Sunjoy Gazebo Review: I Tried a 15-Foot Octagon Gazebo in My Backyard; Here’s How It Went
A gazebo can instantly transform your backyard scene and boost your resale value. Plus, they offer practical advantages, like additional shade and shelter from the rain. From barbecues to birthday parties, the right gazebo provides a designated, covered area for gatherings.
If youve shopped for gazebos, you know there are endless options when it comes to materials, shape and size. Generally, if you want a more permanent fixture, you should go with a metal or wooden gazebo. If you want something more portable and can move from one spot in the yard to another, a soft-top gazebo might be the way to go (theyre also typically more affordable).
We selected this Sunjoy Hardtop Octagon Gazebo to install as a permanent fixture in our backyard. Below is our full review of the Sunjoy Gazebo, from delivery and assembly to product details and more.
What is a Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo?
Sunjoy is an outdoor furniture and gazebo brand founded in 2001. For over 20 years, the brand has manufactured high-quality outdoor products designed to last for years. They offer free delivery on all orders and a 30-day return window from the original delivery date. Sunjoy makes a variety of gazebo styles, including hard-top, soft-top, pop-up, wall-mounted and more. Sunjoy also offers gazebos in various materials, including metal, wood and aluminum.
The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo we installed in our backyard is made of metal, specifically steel for the roof and galvanized pipe for the legs. It is octagonal and features a double-tiered top for ventilation and wind resistance. The entire structure sports an aesthetic matte black finish. Its perfect for expanding your entertainment area outside and is a permanent structure if you anchor the legs.
VIA MERCHANTWe Tried It
Sunjoy Outdoor Hard-Top Gazebo
A weather-proof gazebo for all your backyard needs
Pros:
- Ventilated 2-tier top
- Dual rail system
- Durable matte black steel roof
- Sturdy construction
- Looks high quality
- Arrived free of damage
- Sunjoy sends delivery notifications
- Sunjoy offers several styles and types of gazebos
Cons:
- May need professional help with installation
- Some reviews note issues with customer service
Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo Product Features
Here’s a look at some of the standout features, good and bad, you can expect if you choose to purchase this Sunjoy gazebo.
Materials
The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo features all-steel construction. Specifically, the roof is made of steel, while the legs are made of galvanized pipe. Sunjoy offers similar hard-top gazebos with metal roofs and wooden legs if you want a gazebo that will blend in on top of a deck or other wooden structure.
The steel structure is very sturdy and weather-resistant. The gazebo we tested has faced Midwestern winds, storms and heat, and it still looks as good as new. Anchoring the gazebo legs in the ground helps keep it in place during severe weather, too.
Size
The hard-top octagon gazebo has a diameter of about 15 feet, and its legs measure about 6-1/2 feet tall and 4-1/2 feet apart. The entire structure stands about 11 feet tall and weighs over 500 pounds. It can withstand 50 MPH winds and over 4,000 pounds of snow. Talk about sturdy! Underneath the gazebo, you can easily fit a standard-size picnic table or a few lounge chairs.
Design
The gazebos two-tiered roof allows airflow while shielding off weather by protecting whats underneath it from UV rays and allowing wind to pass through the top. The built-in dual rails let you easily hang mosquito netting or curtains, and the ceiling hook lets you hang suspended lighting. The durable matte black coating is made to withstand sun, rain and snow while providing a modern look.
How We Tested It
The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo was delivered to our house via semi-truck. It was a pallet delivery, which the drivers dropped in the front yard. We did not have the option of getting it delivered to the backyard, where we wanted it. I recommend contacting Sunjoys customer support team if you order a large, heavy gazebo and want it delivered to a designated area. They might be able to accommodate you. I did not do that, and the delivery weighed over 500 pounds, so I could not move the pallet alone.
I did not anticipate the size and weight of the item, because when I was shopping for a gazebo, I originally had selected a smaller, lighter gazebo from Sunjoy. However, I was sent the larger octagon gazebo instead. After realizing the size of the gazebo, I knew Id need help moving and assembling it.
