Do you need a garden gazebo with sides?
Yes — a garden gazebo with sides gives shade, bug protection, wind blockage, and a cozier outdoor room feel. If your goal is to eat outside without flies, create a private lounge, or shelter a hot tub or grill from the breeze, choosing a gazebo that can accept side panels, screens, or curtains is the fastest way to add usable time to your backyard.
In this guide I’ll show practical options for enclosing a gazebo, site and anchoring tips, and why the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo is a great base model when you want a garden gazebo with sides. I’ll also explain how a very similar Arcadia kit can be assembled by two people in a single evening.
Why pick an Arcadia gazebo for sides and enclosures
The Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo has the footprint and roof height that make adding screens, roll-up shades, or full polycarbonate panels straightforward. The cedar posts and rafters are sturdy enough to take light framing for side panels, and the open-beam design gives you solid anchor points without hiding the wood grain that makes these kits attractive.
If you want to look at this model, check the full product listing here: Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo.
Common side options and what they do
- Mesh screens — Best for bug protection and airflow; easy to attach to posts with Velcro or screen tracks.
- Outdoor curtains — Simple, decorative, and good for privacy and light wind protection.
- Roll-up vinyl shades — Great for sun control and rain; mount to the eaves or header beam.
- Polycarbonate or tempered glass panels — For year-round wind and rain protection; create a true outdoor room but add weight and framing needs.
Planning, anchoring, and site tips
Before you buy panels, pick a level site and decide whether the gazebo will sit on a concrete pad, paver patio, or a gravel/sand base. For side panels that catch wind, anchor the gazebo posts to concrete footings or use heavy-duty anchors rated for lateral loads.
- Measure wind exposure and orient the open sides away from prevailing gusts.
- Use stainless or galvanized hardware for any added framing to avoid rust where panels meet cedar.
- If you plan insulated panels, check roof snow load for your area — the Arcadia series includes robust rafters but heavier panels may require additional bracing.
Installation: can you add sides after assembly?
Yes. With a 14′ x 12′ Arcadia you can assemble the gazebo first, then add screens or panels. This sequence helps you level and square the main structure before attaching side framing. Many homeowners buy standard screen kits or custom-cut panels to fit between the posts.
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.
Quick assembly notes and timeline
The Arcadia kits arrive with pre-cut, labeled cedar pieces and pre-drilled holes. As shown in the video above, two people can reasonably assemble a similar Arcadia gazebo in one evening — you’ll want at least a set of power drivers, a level, and some clamps. After the frame is up you can add screens or panels the next day once the base is secure.
Conclusion: is a garden gazebo with sides right for you?
If you want to extend outdoor seasons, reduce insects, and add privacy, a garden gazebo with sides is a practical upgrade. The Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo is a strong starting point: roomy enough for furniture and modifications, easy to assemble in a single evening by two people, and built from long-lasting cedar that ages gracefully. Plan your anchors, pick a side system that fits your needs, and you’ll have a comfortable, enclosed outdoor room by the weekend.
