Quick answer: Is the Barrington worth it?
This Backyard Discovery Barrington review looks specifically at the Backyard Discovery Barrington 20′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo and why it’s a great choice for homeowners who need a large, attractive, long-lasting outdoor cover. Short version: if you want a roomy cedar gazebo for entertaining, a Barrington in the 20′ x 12′ range balances size, durability, and realistic DIY assembly better than many alternatives.
Below I cover materials, assembly expectations, footprint and layout tips, and practical pros and cons so you can decide if the Barrington 20′ x 12′ is right for your yard.
Why choose the Barrington 20′ x 12′ for a large outdoor space?
The Barrington line is Backyard Discovery’s answer for large patios, multi-table dining areas, and defined outdoor living rooms. The 20′ x 12′ model gives generous coverage for a dining set, grill station, and circulation space without feeling cramped. Solid cedar construction offers natural rot resistance and a classic look that weathers well with basic maintenance.
Key features at a glance
- Spacious 20′ x 12′ footprint for entertaining or an outdoor kitchen.
- Cedar framing and roof structure for durability and a pleasant cedar aroma during build.
- Designed with homeowner-friendly pre-cut and pre-drilled parts.
- Backyard Discovery’s warranty and broad parts catalog for replacements.
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.
Assembly: what to expect (and why two people are usually enough)
While Preston built an Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ in one evening, that real-world example is instructive: Backyard Discovery designs their kits with homeowner assembly in mind. The Barrington is larger, so plan for extra time, but the same advantages apply—pre-drilled holes, numbered parts, and clear instructions. Two moderately handy adults can realistically finish a Barrington 20′ x 12′ in an evening if the site and foundation are prepared beforehand; otherwise expect a full weekend.
Prep checklist
- Level concrete or compacted paver base and anchor points for posts.
- Clear staging area for parts and hardware—organize by step.
- Basic tools: drill, socket set, level, and help from one other person.
- Check local permitting and snow/wind load recommendations if you live in extreme climates.
Real-world durability and maintenance
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects but benefits from a UV-protective finish or semi-transparent stain every few years. The Barrington’s robust posts and truss-style roof handle typical rain and moderate snow, but if you live in heavy-snow country, add reinforcement or plan for snow removal. Backyard Discovery offers good documentation and a reasonable warranty on cedar products, which is one reason Gazebo.homes focuses on their lineup.
Product recommendation
If you want the larger Barrington footprint for entertaining or a covered outdoor kitchen, we recommend the Backyard Discovery Barrington 20′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. It balances usable space with homeowner-friendly assembly and the classic cedar look most people want for a backyard focal point.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Large coverage, attractive cedar, homeowner-friendly kit, good warranty and parts support.
- Cons: Requires a solid foundation, larger size needs two people and good planning, occasional staining or sealing for best longevity.
Conclusion
This backyard discovery barrington review concludes that the Barrington 20′ x 12′ is an excellent choice when you need real coverage for gatherings or an outdoor living room. It offers a durable cedar build, realistic assembly for two people if you prepare the site, and classic styling that holds up over time. If you want a large, family-friendly gazebo with proven kit-style assembly, the Barrington is worth strong consideration.
