Gazebos come in a huge range of different shapes, sizes, and styles. Consequently, choosing one that suits its intended purpose can be tricky. One of the most important steps before going ahead with a purchase is to determine what size you require.
This may sound like a ‘well, you don’t say’ moment, but you’d be surprised how many people get one of these bad boys only to realize that it either looks ridiculous in the area or doesn’t fit. All it takes is a measuring tape and some simple math. In this article, we’ll review how to measure before purchasing and some other size specific queries. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What is the standard size for a gazebo?
There are a couple of different types of gazebos, each of which can vary a little in size. Firstly you have the permanently built gazebo, and then there are portable variants, including the hard top and the pop up (soft top).
All gazebo variants are generally 8 ft (2.5 m) in height, although built gazebos can be customized to suit the intended purpose. The standard area across the board is usually 10 ft x 10 ft (3 m x 3 m). This can provide cover for 5-7 people who are sitting or 6-9 standing.
How to measure a Gazebo Roof?
Gazebos can suffer from wear and tear over the years, especially in the roof section. That’s where most of the damage from varying weather conditions is taken. It gets pelted by rain, faded and degraded by the sun, and the unrelenting wind finds its way in and under, applying pressure on the fixings.
After all of this stress, the roof might need replacing. This could mean that the whole canopy requires a changeover or even one or multiple shingles need replacing. Whatever the case, the first action is to measure the roof.
Canopy (Square or rectangle)
The method is extremely simple if you’re measuring the roof on a popup or hard top gazebo. Either find its original packaging if you’re like me and you kept it.
They generally have all of the dimensions on them. Or simply take a measuring tape and do the following:
- Measure from one leg to the next (back leg to back leg, front to front)
- Then start from the same leg as you did previously and measure the leg on the other side (back to side, front side)
- Once you have the 2 measurements, simply multiply them.
Shingles (Hexagon or Octagon)
When measuring a constructed gazebo’s roof, there is a little bit of extra math required. The traditional gazebo is usually either hexagon or octagon in shape.
If the shingles or steel plating need to be replaced, the simplest way to measure the whole roof is by doing the following:
- Each roof section will be split into smaller triangles, so you need to find the area of 1 triangle and then multiply it by the number of sides.
- The area of a triangle can be measured by taking the base figure and multiplying by the height, then dividing by 2.
- So, measure 1 of the outer edges, which we’ll use as the base figure. Eg: 4 ft
- Then take another measurement from the bottom of one vertices (points) to the top center of the gazebo. Eg: 7 ft
- So we use the formula as follows 4 ft x 7 ft = 28/2 = 14 sq ft (1.3 sq m)
- Then we multiply 14 sq ft by the number of segments (octagon = 8 segments, hexagon = 6 segments)
- So an octagon would be 14 sq ft x 8 = 10.4051405 m2
- And a hexagon would be 14 sq ft x 6 = 7.80385536 m2
- These final measurements can be used to purchase new materials to replace a roof.
How to Pick the Right Size Gazebo?
The key to purchasing the right sized gazebo is first working out where it will be set up. There are a few questions that are worth asking yourself. Will it be a semi permanent shelter for your backyard? Are you planning on taking it camping or to the beach? Is there sufficient space there?
The last thing you want is to go out and get something and set it up, only to realize that it is so small that it looks silly or so big that it doesn’t fit. It’s a good idea to roughly measure the area, if possible, to ensure that you get a gazebo that fits within that area. Of course, pulling out the measuring tape at the beach is a bit strange, but recurring camping spots can be a little easier.
Then you will need to think about what the gazebo will be used for and the number of people that will potentially use it. For example, an 8 ft x 8 ft gazebo is ideal for smaller spaces and fewer people. It is also a great size for a smaller, more intimate gazebo or grilling area. Whereas 12 ft x 12 ft is perfect for larger dinner parties and events such as birthdays.
Let’s look at this comparison table to get an idea of specific sizes with differing amounts of people who would use them.
| Gazebo Size | Capacity (Sitting) | Capacity (Standing) |
| 8 ft x 8 ft (2.5 m x 2.5 m) | 3-4 | 5-6 |
| 10 ft x 6.5 ft (3 m x 2 m) | 4-7 | 6-9 |
| 12 ft x 12 ft (3.5 m x 3.5 m) | 10-12 | 12-14 |
| 10 ft x 15 ft (3 m x 4.5 m) | 9-12 | 15-18 |
| 13 ft x 13 ft (4 m x 4 m) | 11-14 | 23-26 |
| 10 ft x 20 ft (3 m x 6 m) | 12-15 | 24-28 |
| 13 ft x 20 ft (4 m x 6 m) | 20-23 | 37-40 |
| 13 ft x 26 ft (4 m x 8 m) | 27-30 | 49-52 |
What Is the Biggest Size Gazebo?
The largest purchasable gazebos are 13 ft x 26 ft (4 m x 8 m). They are portable valiant as opposed to permanently constructed. They suit around 30 sitting guests or 50 standing guests. They are mostly used in larger gatherings such as weddings or corporate events.
There is the possibility of using modular type gazebos. These can connect, which can create a much larger undercover area. The sizes of these types can be almost infinite as they just keep connecting.
What Is the Smallest Size Gazebo?
The smallest purchasable gazebo is 5 ft x 5 ft (1.5 m x 1.5 m). This is enough space for 4 people standing or even a 1 man BBQ covering. Alternatively, this size is best for services such as a ticket office, mobile wardrobe, or refreshment counter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a 10×10 gazebo big enough?
A 10 x 10 (3 m x 3m) can comfortably have 16 people sitting or 18 standing. It’s a great size for sheltering events such as exhibitions, markets, and trade shows.
How Do You Measure an Octagon Gazebo?
Measure 1 side (Eg: 4 ft) x 8 (octagon) = 32 ft. Then measure from one side to the exact opposite side between a straightedge and divide by 2. (If the distance was 20 ft/2 = 10). Then multiply 0.5 x perimeter x 10 = total gazebo area. So 0.5 x 32 ft x 10 = 160 sq feet. Take height from floor to underside of the gazebo. Then multiply the area or sq ft x height for total volume area or cubic footage. So for eg: 160 x 10 ft height = 1,600 cubic feet.
How Do You Measure a Hexagon Gazebo?
Measure 1 side (Eg: 4 ft) x 6 (hexagon) = 24 ft. Then measure from one side to the exact opposite side between a straightedge and divide by 2. (If the distance was 20 ft/2 = 10). Then multiply 0.5 x perimeter x 10 = total gazebo area. So 0.5 x 24 ft x 10 = 120 sq feet. Take height from floor to underside of the gazebo. Then multiply the area or sq ft x height for total volume area or cubic footage. So for eg: 120 x 10 ft height = 1,200 cubic feet.
Conclusion:
If you want to make the most out of your outdoor experience, purchasing the right size gazebo is a good start, so it is really important to know how to measure a gazebo. One that’s too small will cramp your style and look ridiculous in larger areas. One that is too big may not even fit the area you wish to set up.
Measuring the gazebo and its intended setup area will reduce headaches and free up more time to enjoy the experience. We hope that this article has helped answer any questions you may have had revolving around measuring gazebos. Thanks for tuning in!
