For a permanent luxury gazebo, slow-grown, FSC-certified Northern European redwood is the best all-round choice for the frame: strong, stable and straight-grained. Western red cedar is best for the roof, because it is light and naturally weather-resistant. Every Crown Luxury Wooden Gazebo has an FSC redwood frame and a cedar-tiled roof.
The short answer
- Frame: Northern European redwood (Scots pine grown slowly in Scandinavia and the Baltic), FSC-certified. It is strong for its weight and holds its shape.
- Roof: Western red cedar tiles. Cedar is light, which keeps the load on the frame down, and its natural oils help it shed water.
- Avoid for a permanent building: thin, fast-grown softwood that is sold for low-cost seasonal gazebos.
The common gazebo timbers compared
| Timber | Where it is used | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern European redwood | Frames, posts, beams | Dense, slow-grown, straight grain, stable, takes treatment and paint well | Quality varies by grade and source, so ask for FSC certification |
| Western red cedar | Roof tiles, cladding | Light, naturally weather-resistant, weathers to a silver grey | Soft, so it is less suited to structural posts |
| Fast-grown spruce or whitewood | Budget gazebos | Low cost | Less stable, more prone to movement and splitting |
| Hardwoods such as oak | Bespoke frames | Very strong and durable | Heavy, costly, and moves as it dries |
Why the grade of timber matters
Two gazebos can both say "pine" and be very different buildings. Slow-grown redwood from northern forests has tighter growth rings, so it is denser and more stable than fast-grown timber. Post thickness and joinery matter too. This is why very cheap gazebos are usually much lighter builds. Our gazebo cost guide explains what drives the price.
What FSC certification means
FSC certification shows that the timber comes from forests managed to Forest Stewardship Council standards, and that the chain from forest to finished product has been checked. Ask any supplier for their certification, not just the word "sustainable".
Is a Crown gazebo made of cedar?
No. The structure of every Crown Luxury Wooden Gazebo is FSC-certified Northern European redwood. Only the roof tiles are western red cedar, laid over a waterproof underlay, with underside roof cladding below. Some models offer a lead-capped or thatched roof instead.
How to care for a wooden gazebo
Keep gutters and the roof clear of leaves, brush down the timber each spring, and re-coat the finish when it starts to look dry. Our care and maintenance page has the full routine.
See the timber for yourself
The best test is to touch the joinery and look at the posts. All six Crown show sites have Luxury Wooden Gazebos on display. Book a visit to see them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wood for a gazebo?
For a permanent gazebo, slow-grown, FSC-certified Northern European redwood is the best all-round timber for the frame, because it is strong, stable and straight-grained. Western red cedar is best for roof tiles, because it is light and naturally weather-resistant.
Is redwood the same as cedar?
No. Northern European redwood is Scots pine grown slowly in Scandinavia and the Baltic. Western red cedar is a different tree from North America. Crown uses redwood for the frame and cedar for the roof tiles.
Is cedar or pine better for a gazebo?
Each suits a different part. Cedar is light and weather-resistant, which makes it ideal for roof tiles, but it is too soft to be the best choice for structural posts. Good-quality redwood pine is stronger and is the better timber for the frame.
What is a Crown gazebo made of?
An FSC-certified Northern European redwood frame, with a western red cedar tiled roof over a waterproof underlay and underside roof cladding. Some models offer a lead-capped or thatched roof.
Why are some wooden gazebos so much cheaper?
They usually use thinner, fast-grown timber, smaller posts and simpler joinery, and are often sold without installation. Compare the timber grade, the post size, the roof and what is included before you compare the price.
How do I look after a wooden gazebo?
Keep the roof and gutters clear, brush the timber down each spring and re-coat the finish when it looks dry. See our care and maintenance page for the full routine.
