Updated March 2023: If waterproofing is high up on your criteria, I’d suggest you check out our waterproof gazebo guide too. We’ve included some water-specific tips here.
When comparing the best waterproof material for gazebos, we looked at several criteria.
Most importantly, the materials needed to be durable. As they’ll be exposed to sun and rain on a continual basis, we wanted fabrics that maintained their waterproof properties for a long time.
We also looked for fabrics that offered several colour and pattern options. While a blue tarpaulin may work for some, it’s not appropriate for all circumstances.
Below, you’ll find tarpaulins, waterproof fabrics, and replacement canopies to suit your needs.
Overall rating : 4.5 / 5
Faithfull 5.4 x 3.6 m (18 x 12 ft) Tarpaulin
Measuring 5.4 x 3.6 m, this Faithfull tarpaulin is large enough to fully cover the canopy of a 3 x 3 m pop-up gazebo, plus offers a little extra on the sides. It features rust-resistant eyelets to easily tie it down and a woven polyethylene construction. Reinforced seams ensure no ripping or tearing, while a UV-resistant coating offers protection from sun damage.
This tarpaulin is ideal for adding an extra layer of rain protection over a canopy or to be used to create walls that further keep rain and sun out. The tarpaulin is reversible, so you can choose to show either the green side or the silver side.
Key Features
- Waterproof polyethylene construction
- Rust-resistant eyelets
- Reinforced seams to prevent rips and stretching
Specifications
- Measures 5.4 x 3.6 m
- Weight: 1.5 kg
Overall rating : 4.4 / 5
SOVIYAS Heavy Duty Tarp Tarpaulin 3 m x 4 m (9 ft x 13 ft)
If you’re expecting harsh weather, you can improve the protection of your gazebo with this tarpaulin from SOVIYAS. It measures 3 x 4 m, so it’s large enough to completely cover your existing canopy. You can purchase several pieces to create side walls; just attach them to your gazebo’s frame using straps, Velcro, or bungee cords.
You’ll find one eyelet per every meter of the tarpaulin for plenty of tie-down strength. In terms of material, this tarpaulin is made of polyethylene that’s been treated on both sides to increase its weather-ability. It’s available in a range of colours, including blue, green, silver, white, and a couple of attractive striped options.
Key Features
- Coated polyethylene material resists sun and rain
- Eyelets located every meter
- Available in several attractive colour choices
Specifications
- Measures 3 x 4 m
- Weight: 1.88 kg
Overall rating : 4.4 / 5
SolaDirect 3 x 4 m (9 ft x 13 ft) Tarpaulin
If your canopy has seen better days and isn’t providing the rain protection it used to, use this tarpaulin from SolaDirect to extend its life. When you place this 3 x 4 m cover over your existing canopy, you’ll enjoy shelter from the rain.
The extra layer will also add some insulation to protect from the sun’s intense rays. Like most tarpaulins, this unit is made from polyethylene, a durable material that won’t fade or stretch out.
It has reinforced seams for a longer life and metal eyelets so that you can tie it down with cord or straps. This particular tarpaulin is unique because it offers some color choices you won’t find elsewhere, including camo and clear.
Key Features
- Durable polyethylene stands up to rain and sun
- Waterproof materials keeps you and your furniture from getting wet
- Eyelets every meter for easy anchoring
Specifications
- Measures 3 x 4 m
- Weight: 1.3 kg
Overall rating : 4.5 / 5
lyrlody Replacement Roof for Garden Gazebo (3 x 3 m)
If the canopy of your pop-up gazebo is in really rough shape, it may make more sense to buy a replacement rather than use a temporary solution like a tarpaulin. This replacement roof from lyrlody measures 3 x 3m and is compatible with most square canopy frames of this size.
Included with your purchase are 16 replacement hooks and fasteners to ensure a secure fit. The canopy is made of PVC-coated polyester for superior weather-ability and features an earthy tan cover that will look gorgeous in any garden.
Key Features
- Replacement gazebo canopy for 3 x 3 m frames
- PVC-coated polyester is completely waterproof
- Includes hooks and fasteners
Specifications
- Measures 3 x 3 m
- Fabric weight: 310gsm
Overall rating : 4.5 / 5
A-Express Black 20 oz Heavy-Duty Waterproof Canvas Fabric (0.5 m and up)
Another option should your gazebo canopy be ripped or torn is to make a new one using a durable, waterproof material. If you have sewing skills, this heavy-duty canvas from A-Express offers you the opportunity to restore the beauty and function of your gazebo at a much lower cost than purchasing a replacement canopy.
