Gazebos and pavilions
Custom Cedar Gazebos and Pavilions
Octagonal gazebos, screened gazebos and open pavilions in cedar, designed for your yard, built in our Aurora shop and installed by our team.
The short answer
Cedar Wood Structures designs, builds and installs custom gazebos and pavilions in cedar for homes across Toronto and the GTA, from our shop in Aurora. We build octagonal and rectangular gazebos, screened gazebos and open pavilions for hot tubs, outdoor dining and poolside shade, and offer pre-designed gazebos ready to install.
On this page
Gazebos and pavilions we build
We design, build and install cedar gazebos and pavilions for homes across Toronto and the GTA. You can choose a pre-designed gazebo, built in our Aurora shop and ready to install, or have us design one around your yard. We work in a wide range of shapes, sizes and finishes, and we can also replace an old gazebo with a new one.
As gazebo builders with 28 years in business, we build most of the parts in our shop and then assemble them on site. That keeps the work in your backyard short and the joinery accurate.
Gazebo vs pavilion
The two names overlap, but they usually describe different shapes. Our guide to gazebo vs pergola vs pavilion goes into more detail.
| Gazebo | Pavilion | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Usually octagonal or hexagonal, sometimes square | Usually rectangular, with a gable or hip roof |
| Roof | Solid roof, often with a pointed peak or cupola | Solid roof on posts, often with an open ceiling |
| Sides | Railings, or screened or glazed walls | Open on all sides, or with one or two half walls |
| Best for | A seating area, a hot tub, a quiet corner of the garden | Outdoor dining, an outdoor kitchen, a large lounge by the pool |
A pergola is different again: it has an open roof of beams or slats and gives filtered shade, not shelter from rain. If that is what you need, see our custom pergolas.
Shapes and roof styles
Octagonal gazebo
The classic gazebo shape, with railings on each side and a peaked roof. A good centrepiece for a lawn or garden.
Screened gazebo
Screens or windows between the posts keep insects out, so you can use it on summer evenings.
Open pavilion
A rectangular gable roof on posts with stone bases. Room for a full dining set or lounge furniture.
We also build rectangular gazebos, hip-roof pavilions and roofed structures attached to the house. Roofs are usually shingled to match the house. Ceilings can be left open to show the rafters or finished in cedar tongue and groove.
How people use them
Hot tub cover
A gazebo over a hot tub keeps off sun, rain and snow, and adds privacy from the neighbours. Screened or half-wall sides help on windy nights.
Outdoor dining
A pavilion gives a table and chairs a roof, so dinner carries on when it rains. Add lighting and a ceiling fan for summer evenings.
Poolside shade
A pavilion next to the pool gives shade between swims. For changing rooms and storage as well, look at our custom pool cabanas.
A pavilion also pairs well with an outdoor kitchen or a bar counter under the same roof, or can sit on one of our custom decks.
Thinking about a gazebo or pavilion?
Book a free design consultation. We’ll look at the spot you have in mind, talk about how you’ll use it and suggest a shape, size and roof that suits your yard.
Why cedar
Cedar is our main material. It contains natural oils that help it resist rot and insects, it is light for its strength, and it takes stain well. Left unstained, it weathers to a soft silver grey. A clear or tinted stain keeps the warm colour for longer.
Permits for gazebos and pavilions
In Toronto, accessory buildings over 10 m² (107 sq ft) need a building permit, and any accessory building with plumbing, or attached to the house, needs one at any size. Zoning rules on setbacks, height and lot coverage apply even when no permit is needed. Other towns have their own by-laws, so check with your town or ask us.
If your gazebo or pavilion needs a permit, our team prepares the plans and permit drawings and helps you through the application.
How a gazebo project works
Design
A free consultation at your home to pick the spot, the shape, the size and the finishes.
Drawings and permits
Drawings for your approval and, if needed, permit drawings for your town.
Shop build
Posts, beams, rafters and railings are cut and built in our Aurora shop.
Install
We set the footings or anchor to your patio or deck, assemble the structure, roof it and clean up.
Gazebos and pavilions we’ve built
“Val and his team had built it over 20 years ago for the original owners. CWS removed the old gazebo and put up a new and improved version of the original one.”
Google review, gazebo replacement
“Excellent communication about the job, options, pricing, no surprises.”
Google review
More finished projects are in our portfolio.
We are based in Aurora and build gazebos and pavilions across Toronto, York Region and the GTA.
- Toronto
- Aurora
- Newmarket
- Richmond Hill
- Markham
- Vaughan
- King City
- Oakville
Frequently asked questions
Do you build custom gazebos?
Yes. We design custom gazebos and pavilions around your yard, in the shape, size, roof and finish you want. We also offer pre-designed gazebos that are built in our shop and ready to install.
What is the difference between a gazebo and a pavilion?
A gazebo is usually octagonal or hexagonal with a peaked roof and railings or screened sides. A pavilion is usually rectangular, with a gable or hip roof on posts and open sides, and suits larger groups. Our gazebo vs pergola vs pavilion guide explains the differences.
Why choose a cedar gazebo?
Cedar contains natural oils that help it resist rot and insects, it is light for its strength, and it takes stain well. It suits most GTA backyards and can be left to weather to grey or stained to keep its colour.
Do I need a permit for a gazebo in Toronto?
In Toronto, accessory buildings over 10 m² (107 sq ft) need a building permit, and any with plumbing or attached to the house need one at any size. Zoning setbacks and height limits apply even without a permit. Other towns have their own by-laws, so check with your town or ask us.
Can you build a gazebo over a hot tub?
Yes. A gazebo over a hot tub keeps off sun and snow and adds privacy. We size it around the tub and the space you need to get in and out, and can add screens or half walls on the windy side.
Do you install gazebos in Toronto?
Yes. We are based in Aurora and install gazebos and pavilions across Toronto, York Region and the GTA. We build the parts in our shop and assemble them on site.
Related services and guides
Ready to plan your gazebo?
Book a free design consultation. We’ll visit your yard, talk through shapes, roofs and finishes, and design a gazebo or pavilion to suit how you’ll use it.
Permit information on this page is general guidance based on City of Toronto rules as of October 2026. Always confirm the requirements with your own municipality before you build.