Saxony vs Saxony XL — quick answer
If you need a compact shelter for a small propane grill and a prep table, the Backyard Discovery Saxony 8′ x 5′ is a tidy, economical choice. If you plan to run a full grilling station with a larger gas grill, smoker, side burners, or an island-style prep area, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is the better fit. This article explains the practical differences — footprint, ventilation, assembly, and placement — and recommends the right model based on common backyard cooking setups.
Why the difference matters for real cooking
The choice between the two models is about more than square footage. Grill access, heat and smoke clearance, side-table workspace, and guest flow all change with a few feet of extra width. The Saxony 8′ x 5′ works well beside a patio door or on a narrow deck where space is limited. The Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ gives you room for a larger grill plus a prep station, herb shelf, and a couple of bar stools without feeling cramped.
Primary recommendation
For most homeowners who plan to host, cook larger meals, or add a smoker or side burner, I recommend the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo. The extra depth and width translate to safer clearances and better workflow while still being straightforward to install and maintain.
Key comparison: size, airflow, and layout
- Footprint: Saxony 8′ x 5′ suits tight spots and small decks. Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ offers nearly twice the usable grilling space, letting you place the grill along one long side and use the other side for prep.
- Airflow & smoke: Both are open-sided designs that rely on a high roof for venting. The XL’s larger opening makes passive smoke clearance easier when using larger smokers or multi-burner grills.
- Workspace: If you want counters, shelving, or a mini-fridge, the XL gives you room without crowding the cook.
- Cost and footprint tradeoff: The smaller Saxony is less expensive and lighter; choose it if you truly lack space or only grill occasionally with a compact unit.
Site planning and safety tips
- Place the gazebo on a level, non-combustible surface — concrete pavers, patio, or treated deck with proper clearance from joists.
- Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on the open sides and 5 feet behind the grill; the XL makes this easier to achieve on typical patios.
- Consider wind patterns; a narrow space downwind can push smoke back toward the house. The XL’s wider cross-ventilation helps on breezy days.
- Think about lighting and utilities. The Saxony XL has enough room for mounted task lighting and a corded outlet (installed by a pro) for a rotisserie or small fridge.
Assembly and real-world build confidence
Backyard Discovery designs these grill gazebos with pre-cut, pre-drilled cedar parts so two people can assemble them in an afternoon. A very similar Arcadia gazebo was assembled by two people in a single evening in Preston’s real-world build (see the video below). That same build experience — organized hardware, solid posts, and clear instructions — is why Gazebo.homes recommends Backyard Discovery: cedar that smells great, a solid warranty, and multiple sizes you can actually install without calling a contractor.
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?
Choose the Backyard Discovery Saxony 8′ x 5′ if you truly have constrained space and only run a small grill. Choose the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo if you want room for a larger grill, prep surfaces, safer clearances, and more comfortable hosting. Either model is designed for homeowner assembly, and the real-world Arcadia evening build shows that two people can realistically put similar cedar gazebos together in a single session. Plan your placement, follow safety clearances, and enjoy a well-organized outdoor kitchen area that suits your cooking style.
