If you’re searching for a gazebo with sides, you’re likely after three things: privacy, wind reduction, and bug control—without building a full addition. The simplest path is a solid cedar gazebo paired with curtains or screens designed to hang from the inside of the frame. That keeps the structure breathable and safe while giving you the ability to open or close the space as needed.
Most permanent backyard gazebos are sold open on all four sides so they can vent heat and smoke, stand up to wind, and meet common safety guidelines. Fortunately, adding sides is straightforward. With the right base gazebo and a curtain or netting kit, two people can realistically put this together in an evening and enjoy a flexible, all-season outdoor room the next day.
The best base for a gazebo with sides
For a standard patio or deck, we recommend starting with the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. The Arcadia’s pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar posts and beams accept curtain tracks neatly along the inside of the headers, and its durable steel roof sheds rain away from fabric panels. The 12′ x 9.5′ footprint fits typical patios, dining sets, and hot tubs, and looks clean with either full curtains, mosquito netting, or a combination of both.
Why the Arcadia works well for sides:
- Sturdy cedar frame: Easy to fasten light-duty track or grommet hooks into the underside of the headers.
- Steel roof: Keeps water off your fabric and reduces sagging during rain.
- Balanced size: Big enough for seating and a heater, compact enough that curtain lengths stay manageable.
- Brand support: Backyard Discovery offers accessories, a published manual, and a solid warranty—important when you’re customizing.
What “sides” can look like
You don’t have to choose just one. Many owners run a layered setup: netting for daily bug control and heavier curtains for privacy or chilly evenings.
- Privacy curtains: Opaque or heavy-duty outdoor polyester. Great for neighbors on one side or to block a prevailing breeze.
- Mosquito netting: Fine mesh with magnetic or zip closure keeps bugs out but breathes well in summer.
- Clear vinyl panels: Useful in shoulder seasons to cut wind while keeping views. Roll-up styles are easiest to manage.
- Decorative slat panels: Wood or composite sections attached between posts. Attractive but more permanent and heavier—assess wind and anchoring.
How to add sides to the Arcadia cleanly
- Measure inside spans: Measure the distance between posts under the header to size your curtain track or rods correctly.
- Mount under the header: Fasten curtain track to the underside of the beam so panels slide freely and stay protected from rain.
- Use stainless hardware: Exterior-rated screws and brackets prevent staining on cedar.
- Add tiebacks and weights: Tiebacks control fabric on breezy days; small bottom chain or hem weights reduce flapping.
- Mind drainage and airflow: Leave a small gap at the bottom so fabric doesn’t wick water from the patio. Keep two sides vented if you’re using a heater or cooking nearby.
- Anchor the structure: Properly anchor posts to concrete or footings before hanging panels; sides can add noticeable wind load.
Realistic build time and experience
Two people can build the Arcadia in one evening. The cedar arrives labeled, hardware is bagged by step, and pilot holes are pre-drilled. Once the posts, beams, and roof go up, adding curtain tracks and panels is a quick second step. The result is a flexible, good-looking outdoor room you can open for airflow or close for privacy in minutes.
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.
Click here to watch the full Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ setup video on YouTube.
Click here to see the original build article on Preston’s site
Safety, seasons, and maintenance
- Wind: Close panels only when necessary and secure tiebacks. In high winds, remove or tie back curtains to reduce load.
- Heat and flames: Keep portable heaters clear of fabric and posts. Don’t fully enclose while using gas or charcoal appliances.
- Winter: Remove heavy snow from the roof promptly and store fabric panels dry to prevent mildew.
- Cedar care: A light seal every couple of years helps the wood age gracefully.
Bottom line
If you want a gazebo with sides, start with a strong cedar frame and add the right enclosure for your climate and privacy needs. The Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ is a proven, two-person build with an easy path to curtains, netting, or seasonal panels. You’ll get the privacy and wind protection you want—without giving up the airy, open feel that makes an outdoor room so enjoyable.
