Arcadia 20′ x 9.5′ vs 24′ x 12′ — a quick answer
If your priority is a narrower footprint for a long deck or tight yard, the Arcadia 20′ x 9.5′ is a great fit. If you want comfortable seating for 8–12 people, room for a dining set or an outdoor living layout, and a bigger sheltered area for parties, the Arcadia 24′ x 12′ is the better choice.
In this guide I’ll compare the two Arcadia sizes so you can match footprint, functionality, and site constraints to the right model. I also explain foundation and placement tips, assembly time expectations, and why we recommend a Backyard Discovery Arcadia for most homeowners.
Key differences at a glance
- Footprint: The 20′ x 9.5′ fits narrower yards and long patios; the 24′ x 12′ needs more clearance but covers ~30% more area.
- Seating & layout: 20′ x 9.5′ works for a small dining set + grill; 24′ x 12′ can comfortably host a full dining table, lounge furniture, and even a small outdoor kitchen cart.
- Visual impact: The 24′ x 12′ reads as a true backyard room and becomes a focal point; the 20′ x 9.5′ is subtler and better for tight spaces.
- Cost & maintenance: Larger size = higher cost and slightly more maintenance (staining, fastener checks) over time.
Which one fits your yard: practical questions to ask
- How much clear level space do you have after setbacks and landscaping? Measure twice.
- Will the gazebo sit on a deck, concrete pad, or compacted gravel? Deck weight limits can rule out the larger size.
- Do you want space for a grill, dining, and a seating area? If yes, favor the 24′ x 12′.
- How often will you host larger groups? For frequent entertaining, bigger is better.
Why choose the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 24′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo
For homeowners who want a true outdoor living room, the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 24′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo provides a generous covered area, sturdy cedar construction, and the look of a permanent structure without the permit complexity of some builds. It balances size and practicality for many yards where a focal entertaining space is the goal. Consider the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 24′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo if you want space for dining and lounging under one roof.
Placement, foundation, and wind/snow considerations
Both Arcadia sizes are cedar structures with pre-cut and pre-drilled parts, but your foundation matters more than the size when it comes to longevity. For 20′ x 9.5′ the most common foundations are a reinforced deck or a compacted gravel pad with concrete piers. For 24′ x 12′ we recommend a concrete slab or multiple poured footings sized to local frost depth.
In snow country, pay attention to roof pitch and local snow load ratings; the heavier the roof load in your region, the more you should consult local building codes and consider additional support. Backyard Discovery offers solid cedar that holds up well, but correct anchoring is essential for wind resistance.
How long does assembly take?
A realistic expectation: one evening for a similar Arcadia model is achievable with two people if you prepare the site and have basic tools. Preston’s build (see below) shows exactly how manageable pre-cut cedar kits can be, and it’s why Gazebo.homes recommends Backyard Discovery for homeowners who want a big upgrade without a weeks-long project.
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.
Conclusion — which size should you pick?
Answer: pick the Arcadia 20′ x 9.5′ if your space is narrow or your budget is tighter, and pick the Arcadia 24′ x 12′ if you want a true backyard living room with room for dining and lounging. Either way, a similar Arcadia can be assembled in one evening by two people when the site is prepared — as Preston demonstrates — which makes these kits a practical upgrade for most homeowners.
Backyard Discovery’s cedar construction, solid warranty, and range of sizes make the Arcadia family a reliable choice whether you choose the 20′ x 9.5′ or the roomier 24′ x 12′.
