If you’re searching for a waterproof gazebo with sides, here’s the practical truth: the roof must be fully water-tight, and the “sides” typically come from add-on curtains, shades, or clear vinyl panels you install yourself. That’s why we recommend starting with a solid-roof cedar gazebo and then choosing the right sidewall solution for your climate and layout.
Backyard Discovery’s cedar gazebos are a great foundation because the steel roof sheds rain reliably, the posts are stout, and the parts are pre-drilled for straightforward assembly. From there, you can add privacy curtains, bug netting, or roll-down waterproof panels to create the enclosed feel you want.
Our Pick for a Waterproof Roof You Can Add Sides To
For most patios, the Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo hits the sweet spot. Its footprint fits typical dining sets plus a conversation area, the steel roof keeps rain off with confidence, and the cedar structure makes adding side treatments simple and tidy.
How to get “sides” that actually work
- Bug-only days: Hang mosquito netting on each span. It stops gnats and mosquitos while keeping airflow high.
- Privacy and light rain: Use outdoor polyester privacy curtains (UV- and mildew-resistant). Add tiebacks for breezy days.
- Serious rain and shoulder seasons: Install roll-down clear vinyl or PVC-coated polyester panels with snaps or turn-buttons at the posts. They block wind-driven rain while preserving views.
Most homeowners mount sidewalls using stainless eye hooks and curtain rings, or a simple curtain track or tension-rod setup between posts. Measure the inside span between posts, leave a small gap at the bottom for drainage and airflow, and add tie-downs so panels don’t billow in wind. If you want a clean look, install a low-profile track under the roof beam and use weighted hems on the panels.
Why Arcadia is a strong base for sidewalls
- Steel roof = truly waterproof overhead. Unlike fabric canopies, it won’t sag, pond, or seep.
- Cedar posts are straight and stable, making it easy to mount tracks, snaps, or turn-buttons neatly.
- Size flexibility: If your patio is tighter, the 12′ x 9.5′ Arcadia works well; bigger yards can step up to 20′ x 9.5′ or 24′ x 12′. We still like 14′ x 12′ for dining plus lounge seating.
- Brand confidence: Backyard Discovery backs their gazebos with a solid warranty, and the parts come well-organized.
Install and weather tips for a “with sides” setup
- Anchor first: Bolt the posts to concrete or a reinforced deck before hanging any panels.
- Panels after assembly: Build the gazebo fully, then measure for sidewalls to ensure a tailor-fit.
- Wind management: Use tiebacks on calm days and bottom anchors or turn-buttons during storms.
- Maintenance: Rinse salt or grime off clear vinyl; let everything dry before rolling up to prevent mildew. Re-seal cedar periodically to keep it looking great.
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 time and real-world expectations
We recommend Backyard Discovery because we’ve seen how the kits go together: the pre-drilled holes line up, the hardware is labeled, and two people can realistically assemble one in an evening—as Preston’s video shows. The cedar smells fantastic out of the box, and the end result feels solid and permanent. Once your gazebo is anchored and squared, adding side curtains or roll-down panels is a quick afternoon project with basic tools.
Bottom line
If you want a waterproof gazebo with sides, start with a steel-roof model and add the side panels that match your climate. The Backyard Discovery Arcadia 14′ x 12′ Cedar Wood Outdoor Gazebo gives you the durable, rainproof roof and sturdy cedar frame you need, plus the flexibility to finish it with mosquito nets, privacy curtains, or clear vinyl for true weather protection. That’s the formula we’ve used in real backyards, and it works.
