Finding the perfect gazebo goes beyond looking for the prettiest picture. There are a few things you should consider, and putting some thought into these areas usually helps you figure out what material you want to go with.
The first consideration is what you want to use the gazebo for. If you want mostly sun shade or a place to sit to avoid rain, a steel or aluminum gazebo with a solid roof is a good option. If you want something more decorative or something that will be a focal point in the garden, consider a gazebo with a wrought iron structure. It has more decoration and would fit a garden that already has a lot going on.
You should also consider budget and be upfront about it at the beginning. Wrought iron is the most expensive and has the most handwork. Steel is in the middle, and aluminum is often the most affordable and has the additional bonus of being almost maintenance-free.
The upkeep of your structure is another aspect many people overlook. Aluminum requires the least attention since it doesn’t rust. All it may need is the occasional wipe down. If the paint on your steel structure is chipped, it requires more maintenance. Wrought iron is the most attention demanding since out of the three, it requires the most upkeep and is most likely to need refreshment.
People generally do not consider how important shape is to their structures. Steel is generally rectangular and does not fit in with more modern gardens and structures. Wrought iron can be round or rectangular, but generally, round shapes are more modern than you may think. Wrought iron is seen as primarily old and classical but that is not entirely the case.
You also need to consider what opposes the structure. There are solid metal or polycarbonate options for your structure’s roof. Dryness is guaranteed, but if you prefer a lighter, softer look, a shade cloth also does the trick, but will need to be packed up with inclement weather. If you want to keep an unobstructed view of your space, that is further sheltered, a glass roof is a good option, while still being an investment.
It’s necessary to state that there isn’t a single “best” metal gazebo. The “best” metal gazebo is the one that suits your garden, your budget, and the time you are willing to spend maintaining it. A young family with a small garden and little spare time will be satisfied with an aluminum gazebo. A person with a large, well established garden who desires a gazebo that will be the centerpiece of the garden will choose wrought iron, regardless of the additional cost and maintenance.
If you are uncertain, it may be helpful to walk around your garden and visualize where the gazebo will be placed. An older garden with soft, romantic, and inviting plantings can suggest one style while a newer, modern, and minimal rectangular space next to a contemporary style home can point to a completely different idea. Once you are able to imagine the gazebo in a specific location, the style and design of the gazebo will eventually follow.
For a more in-depth analysis of each metal type, we have separate pages dedicated to steel, aluminum, and wrought iron gazebos. If you prefer a more permanent option over a freestanding gazebo, we would recommend looking at our patio gazebos and glass gazebos.