Canopy Kingpin

5 Great Picnic Shelter Kit Options (And Where To Find Them)

Are you thinking of putting up a picnic shelter in your backyard?

Would you like something that’s permanent so you don’t have to worry about it year after year?

Would you be interested in putting together a picnic shelter from a kit?

If so, you’re in the right place! Below, we have reviews for three of the best picnic shelters on the market today, all of which come from a kit that you or a professional can assemble in your own backyard.

But what is a picnic shelter kit? In short, this is a set of hardware, lumber, and other items you may need to put together this type of structure in your backyard. It features in-depth directions that can help you set everything up in a timely fashion, or it can be put together by someone you hire to do so.

Your picnic shelter kit may include the following parts:

  • Pre-cut and pre-drilled lumber
  • Nuts, bolts, screws, nails, and other hardware
  • Brackets for safety purposes
  • Detailed directions
  • Shingles and other aesthetic add-ons

If you’re interested in trying your hand at putting together a picnic shelter kit like this, we’ve got you covered. Check out the products listed below and determine which one is right for your family and your backyard.

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1. Curtis Lumber Open Pavilion Kit
Pros
Cons
2. Western Timber Frame Pavilion & Gazebo Kit
Pros
Cons
3. Country Lane Gazebos Pavilion Kit
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
WOAH! A Bonus Video...

1. Curtis Lumber Open Pavilion Kit

pavilion kits

Go with the Curtis Lumber Open Pavilion Kit for a quick, easy, and affordable solution to your backyard gazebo needs. This product is spacious enough for two picnic tables when completed, and it comes with everything you need to build it. The finished product is made of wood with vinyl  around the roof, and the shingles are made of fiberglass for a long-lasting and durable solution.

Pros

  • It is possible to customize the design of this kit at an additional cost and make something that’s truly and uniquely yours.
  • The kit even comes with nails and smaller pieces of hardware to help you complete the task of building it without having to run to the hardware store.

Cons

  • The shelter may not be easy to secure to the ground in some situations.
  • There is a chance that this shelter could be too tall for some HOA requirements.

2. Western Timber Frame Pavilion & Gazebo Kit

picnic shelters plans

With the Western Timber Frame Pavilion & Gazebo Kit, you’ll be able to choose between several different custom sizes and other options to find the picnic shelter of your dreams. You can opt for a smaller “lounge” size, a mid-range family size, or a spacious shelter perfect for entertaining larger parties and groups of guests on a regular basis.

Pros

  • If you prefer an attached variety, you can also buy a kit that attaches to your existing home or garage.
  • You can choose between three different options for your lumber to meet all your needs.

Cons

  • Assembly is much more complicated on this kit than the others listed here.
  • The kit will require help from another adult to complete.

3. Country Lane Gazebos Pavilion Kit

outdoor pavilion

Choose the Country Lane Gazebos Pavilion Kit when you’re in the market for a solution that will give your backyard tons of incredible beauty and elegance without skimping on quality. This kit is easy to put together, and all you need to accomplish the task is a wrench, a hammer, a ladder, and a screw gun or a drill. This project can usually be completed in a weekend even by someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience building things like this, and if you have someone to help you out, you’ll be able to get it done even sooner.

Pros

  • This kit is available in wood or vinyl depending on what you’re looking for.
  • The included shingles are durable and long-lasting.

Cons

  • Maintenance on this pavilion can be challenging and you may need to order replacement shingles in some instances.
  • Securing this pavilion to the ground can take some time.

Conclusion

Do you feel like your backyard could benefit from one of these picnic shelter kits? These setups can be pricey investments, but they can go a very long way toward making your yard look and feel better than ever before. Of course, if you’re unable to put this much money into upgrading your backyard, you’re not alone, and there are many homeowners who simply are not going to want to spend the kind of money it takes to set up one of these shelters. In some situations, you may want to, but you may live in an HOA community where you can’t. When there’s something keeping you from putting up the picnic shelter of your dreams, you may want to consider going with a pop up canopy gazebo instead.

But is it really a good idea to choose a pop up canopy gazebo in place of a more sturdy and secure picnic shelter? Here are a few good reasons to use a pop up canopy as a picnic shelter:

  • These canopies are less permanent, so you can take them down if you’re going to move or even if you want to take your pop up structure along with you on the family vacation.
  • Pop up canopies are easier to keep clean overall and can simply be hosed down in most situations without having to worry about any long-term cleaning or maintenance issues.
  • These canopies can usually be set up by one or two adults even without prior experience, so you don’t have to worry about paying anyone to assemble or build a structure that is up to code.

And here are a few reasons why you might want to stay away from this option instead:

  • Since a pop-up gazebo isn’t very permanent, there are a lot more chances for it to become damaged. It could come down during a storm or could collapse under the weight of snow, so it’s in your best interest to take it down during inclement weather or throughout the winter.
  • Pop-up gazebos don’t add anything to the value of your home, where a permanent picnic shelter structure would add a lot of value. This may not matter to everyone, but it can make a big difference if you sell your home in the future.
  • Finally, pop-up gazebos may not look as aesthetically pleasing in the yard as a permanent structure might.

In the end, it is entirely up to you and your budget to determine which option you want to go with. There are pros and cons to both choices, so make sure you take your time and consider the picnic shelter solution that’s sure to work best for you, your family, and your backyard. With the right decision, you’re sure to find something that will keep you satisfied for years to come.

WOAH! A Bonus Video...