Quick answer: saxony vs yardistry grill gazebo
If you want a cedar BBQ shelter that looks like furniture, smells like real wood, and is engineered for easy two-person assembly, the Backyard Discovery Saxony line—especially the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo—is a better fit for most homeowners than Yardistry’s grill pergolas. Saxony models prioritize cedar construction, pre-drilled parts, and a roof that handles smoke and weather, while Yardistry focuses more on a patio pergola aesthetic that sometimes requires aftermarket modifications for grilling.
Why I recommend the Saxony XL for grilling
The Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is purpose-built for grilling: the 12′ x 6′ footprint fits large grills plus a prep area, the cedar posts and roof framing resist rot and look great over time, and the taller roof clears grill hoods. For homeowners who grill often, that combination of space, ventilation, and cedar durability matters more than the decorative look offered by some Yardistry models.
Material & durability
- Saxony (cedar): Solid Western red cedar resists rot and insects, smells great, and ages to a pleasant silver if left unfinished. Backyard Discovery offers a warranty and pre-cut cedar parts.
- Yardistry: Often uses pressure-treated pine or composite elements and places emphasis on pergola styling. Good for shade and looks, but some models need modifications for intense grill heat and smoke management.
Grill-specific features
- Saxony XL: Taller roofline, covered ceiling to keep rain off, and a size designed to accommodate a full grill + prep table. Cedar framing stands up to heat better than thinner decorative pergola pieces.
- Yardistry: Better for casual shade and outdoor dining; may require repositioning or adding a vent/hood for heavy grilling or smoking.
Assembly and real-world ease
A major advantage for Backyard Discovery is the way parts are pre-cut and pre-drilled. That makes a realistic DIY build much easier: similar Backyard Discovery models have been assembled by two people in a single evening when instructions and helpers are organized. If fast, straightforward assembly matters, Saxony wins over many Yardistry setups that sometimes require more cutting or modifying on site.
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.
Practical pros & cons
- Pros — Saxony XL: Cedar construction, grill-friendly footprint, pre-drilled parts for faster two-person assembly, good warranty from Backyard Discovery.
- Cons — Saxony XL: Cedar requires occasional sealing or refinishing if you want to maintain the original color; slightly higher initial price than basic pergolas.
- Pros — Yardistry: Attractive, pergola-style look that’s great for dining and shade; often lower-cost entry options.
- Cons — Yardistry: May need reinforcement, a hood, or extra ventilation for heavy grilling; materials are not always cedar-grade.
How to choose for your yard
Measure your grill + prep area, think about smoke direction, and pick a shelter with a tall roof and at least 6′ of depth in front of the grill. If you want cedar, smell, and a straightforward two-person evening build, choose the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo. If you prioritize a decorative pergola look and only occasional grilling, a Yardistry pergola can still work with modifications.
Conclusion
For dedicated backyard cooks who want a shelter designed around grilling, the Saxony XL is my pick: cedar durability, a grilling-friendly footprint, and the proven Backyard Discovery pre-drilled assembly process (as shown in Preston’s one-evening Arcadia build) make it the sensible choice over many Yardistry grill pergolas. Measure first, plan ventilation, and you can realistically have a similar Backyard Discovery gazebo up in one evening with two people.
