Saxony XL Grill Gazebo Comparison — quick answer
If you want a dedicated grill shelter with plenty of room for a big grill, prep table, and some seating, the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo is usually the best choice. It balances covered cooking area, cedar durability, and a simple two-person assembly that most homeowners can finish in an evening.
This article compares the Saxony XL to the standard Saxony and other small grill shelters, covers pros and cons, and explains why the Saxony XL is a strong pick for homeowners who want a purpose-built BBQ gazebo without hiring pros.
What makes the Saxony XL different?
The two main Backyard Discovery grill gazebo options are the smaller Saxony 8′ x 5′ and the Saxony XL 12′ x 6′. The XL adds a few feet of length and width, which changes how you can use the space:
- Cooking space: The XL fits a full-size gas grill plus prep surfaces or a small smoker beside it. The standard Saxony is tight with large grills.
- Airflow and smoke: The longer roof and open sides on the XL help vent smoke away from guests while still protecting the cook from sun and light rain.
- Layout flexibility: With 12′ x 6′ you can add a small counter, hooks for tools, and still have room for a couple of bar stools.
Recommended model
For most backyard kitchens we recommend the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo. It keeps a dedicated grilling footprint while giving you room to organize tools, a small prep table, and guest seating.
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.
Assembly and real-world time — yes, one evening for two people
Although Preston built an Arcadia model, the same real-world assembly lessons apply to the Saxony and Saxony XL. The pre-cut, labeled cedar pieces and pre-drilled hardware keep the process predictable. For the Saxony XL, two people who prepare the site, have basic tools (drill/driver, level, socket set), and follow the instructions can realistically finish the assembly in one evening — roughly 4–8 hours depending on site prep and experience.
Practical tips for a one-evening build
- Lay out parts and hardware by bag number before beginning.
- Prepare a level, compacted base (gravel or concrete pads recommended) so posts sit true.
- Use two ladders so roof panels and ridge pieces can be lifted and aligned safely.
- Keep a power drill with screwdriver bits and a socket set handy — most bolts are standard sizes.
Pros and cons — quick comparison
- Pros: Larger covered area, better ventilation for grills, cedar looks and smells great, relatively easy two-person assembly.
- Cons: Larger footprint needs more level ground; if you only have a small balcony or tight patio, the standard Saxony might fit better.
Conclusion
For homeowners comparing BBQ gazebos, the saxony xl grill gazebo comparison usually tips toward the Backyard Discovery Saxony XL 12′ x 6′ Cedar Wood BBQ Grill Gazebo when you need space for a full-size grill plus prep. It combines cedar durability, purpose-built ventilation and a realistic two-person, one-evening assembly rhythm proven by real builds. If you need a smaller footprint, compare the standard Saxony, but for outdoor kitchens the Saxony XL is a practical, durable choice.
