Is Cedar or Aluminum Better for Outdoor Gazebos?
If you want a short answer: cedar and aluminum both work well, but cedar wins for looks, scent, and long-term repairability while aluminum wins for low maintenance and rust resistance. This article explains the trade-offs, helps you pick based on climate and use, and recommends a Backyard Discovery model if you want a cedar gazebo that feels like an outdoor living room.
We address the question directly up front because most buyers want guidance: choose cedar if you want a natural, warm appearance and don’t mind occasional maintenance; choose aluminum if you prioritize near-zero upkeep and maximum weather resistance. Later sections dig into cost, longevity, maintenance, and which material suits grilling, snow, and coastal conditions.
Key differences: cedar vs aluminum
- Appearance: Cedar offers a classic, warm wood grain and a natural cedar scent; aluminum looks modern and painted/ powder-coated.
- Maintenance: Cedar needs periodic sealing or staining every few years to keep color and resist rot. Aluminum needs almost no maintenance beyond washing.
- Durability: Cedar is rot-resistant and strong when properly maintained; aluminum won’t rot or rust and fares better in salt-air environments.
- Repairability: Scratches or damaged cedar boards can be replaced or sanded—easier for a homeowner than repairing structural metal components.
- Cost: Initial cost can be similar depending on design; long-term costs skew toward aluminum because of reduced upkeep or toward cedar if you invest in quality finishes.
Which is better for my climate?
In wet or coastal climates, aluminum has an edge because it won’t absorb moisture or corrode from salt air. In dry or mixed climates, cedar is a great choice: its natural oils resist insects and decay. In heavy snow areas, both can work—make sure roof pitch and engineering are rated for your snow load. Backyard Discovery cedar gazebos are built with practical roof designs and sturdy posts that handle normal snow loads when installed on a proper foundation.
Why choose a cedar Backyard Discovery model (and which one)
For homeowners who want the look and feel of an outdoor living room, cedar is usually the better choice. It’s beautiful, smells great, and feels natural against outdoor furniture. If that sounds like you, consider the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. It’s roomy enough for dining and seating, and the cedar construction provides the classic appearance most buyers want in a backyard focal point.
The Arcadia family is a great example of Backyard Discovery’s cedar options. If you want something smaller, the Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ is identical in design and finish at a smaller scale.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Cedar pros: aesthetic, scent, natural rot resistance, easier to repair, sustainable options.
- Cedar cons: periodic staining/sealing needed, can fade or gray without finish.
- Aluminum pros: ultra-low maintenance, excellent in salt air, no rot or insect issues.
- Aluminum cons: can dent, scratches show on powder coat, less natural warmth.
Installation and real-world assembly
One important practical point: similar Backyard Discovery Arcadia cedar gazebos can be assembled quickly. In fact, Preston and his brother built a Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ cedar gazebo in a single evening (see the video below). That real-world proof shows cedar kits from Backyard Discovery are designed for homeowner assembly: pre-cut, pre-drilled pieces and clear hardware organization make two-person builds realistic in one evening for many of these sizes.
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 should you pick?
Answering “Is Cedar or Aluminum Better for Outdoor Gazebos?” depends on priorities. Choose cedar (like the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′) for beauty, scent, and a traditional outdoor living feel—accepting a bit of maintenance. Choose aluminum if you want the lowest maintenance and best resistance to salt and moisture. Either way, Backyard Discovery offers durable kits with warranties and straightforward assembly that most homeowners can complete with two people in one evening for sizes like the Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′.