This fabric is available in 20 colors, including beige, black, lilac, royal blue, and lime green, so that you can pick the perfect shade to complement your garden. The material is available in a length of as little as 0.5 m and as much as 5 m, each measuring 150 cm in width. It’s made of 600D material, so it will definitely last a long time.
Key Features
- Waterproof 600D polyester canvas for outdoor protection
- Available in 20 color choices
- Easy to sew with a standard sewing machine
Specifications
- Measures 0.5 to 5 m x 150 cm
- Weight: 1.82 kg (for 2 m)
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
EU Fabrics 7 oz Waterproof Fabric (1 m)
This waterproof polyester material from EU Fabrics is another example of a high-quality fabric that’s perfect for repairing a gazebo or adding to its functionality. It’s available in over 15 rich colours so you can customize it to your needs.
It’s sold by the meter and is 150 cm wide, so if you choose 3 meters of fabric, you’ll receive one complete length in this size. If you’re using this material to cover an existing canopy, you’ll need to purchase two sheets and sew them together, but that’s easy because even though this material is durable, it’s also extremely pliable.
You can also use this fabric to create side walls for your gazebo or create a unique roof for a pergola.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty waterproof material for outdoor use
- Choose from over 15 colors
- For gazebos, pergolas, and more
Specifications
- Measures 1 m and up x 150 cm
- Fabric weight: 7 oz
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
AquaTuf Heavy-Duty Outdoor Canvas Fabric (1 m)
While more lightweight than other options on this list, this outdoor fabric from AquaTuf is just as durable. Made from canvas, it’s 100% waterproof—-thanks to a PVC coating and a water repellent.
You can choose from over a dozen shades, including unique ones like orange, purple, and olive green. The fabric measures 150 cm wide, and you can order it in lengths up to 50 m.
If you’re using it to create a new canopy or cover over an existing one, some sewing is required — you can do it by hand or with your machine. This material is also ideal for building side panels, but you’ll need to create your own tie downs to keep it in place.
Key Features
- Waterproof material with PVC coating and water repellent
- Features a fabric weight of 500gsm
- Available in over a dozen colors
Specifications
- Measures 1 to 50 m x 150 cm
- Weight: .0748 kg
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
LushFabric Teflon Waterproof Outdoor Striped Fabric (1 m)
Want to add a bit of visual interest to your gazebo? You can go wrong with this waterproof canvas from LushFabric. This striped fabric is available in several colour choices, including black/white, red/white, and yellow/white.
An interesting feature of this material is that it is machine washable. It’s made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester, so should it get dirty from extended use outdoors, just find a commercial washing machine and wash on delicate to get it back to pristine condition.
This material measures 140 cm wide and is available in any length you choose.
Key Features
- Waterproof material for gazebos, pergolas, awnings, and more
- Features attractive striped design
- Can be machine washed on delicate cycle
Specifications
- Measures 1 m and up x 150 cm
- Fabric weight: 190 gr/m2
Overall rating : 4.4 / 5
A-Express Ripstop Waterproof Fabric (0.5 m and up)
This lightweight waterproof material from A-Express is perfect for adding additional rain protection to your gazebo. It’s extremely easy to work with, and it features ripstop construction to prevent tears. The reinforced material is made from waterproof polyester, so you can use it as an extra roof layer or as side walls.
It’s available in over a dozen colours, including bold choices like sky blue, red, yellow, and maroon. Each piece measures 150 cm wide and is available as long as 5 m. Due to its lightweight construction, it’s very easy to sew should you need to attach several pieces together.
Key Features
- Ripstop fabric resists tearing and stretching
- Lightweight material has a fabric weight of 3.8 oz
- Pick from over one dozen colours
Specifications
- Measures 0.5 to 5 m x 150 cm
- Fabric weight: 3.8 oz
How to Choose Waterproof Material for a Gazebo?
Choosing a waterproof material for your gazebo isn’t as hard as you might think. When shopping, you just have to think about durability, size, and colour.
Durability
No matter where you’ll place your gazebo, finding an outdoor fabric that’s waterproof is a must. That’s because no matter where your gazebo is at, it will see moisture during rainy or humid weather.
