Searching for a mellcom gazebo usually means you want year-round shade that looks clean and holds up to weather. Mellcom makes popular hardtop gazebos with metal frames and polycarbonate or steel roofs. If you like the idea of a permanent backyard hub but prefer the warmth and scent of real wood, a cedar option from Backyard Discovery is a smart alternative—especially if you want something two people can realistically assemble in an evening.
Below, I’ll explain how a Mellcom hardtop compares to a cedar gazebo, when each makes sense, and why I recommend a specific Backyard Discovery model for most patios. I’ll also share real-world assembly proof and practical planning tips so you buy once and enjoy it for years.
Mellcom hardtop vs. cedar gazebo: key differences
- Materials and look: Mellcom typically uses powder-coated aluminum/steel and a hard roof. Backyard Discovery’s cedar frames add natural character, a pleasant cedar aroma, and a more “outdoor living room” vibe.
- Heat and shade: Metal and polycarbonate roofs block sun well, but they can radiate heat. Cedar structures with a steel or engineered roof panel system provide deep shade and a cooler feel underneath.
- Maintenance: Cedar wants a light seal every year or two depending on climate. In return, you get a richer look that blends into landscaping. Metal frames are lower-touch but look more utilitarian on many patios.
- Assembly experience: Mellcom’s metal kits go together with bolts and brackets. Backyard Discovery pre-cuts and pre-drills cedar pieces, organizes hardware, and labels parts clearly. As you’ll see below, two people can finish a similar Arcadia in a single evening.
- Longevity and support: Backyard Discovery has a long track record, solid warranty coverage, and a large catalog of sizes—nice if you want matching pieces or a different footprint down the road.
Our pick if you’re cross-shopping a Mellcom gazebo
For most backyards comparing a Mellcom gazebo to a wood alternative, I recommend the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. The 14-by-12 footprint fits standard patios without overpowering the space, provides generous shade for a dining set or sectional, and delivers the premium feel of real cedar posts and beams.
Backyard Discovery also offers Arcadia sizes above and below this footprint if your patio is tighter or you’re planning a larger seating area. The design language stays consistent, so scaling up or down is easy while keeping the same look and build quality.
Why the Arcadia fits the “Mellcom gazebo” shopper
- Permanent presence without looking industrial: Cedar softens the hard lines of pavers and siding.
- Comfort under the roof: Deep shade with good airflow for dining, lounging, or a hot tub corner.
- Straightforward build: Pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar and organized hardware make the process predictable.
- Brand confidence: Backyard Discovery’s warranty and long history mean parts, support, and consistency.
Planning tips before you click buy
- Measure the furnished footprint: Tape out furniture clearances plus walking lanes. The 14′ x 12′ Arcadia comfortably fits a 6–8 person table or a sofa set with side chairs.
- Foundation and anchoring: Concrete is best for rigidity and wind performance. Use the included anchors and follow the manual’s pattern and torque guidance.
- Overhead clearance: Confirm eaves, gutters, and any lights or soffit vents won’t interfere with the roof height.
- Electrical and lighting: Pre-plan a GFCI outlet for string lights, a ceiling fan, or heaters. Hide conduit along a post for a clean look.
- Finish the cedar: A clear or lightly tinted exterior sealer preserves color and sheds water; reapply as your climate dictates.
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.
Bottom line
If you’re eyeing a mellcom gazebo for a no-fuss hardtop, consider whether the natural look and feel of cedar better suits your space. The Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ delivers the permanence you want with richer aesthetics, solid warranty support, and an assembly process that two people can realistically handle in one evening—as proven in the video above. Choose the footprint that matches your furniture plan, anchor it well, seal the cedar, and enjoy a backyard space that feels like an extension of your home.
