes details from the same evening.
Why we recommend Backyard Discovery for netted setups
Backyard Discovery has a long track record with cedar structures, a solid warranty, and a wide range of hardtop sizes. Their Arcadia frames are stable, which makes attaching netting simple and clean. Build it once, add screens, and you’ll have a comfortable outdoor room for dinners, reading, or game nights—without bug spray. If “gazebo with netting” is your goal, the Arcadia 14′ x 12′ plus a matching net kit is a reliable, good-looking solution.
