Thinking About Installing A Gazebo In Your Yard? Here's What You Should Know About Pricing

Gazebos are a wonderful way to add gathering space to your yard while creating a focal point and eye-catching feature in your garden. However, all those benefits come at a hefty price tag. Unless you know exactly what you want and need, calculating the cost isn't easy.

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the price of a gazebo. A lot of factors influence the final number. You can expect the average one to cost somewhere between $2,000 and $8,000, according to Angi. However, if you're a bit thrifty and build it yourself, the price can drop to as little as $400. On the other hand, extra features and nicer materials can increase the price to $14,000 or beyond. Since there is so much variety when it comes to gazebos, it's hard to nail down a price. They can vary in size, shape, material, details, and so much more, and every design choice affects the price in one way or another. A gazebo can be an outdoor update that adds serious value to your home, but it might not be worth it if you end up spending far too much to build it.

If you don't pay attention, you can easily find yourself spending thousands more than you planned or wanted to on your gazebo. That's why it's a good idea to create a rough plan and budget before you start the process of building. Of course, to do this, you have to understand how certain aspects of a gazebo influence the cost and how much you should reasonably expect to pay at the end.

Though there are a lot of variables that make it difficult to determine the exact price of a gazebo, you can get a general idea. Some of the biggest changes in costs are materials, size, and how it is built. For example, according to Angi, a gazebo will set you back somewhere between $75 and $100 per square foot. The most common materials are wood, metal, vinyl, and brick. Of those, wood and brick tend to be the most expensive, typically ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. Vinyl and metal are on the cheaper end.

For how it is built, obviously, building it yourself will cost the least, as you mainly have to consider the materials and tools. Of course, this is only true if you don't end up having to redo the project several times by buying the wrong materials. After all, DIY projects can help you save a few dollars, but they can also be overrated outdoor upgrades that are total money wasters if done wrong. Gazebo kits are priced higher, as the materials are included and some steps are put together for you.

Hiring a professional usually costs the most since you're paying for both materials and labor. You do get more assurance that the gazebo is set up properly, and you can better customize it to suit your needs. You also need to consider land. If you already have a level spot where you can set your gazebo, that can save you some money. But if not, you will have to pay extra to get the ground ready.

There are other details to consider when planning the price of your gazebo. Any additional perks can influence the cost. This could include features such as adding a screen. You also need to think about the preparation. Leveling the ground is one such consideration, but so is getting permits to actually build if they are necessary. While these costs are usually minor, they should still be factored into your final price. Seasonal-specific add-ons are another factor that could significantly affect costs. If you want a year-round gazebo, you will have to account for insulation or heating of some sort, or a way to cool it down in the summer.

Details also matter. You could get a more modern gazebo with a minimalist design for much cheaper, but the classic gazebos have a certain charm to them that makes the cost worth it in some instances. Latticework, railings, benches, and cupolas all lead to a beautiful old-school gazebo — but at the expense of your wallet. Interestingly, the shape of your gazebo also plays a role when it comes to price. Common shapes like ovals, circles, and rectangles are all on the lower end. Hexagonal and octagonal gazebos tend to cost more than standard shapes, with 12-sided designs being even pricier.

If you want a cheaper option, you can also consider a different structure. For example, choosing between a gazebo and a pergola might come down to cost. Both have similar uses and designs, but pergolas are often a little cheaper, and could be an option worth considering if cost is a major concern.