The instructions recommended a team of five people, which I did not have available. So, I used Thumbtack to find a construction pro to move, assemble and anchor the gazebo in the backyard. Living in the Midwest, I needed to anchor the gazebo, especially since I was having it installed during storm season. I didn’t want to risk strong winds damaging the gazebo or its surroundings.
I took many bids from different construction pros for the project. In my area, the most affordable rate was $1,750 for the entire job. However, the cheaper rate came at an additional, unexpected cost. The job was done poorlyconcrete was thrown onto the fence and left in the yard, and the concrete used to anchor the gazebos posts was laid inconsistently and far above the grass.
That said, the gazebo was moved and assembled quickly, looks level, and is very sturdy. If you have the means, Id recommend hiring vetted pros to assemble and anchor your hard-top gazebo.
Additionally, because the gazebo I was sent was larger than I expected, it did not fit on our patio. So, we had to assemble it adjacent to the patio in a grassy area. We havent entirely decided how to use that space, but we plan to either extend the patio or install some other kind of outdoor flooring and make that an outdoor dining area.
While the installation process was a headache, the product is fantastic. Its a large, sturdy gazebo that has already held up against numerous storms. The dimensions are true to those listed in the product description, and the matte black finish looks sleek and high quality. If youre serious about revamping your outdoor space, Sunjoy consistently produces gazebos of excellent quality.
FAQ
How do you anchor a Sunjoy gazebo to concrete?
Sunjoy gazebos already have holes in their feet so that you can secure them to a concrete surface with a bolt. I opted to pour new concrete around the legs to keep them in place, since I assembled the structure on grass.
What is the lifespan of a gazebo?
Most metal gazebos are resistant to rust thanks to galvanization and/or a weather-resistant coating, and can withstand severe weather. If properly secured, they can last up to 15 years.
What Others Have to Say
The Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo has a five-star rating, and reviewers also include pictures of assembled gazebos. Reviewers note the overall quality of the materials, how carefully parts were packaged for delivery and the speedy delivery times. It took reviewers six hours to a day and a half to fully assemble the gazebo, and all reviewers used at least two people and equipment for assembly. Buyers also commented on the scarce instructions, including very few words but many pictures. Reviewers also recommend using a screw gun with metric sockets to put together the parts.
Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo vs. Sunjoy Outdoor Softtop Gazebo
If you want an octagonal gazebo but are on a tighter budget, consider this Outdoor Softop Gazebo. It has the same shape as the Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo but retails for a fraction of the price. It’s also 11 by 13 feet, so it’s a bit smaller than the 15-by-15-foot gazebo we tested. The Outdoor Softtop Gazebo has high customer ratings and the same durable structure as the hardtop one. It includes a ventilated top, ceiling hook, and mesh netting to keep bugs out.
Sunjoy sells a variety of soft-top gazebos. While metal gazebos are more durable, longer-lasting and weather-resistant, soft-top gazebos also have perks. They are usually easier to assemble and move and are often less permanent. Additionally, soft-top gazebos typically cost much less than their hard-top counterparts.
Final Verdict
If youre looking for a top-notch, hard-top gazebo, then Sunjoy is a great place to start shopping. Sunjoys vast inventory and commitment to crafting high-quality gazebos puts it ahead of the competition. While you may have to consider hiring professional assemblydepending on the size and type of gazebo you buy and how you want it installedyou can count on Sunjoy to deliver on quality. If opting for a hard-top gazebo over a soft-top gazebo, we recommend anchoring it securely to keep it in place.
Where to Buy the Sunjoy Outdoor Hardtop Gazebo
VIA MERCHANTWe Tried It
Sunjoy Outdoor Hard-Top Gazebo
A weather-proof gazebo for all your backyard needs
To shop the model we tested, head over to Sunjoy. The 15-foot octagon gazebo retails for $3,240. You can also shop for other Sunjoy hard-top models on Amazon.
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