Quick answer: who the Saxony XL is best for
If you want a dedicated, cedar-covered shelter for grilling that keeps rain off your cooktop, improves smoke management, and fits a larger grill plus prep area, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ is an excellent choice. This saxony xl bbq gazebo review covers build quality, ventilation, assembly, weather considerations, and real-world pros and cons so you can decide quickly.
Bottom line: the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo gives you a roomy, attractive grill shelter with solid cedar components and a simple, two-person assembly.
What I tested and what this review covers
This review focuses on practical use: protection from rain and sun, smoke clearance, footprint, materials and finish, hardware, and how easy it is to get built and anchored. I’ll also compare the Saxony XL to the smaller Saxony 8′ x 5′ so you can match size to your backyard and grill setup.
Key features and field notes
- Size and layout: At 12′ x 6′ there’s room for a large grill, side burners or cart, and a small prep table. It’s noticeably wider than the 8′ x 5′ Saxony, which helps if you like a dedicated outdoor kitchen area.
- Material: Clear cedar framing and posts — pleasant cedar smell when new and naturally rot-resistant when kept sealed.
- Ventilation: Open sides and a peaked roof give good airflow so smoke doesn’t collect under the shelter. Still, place the grill so smoke exits away from seating areas.
- Assembly: Pre-cut, pre-drilled parts and labeled hardware make the job straightforward for two people. As seen in the real-world build below, Backyard Discovery components are organized for a quick build.
- Finish and warranty: Solid stain-ready cedar; Backyard Discovery offers a warranty and replacement parts which gives peace of mind for long-term outdoor use.
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.
Why the Saxony XL fits grill-focused yards
The Saxony XL is built around the grilling use case: wider footprint for prep space, open sides for airflow, and solid cedar posts to support a peaked roof that sheds weather. If you host often or want a weather-protected cooking zone that looks like a built-in extension of your patio, the 12′ x 6′ size is the sweet spot between compact and full pergola.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Pros: Spacious for grills and prep; cedar looks and smells great; pre-drilled parts speed assembly; good airflow for smoke.
- Cons: Requires a clear, level pad and anchoring; cedar needs periodic sealing if you want it to age evenly; not a fully enclosed shelter against driving wind-blown rain on one side.
Assembly tips and safety
- Assemble on a level surface (concrete or patio pavers recommended) and anchor to the slab or use concrete anchors through the posts.
- Keep at least 3 feet clearance from combustible siding and consider a non-combustible pad directly under the grill.
- Finish or seal cedar within the first season to slow weathering and retain color unless you prefer a natural silver patina.
- Two people can reasonably assemble the Saxony XL in an evening if you follow the organized hardware packs and pre-drilled holes — the same approach shown in the video above for an Arcadia model.
Conclusion: who should buy it?
If you want a dedicated, attractive grill shelter with more room than the smaller Saxony, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is a solid buy. It delivers the protection, airflow, and build quality most homeowners want for an outdoor kitchen area. Check your site plan for clearance and anchoring, and expect a smooth two-person assembly if you follow the instructions and have a helper available.
