In their traditional form, Gazebos were generally considered a symbol of status and beauty. Their growing popularity in today’s world has enabled them to slowly rise as one of the greatest home assets to assist in leveraging value. Of course, not every gazebo will help fetch a higher price come auction day, but those that are uniquely placed and designed can be worth all the effort. So, how much does a gazebo cost?
Surprisingly, there are quite a few factors that can affect the overall cost of a gazebo. Such as permits, contractors, materials used, added services, etc. Generally, the cost of gazebo can be between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the detail and intricacies. In this article, we’ll cover all of these factors that can affect the price point of a gazebo and more.
How much does a gazebo cost?
Gazebos can vary in price dramatically. The reason for this is based on many different factors, which we’ll go into in much more detail in the next few sections of this article. In general, though, the type of gazebo will determine the larger portion of the price point.
Permanently built gazebos require permits, stronger materials, possible contractors, etc. Those details plus the build can demand anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 from planning to a completed project.
Then you have the more portable variants. These include hard top gazebos, which are portable but are also considered semi-permanent. They have larger parts to build them with and need a little knowledge to assemble. However, they don’t require the same permits, contractors, extra labor, or permanent gazebos do. Therefore they are less expensive. They can range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the quality of the materials used.
Lastly, there are pop up variants which are constructed using lighter weight materials but are extremely versatile. They can be erected and dismantled almost anywhere and with relative ease. These variants may fetch anywhere from $150 to $1,00, depending on the bells and whistles they include.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Gazebo
When purchasing a gazebo, understanding the reason for how much does a gazebo cost is extremely important. Of course, there is a lot of competition between companies regarding sales, but generally, the costs should be quite close when compared.
A number of ‘fixed’ factors are hard to avoid and contribute to the final cost of a gazebo. These are considered mandatory and all part of building a basic structure. Let’s have a look at all of these aspects in detail.
Material Type
Brick
Besides concrete, which you probably wouldn’t use to build the gazebo, bricks are the strongest material to construct. They can come in a range of different sizes and colors. They are easy to work with and extremely sturdy. All these reasons make bricks the most expensive building material, without even considering labor costs.
Metal
Metals such as steel, copper and aluminum are generally used when framing a gazebo. They are strong and durable and allow other materials to be fixed to them to hold the whole structure up. Steel is usually considered more expensive than copper; finally, aluminum is the least expensive option. It is also much lighter and easier to customize.
Wood
Wood is also used in framing but can be a beautiful material to finish with. Depending on the type of timber, there are cheap alternatives, but also some hardwoods that demand a higher price. They are much stronger and more resistant to rotting and other environmental damage, as well as general wear and tear. Some timber can even be more expensive than metals, depending on their quality. They require skilled carpenters to ensure they are treated with care when constructing.
Vinyl, Canvas, PVC, etc
Vinyl, canvas, PVC and other lighter materials are used more in manufacturing portable gazebos. They are lighter in weight, more flexible and cheaper to make. This makes gazebos that utilize these materials much less expensive and more versatile. However, it also means that they are more prone to damage.
Size of the Gazebo
The gazebo size affects the overall cost due to the time and materials required to manufacture it. Smaller gazebos require fewer materials and may take less time to make, costing less, and the opposite occurs with larger gazebos. Of course, the amount of detail involved could fluctuate the costs also. A smaller gazebo can also be more expensive if it has more features such as better quality materials, extra sidewalls with zip closers, windows, fixing baseplates, etc.
Shape
The shape of a gazebo is similar to the size in how the manufacturing process affects the price. However, there may be a slight difference in whether a gazebo is round or rectangular compared to a square. Manufacturers may need to spend more time adjusting their machines to change shape, therefore requiring more money for their effort.
Additionally, straight shapes can be easier to build when it comes to permanent gazebos. A rounded gazebo may need more cutting and sanding of materials compared to a square.
Roofing and Flooring Material
Roofing and flooring are extremely important components when building or purchasing a gazebo. One of the main reasons for having a gazebo is to provide shelter. A floor can be equally important when comfort is a deciding factor also. Therefore, purchasing a gazebo with a good quality roof and/or floor may see the price higher than those with lesser quality.
Construction Plans
In general, only permanently constructed gazebos require construction plans. To obtain these, you usually have to have them drawn up by a governing body such as a builder or local council. They usually cost between $200-$750 depending on the time taken to draw them and the detail included. So construction plans are another additional cost that needs to be factored into the end price.
Land Preparation
This factor may not always apply, but there is a chance that access needs to be created for any heavy machinery to come in to lift or move things for your gazebo. Depending on your needs, you may also need to have land flattened or built up. This process requires machinery, machine operators, fuel for the machines, surveyors, etc.
Labor Cost
The cost of labor can be a bit hit and miss. You can find cheap labor that is of poor quality or vice versa. That’s not to say that all cheaper works are of poor quality, either! If you can do much of the labor work yourself, you can save on this aspect. A quality contractor would save a lot of headaches here as they would have their employees complete any required labour work.
Permit Cost
In most cases, you’ll need one or multiple permits depending on the work. Permits are needed just to apply for the structure to be built. Then there are other permits, such as those to draw up a traffic plan if any heavy machinery is required and access becomes blocked. Also, water and electricity need permits to show where existing services may be underground, preventing them from being damaged.
Additionally, these permits show the connection process procedure. You may need to cut off a water or electricity supply for some time, and these permits involve anyone affected by the disruption. They need to be notified of these changes to adjust their time accordingly.