However, if your gazebo will be positioned under trees or shaded by the house, you may not need as thick a material as you would if your tent was out in the open in direct view of the elements.
At this point, you’ll need to decide whether a heavy-duty tarpaulin or 600D fabric is necessary or whether you can get away with a lightweight ripstop material.
You’ll also want to think about how opacity. Tarpaulins don’t allow any sunlight through, whereas lighter fabrics can be great for diffusing sunlight.
The latter is a good choice if you’re looking for material to build side walls for your gazebo. It’s lightweight so it’s easy to handle, and it allows enough light to pass through so as not to make it seem as if you’re hidden away in a dark room.
Size
The next thing to consider is the size of your material. Most tarpaulins come as one piece, sometimes measuring as large as 25 feet long. Due to their construction, they’re not easy to sew, so if you go this route, you’ll want to choose a tarpaulin that’s large enough to fit your needs.
If you’re using a tarpaulin to cover an existing 3 x 3m canopy to offer extra rain protection, a piece measuring 3 x 4 m is adequate.
Other waterproof fabrics are available in varying sizes. Most come in a width of 150 cm, and then as long as you’d like. When shopping online, you can usually indicate your desired length by adding the corresponding quantity to your cart.
So, if you want a piece of fabric measuring 3 m x 150 cm, you’ll add a quantity of 3 to your cart.
Many outdoor fabrics are designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including seat covers, awnings, pillows, and more. As such, they’re very easy to work with.
If you need to sew multiple pieces together (such as when creating a replacement gazebo canopy), you’ll find that you’ll have no trouble using a standard sewing machine.
Colour
While not important from a technical standpoint, the colour of your waterproof material is vital when it comes to the overall look and feel of your gazebo.
By far, tarpaulins have the fewest colour choices available. The most common are blue and silver, but you’ll also find green and tan varieties.
Waterproof fabrics, on the other hand, are available in many different colour choices, including unconventional ones like pink and purple. When deciding on a colour, consider the space around your gazebo.
A pink material may mesh perfectly against a white house lined with flowers, but it might not look as good in a space with lots of greenery. Earthy tones like tan and beige tend to work in nearly any environment, while black is a classic colour that also incorporates easily.
FAQs
How do I stop my gazebo from leaking?
If your gazebo is leaking because it’s torn or you’re experiencing heavy rainfall, you can add extra protection with a tarpaulin or outdoor fabric. Simply add the outdoor material over the top of your existing canopy to create an additional waterproof layer. If your gazebo’s canopy is in really bad shape, it may make more sense to purchase a replacement roof or to build your own using waterproof material.
How do I affix a tarpaulin?
Most tarpaulins have built-in eyelets for easy attachment. Use rope, straps, or other fasteners to attach the tarpaulin to your gazebo frame. You don’t have to use every eyelet, but be sure to use enough that your cover won’t blow away if the weather gets more intense.
What if my waterproof material for a gazebo isn’t wide enough?
When you purchase waterproof material for gazebos, you’ll notice that most are available in a width of 150 cm. That’s because these materials are on a roll. The width remains the same, but you can typically order whatever length you’d like. For this reason, you’ll find that these materials aren’t typically large enough to cover a gazebo canopy. In this case, you’ll need to sew two or more pieces together to create the right size for your project.
How do I sew waterproof fabric?
Most waterproof fabrics are compatible with standard sewing machines, so they’re easy to work with. Use the smallest needle possible to minimize leakage, but note that especially durable fabrics may require denim needles. You’ll also want to use a UV-resistant thread so that your seams last as long as possible.
To sew two pieces of fabric together, position the pieces so that the sides that will face the outside are facing each other. At this point, you should be looking at the “wrong” (or inside) side of the fabric. Sew the fabric, allowing for a 2 cm seam.
Cut off one side of the seam, and then wrap the longer side so that it folds over the shorter side. Keep the overlapping piece in place by using pins or ironing it. Sew the remaining seam material down for extra durability.
Should I use a tarpaulin or waterproof fabric?
It depends on your needs. Tarpaulins are great for use as an added layer of protection over an existing canopy. However, they’re not very attractive, so while you can use them to create gazebo walls, you’ll probably want something that looks nicer.
Outdoor fabric is a much more attractive option, whether you’re building gazebo walls or a new gazebo canopy, but they often require a little bit of work before they are ready to use. Because most waterproof fabrics come in a width of 150 cm, you may need to sew one or more pieces together to get the coverage you need.
