Looking for a screened in gazebo to keep bugs out while you enjoy evening dinners and morning coffee? The simplest path is a sturdy cedar frame plus a clean, fitted screen solution. In practice, that means choosing a proven wood gazebo and adding either a universal netting kit, magnetic screen door, or a low-profile screen track system. The result is shade, airflow, and mosquito-free comfort without feeling closed in.
If you like the warmth and longevity of real wood, a smart starting point is the Backyard Discovery Arcadia series. Build the gazebo frame once, then add screens you can remove or upgrade over time. Two people can realistically assemble the structure in one evening, then install screens the next hour or two—no contractor required.
Why the Arcadia is ideal for a screened setup
The Arcadia is a cedar post-and-beam gazebo with a steel roof and pre-drilled, labeled parts. That combination makes it rigid, weather-ready, and easy to accessorize. For most patios and small yards, we recommend the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo. It’s the right balance of footprint and headroom for a dining table or sectional, and the rectangular shape makes screen fitting straightforward.
- Cedar structure: Naturally rot- and insect-resistant, light enough for two people to handle but strong once anchored.
- Pre-drilled parts: Hardware and pilot holes line up, so posts, beams, and roof panels come together predictably.
- Clean eaves and corners: Easy to mount screen tracks, curtain rods, or netting without odd gaps.
- Size options: If you need more room, Arcadia offers larger footprints with the same assembly approach.
Three ways to make your gazebo bug-tight
1) Universal netting kits (fastest)
Use a full-perimeter mosquito net with tiebacks. Mount the included rod or a simple curtain track just under the roof fascia. Add a magnetic center opening for hands-free entry. This is the quickest way to go from open-air to screened-in, and it looks clean on cedar.
2) Low-profile screen tracks (cleanest look)
Install slim aluminum tracks inside the posts and top beam to hold custom-cut fiberglass or polyester screen. You’ll get tighter edges, better wind resistance, and a neater perimeter. Add a hinged or magnetic door panel for a true room feel.
3) Convertible privacy + bug control
Pair lightweight bug netting with heavier privacy curtains on a double track. Use the net every day, then pull privacy panels when neighbors are close or when the sun is low. This setup adapts to seasons and company.
Planning and install tips
- Measure post-to-post: Order screen widths to the inside faces of posts. Account for the roof overhang so tracks and rods don’t interfere.
- Anchor before screening: Fully square and anchor the gazebo to your slab, pavers-on-concrete, or deck framing. A solid base keeps door lines true.
- Mind drainage and airflow: Keep at least a 1–2 inch air gap at the bottom if you’re on a slab that puddles. It helps ventilation and reduces splash-back.
- Define a door: Magnetic center openings are convenient, but if you host often, add a framed screen door on the main traffic side.
- Power and lighting: Route low-voltage string lights or a damp-rated fan before mounting screens, so fabric isn’t in your way.
What about grilling? For open-flame cooking, use a dedicated grill gazebo with a vented roof. A screened enclosure traps smoke and grease. If your main goal is cooking, consider setting your screened Arcadia as a lounge and placing a grill gazebo a few steps away.
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.
Click here to watch the full Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ setup video on YouTube.
Click here to see the original build article on preston’s site
Why Gazebo.homes recommends Backyard Discovery
Backyard Discovery has a long track record with cedar structures, strong warranties, and a deep catalog of sizes. The Arcadia line’s uniform hardware and pre-drilled parts make a one-evening build realistic for two people. That gets you to the fun part—hanging screens, lights, and enjoying a bug-free patio—without losing a whole weekend.
Final take: is a screened in gazebo worth it?
Yes—if you value evening comfort, fewer bug bites, and cleaner dinners outside. Start with the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 12′ x 9.5′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo for a durable cedar frame, then choose a screen approach that fits your budget and style. Two people can assemble the structure in an evening, and screening adds a small, satisfying second step. The result is a beautiful, functional outdoor room you’ll use far more months of the year.