Some Additional Factors That May Require
Aside from the mandatory components required to build a gazebo, there are also some bells and whistles that can be added to make the gazebo more personalized and comfortable. These additions come at an extra cost but are more customizable. They can include things such as:
Landscaping
Landscaping is usually the greatest extra cost involved in any structure build. It’s not just the plants, trees, soil and/or stonework. The transport and machinery costs and any services that need to be added in before the work commences. Groundwork is an expensive industry. Some build sites spend weeks and months just preparing the ground before landscaping can commence.
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a great investment. It’s also a great feature and can cost a few extra dollars depending on the type and style. You could add a simple BBQ that may cost up to $500. Or you may even go all out and install a sink, fridge, work bench, bar, etc. The options are limitless, and so is the price tag.
Hot Tub
Hot tubs can drive the price of the gazebo cost up. The cost of a tub itself is reasonable, depending on the model, but the real price hike comes from the installation. Quite often, heavy machinery, such as a crane, needs to be used to lift the hot tub into place. They may also need to be installed before the roof is on, which could cause timing issues.
Furniture
Furniture can give the gazebo a more homely, comfortable feel. You may add things such as benches, tables, or shelving. The options are limitless, and so is the amount of funds needed. There is also the option of purchasing pre-made furniture and fixing it in the gazebo or building furniture in a more customized manner. Customization almost always costs more, but it looks and feels much better.
Fencing
The costs involved with fencing are usually pretty competitive these days. Better quality materials will demand a higher price, but the labor costs should be similar. There may be a need for a fence to surround the gazebo or even added into the gazebo as fencing/railing.
Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is becoming increasingly popular these days. This fact alone helps to ensure that the price is competitive. It’s easy to maintain and looks amazing if installed by someone passionate about their job. It can surround a permanent gazebo or as flooring for portable gazebos. The price per m2 is pretty low and can be purchased in larger home depot stores.
Pathway to the gazebo
Pathways can come in many forms and materials. Add assorted rock borders and a gravel path when building a permanent structure. You may also choose to pave a walkway; in this case, the base needs to be prepared using digging, clearing and laying drainage materials. Stonework can be another option also.
All of these materials and their transport, as wella s labor, cost money. Then there are alternatives used in conjunction with portable gazebos. These will generally include items such as roll out mats or artificial turfs.
Electrical Wiring
Not all gazebo builds require electricity from the main source to the structure. For those that do, though, disconnecting, digging, installing, connecting and testing all require a qualified electrician to ensure all safety standards are met. This is standard procedure for installing even a simple light or power point. It is also needed to connect any outdoor kitchen appliances, fans, heaters, misting systems, etc.
Deck or Patio
The costs involved with building a deck will largely depend on the size and work put into it. For example, 2 m x 2 m square shaped decks require a lot less effort than one that needs to wrap around a whole gazebo. Furthermore, additional footings may need to be added to simply level the ground underneath before beginning any deck work. Building a deck is a lot like doing a puzzle; preparing for it is where most of the skill is involved.
Fire Pit
Everyone loves a fire pit! Luckily, they aren’t too expensive compared to some of the other factors we have covered. There are a few different types that you can purchase, such as those that need to be dug down into the ground or the free standing variety. The in ground variants require more effort but can look amazing.
Equally, the free standing models can also become the cherry on top when designed to perfection. Fire pits are a great addition to permanent structured gazebos and a camp-style heater for pop-up gazebos. It’s not recommended to use a fire pit inside any gazebo, but having them just outside can do wonders for the aesthetics of a gazebo!
Should You Buy A Pre-Assembled Gazebo or a Gazebo Kit?
The type of gazebo that you purchase largely depends on its intended use. You can go out to a camping store or home depot right now and come home with a gazebo that can be set up and used within 10 mins of walking through the front door. At the same time, a much longer process is required for a permanent kit gazebo. This includes planning, obtaining permits, contacting local councils, organizing trades, extending waiting periods, etc.
Pre-assembled gazebos have everything you need to just take out of the packaging, set up and enjoy. They are generally much cheaper, more versatile and don’t require any permits or anything to be able to use them. However, the cheaper price tag can mean that the materials may be of lesser quality. This is not always the case. When put side by side with a permanent gazebo, it’s tough to compare timber or steel with aluminum when it comes to strength and stability.
Gazebo kits are great if you want a permanent, long term shelter solution. They are built with better quality materials, meaning they are more stable, can withstand most weather conditions and look amazing nestled in a garden or park. However, they generally cost more and take longer to build. The decision should ultimately lie in the usage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to build a 12×12 gazebo?
The typical range of a 12×12 gazebo is generally between $3,500 – $8,000. This is based on medium quality materials and adequate labor. Of course, many factors decide prices, such as added features, structure changes and other customisations.
How much does it cost to build a 10×12 gazebo?
The typical range of a 10×12 gazebo is generally between $3,000 – $7,000. This is based on medium quality materials and adequate labor.
Conclusion
Gazebos add that extra dimension to a home. It’s a place to sit, reflect and soak in the views. As well as the structure of beauty and grace in a well presented garden. Humans buy based on emotion, so if you can pull harder on their heartstrings, their wallet may follow behind, albeit slightly more ajar.
Adding one to your home may feel expensive, but the return on the investment can be well worth the trouble! We hope we have been able to answer any questions you may have had surrounding the costs involved, from buying to enjoying your gazebo. Bye for now!
