How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gazebo?
For larger gardens or yards, a gazebo can be a unique addition when wanting to add a grand focal point or a peaceful enclosure to your outdoor space. A gazebo is an open structure with a roof for shelter and sometimes built-in seating. The Spruce informs that gazebos have been around for centuries and are used worldwide for various purposes, for example, for tea ceremonies in Asia or just places to relax and entertain as the Greeks and Romans did.
The average cost of a gazebo can range roughly between $5,358 and $9,058 (per Lawn Starter). Depending on the size, customization, and materials used for the structure, the price can drop as low as $325 or sometimes even exceed $30,000. Country Lane Gazebos states the most popular gazebo size is the 10 by 12-foot gazebo, made either with wood or the maintenance-free alternative, vinyl. Everything regarding a gazebo, however, can be adjusted to fit the style, size, and budget that works best for you and your garden. Now, let us take a closer look at what it takes to put up a gazebo in your yard.
Factors for cost
Angi states that there are typically four factors that add to the cost of a gazebo. These factors include building materials, construction plans, land preparation, and labor.
Building materials
The primary materials used for constructing a gazebo are wood, metal, brick, and vinyl. Wood and vinyl are typically more expensive than metal and brick, costing between $4,000 and $7,500. The cost of metal, however, strictly depends on the type you opt for, which could range anywhere between $3,000 and $8,500. Brick is the cheapest alternative, only costing between $2,000 and $3,500.
Construction plans
Construction plans are important as they ensure that you get everything you want out of the gazebo-building process. It outlines the schedule that will be taken during construction and installation, as well as the budget that needs to be maintained. Simple plans usually cost no more than $15, but something more elaborate could soar to $1,300.
Land preparation
Before a gazebo can be placed on your property, you need a patch of leveled land clear of plants and other obstacles. Unless this ready-to-go place already exists, you might want to factor in the expense — usually between $1,200 and $4,300.
Labor
Labor encapsulates the process it takes to build and install the gazebo on your property. Depending on your preferred size and customization, labor can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $9,000. Although it can stretch to be rather pricy, the price of labor usually includes the land preparation, construction, installation, and the process of adding new elements to your yard.
Additional costs
Once a gazebo has been added to your yard, you might start to consider additional upgrades to accompany your acquisition or simply make your yard look more attractive.
Furniture
Especially for the inside of your gazebo, you should consider adding furniture to create a typical outdoor living space where you can relax at any point in the day. Furniture is widely available and possible to purchase on a budget; therefore, you make a quick trip to your local furniture store or find one online that best suits your needs and budget.
Landscaping
Lawn Starter states that when customers purchase a gazebo, some also request professional landscaping to match its elegance and style. The price usually depends on the scale of landscaping and the number of upgrades you want to make to your yard. This price usually ranges between $4,000 and $20,317.
Luxurious yard additions
Some homeowners may also feel the need to elevate the rest of their yard as soon as they add in a gazebo. In such cases, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, outdoor lighting systems, patios, and fire pits are commonly purchased. Depending on your preferences, an outdoor kitchen may cost between $5,000 and $18,000. The prices of hot tubs, on the other hand, are contingent on their design — above-ground costing no more than $10,000 and in-ground circling around $12,000 or more. Lighting systems usually only cost a couple of hundred dollars per square foot, but there are tons of cheaper options. Similarly, the prices of firepits are between $500 and $3,000, but you can purchase an inexpensive alternative. Patios, however, can cost a whopping $10,000, depending on the design.
Types of gazebos
When it comes to picking a gazebo that is the right fit for your yard and wallet, three main types are available.
Gazebo kit
Angi states that one of the cheapest gazebo options is to buy a gazebo kit. A gazebo kit can be purchased at any hardware or garden store and installed without the help of professionals. The kit includes all the supplies and materials for a quick, easy, and cheap assembly.
Pre-assembled gazebo
Another affordable option is to purchase a pre-assembled gazebo, which has already been built and is ready to be placed in your yard. Pre-assembled gazebos, however, still require a specific placement area. This area should include a leveled surface with a crushed stone base, but do not worry about the details, as the company from which you bought the gazebo will assist you with this process.
Custom-made gazebo
The last, rather expensive option is to hire a crew to build a custom-made gazebo for your yard. This type of labor can range from $1,500 to nearly $10,000 but is ultimately a rewarding investment for your yard or garden. This price typically only includes the laboring aspects of the project, like preparing the land, constructing the gazebo, and installing the gazebo. The building materials are usually added to the price separately.
How to maintain a gazebo
The lifespan of your gazebo depends on many things, the two most important being the material it is made from and the maintenance it has undergone. Eastern Shore Porch and Patio state that outdoor environments tend to be harsh on garden structures; therefore, they need to be properly maintained to prolong their lifespan. If you have a gazebo in your yard that has not undergone maintenance for several years, you should probably think about replacing it. Depending on its composition, it may be covered in rot, mold, or rust, making it quite dangerous to keep around. A new gazebo is a rather pricey investment; therefore, it is natural to have concerns about its durability. New Awning shares several tips on how to help your gazebo stay in pristine condition for many years.
Waterproofing your gazebo
The first step to making your gazebo last is to waterproof it. Moist environments can attract mold, mildew, rust, and more. By waterproofing your gazebo, you can prevent the build-up of moisture, ultimately preventing a variety of damaging effects on the structure. Waterproofing can be done with specialized paint, which only needs to be reapplied every five to ten years, and water-repelling fabrics.
Shoveling heavy snow
If you live in an area where it snows often during the winter, clear your gazebo regularly. Snow can accumulate rather quickly in cold areas, and become heavy over time. The crushing weight can ultimately cause damage to your gazebo; therefore, it is crucial to keep a shoveling timetable.
Routine maintenance
To prolong the lifespan of a gazebo, it's important to keep up simple routine maintenance if you want the structure to continue being a beautiful focal point in your yard. For simple maintenance, start by locating holes and tears in the structure, which need to be fixed as they appear. Pests, like termites and bees, should also be checked for occasionally and exterminated.
Benefits of having a gazebo
Not only can a gazebo act as a beautiful and unique focal point in your yard, but it also offers a variety of benefits for you and your family.
Getting you and your family outside
Country Lane Gazebos explains that having a comfortable space outdoors is the perfect way to get the gang outside more often. A gazebo makes the perfect outdoor space by providing both comfort and shade from the sun on an inviting day.
A peaceful place on your property
Furthermore, a gazebo can serve as a beautiful place to escape to when seeking a moment of peace. Having a gazebo promotes uninterrupted and peaceful relaxation throughout the day without the need to leave your property.
Adding value to your home
Aside from its functionality, a gazebo is a great way to add value to your home and make it more attractive. In today's competitive housing market, homeowners are always looking for more ways to add value to their homes, allowing for a more rewarding selling process. Think Glink states that the easiest and most cost-efficient way to maximize the living and entertaining space of your home is by making improvements to your yard. And by adding a gazebo, you will do just that, giving your home a fresh and attractive outdoor living area that most homes do not possess.