Wood (Redwood, Cedar, Bamboo)

Expect to pay $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the wood you choose:

• Pine: lowest price, low durability, significant maintenance requirements.
• Tropical hardwood and redwood: higher price, long durability, less maintenance.
• Cedar: potentially significant maintenance, long durability, adds aroma.
• Bamboo: environmentally friendly, inexpensive, potential structural problems because of shrinking and cracks.

Wooden gazebos add to your backyard's visual appeal. But maintenance needs, especially for the lower-priced might lead you to consider other alternatives.

Metal (Aluminum, Steel, Iron Cast)

Pricing for metal materials typically falls between $3,000 and $8,500. Your options range from aluminum to solid steel and wrought iron.

• Aluminum: low-cost, high durability, concerns in harsh weather conditions and few style options.
• Iron: traditional style, low-cost, few modern style options.
• Steel: structurally sound, low-maintenance, high-cost.

All three alternatives offer less protection from the elements and fewer roofing options than wood and vinyl.

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Brick

Choosing brick means your project will average $2,000 to $3,500 for materials. The finished project will be durable. It can also retain heat well in colder climates.

Homeowners in earthquake-prone regions should stay away. Seismic events can cause the mortar to crack and crumble.

Vinyl

Choosing vinyl requires a budget between $4,000 and $7,500. Vinyl's biggest advantage is its versatility. It can be built to look like wood, brick, or metal.

Vinyl tends to last longer and requires less major maintenance than wood. But when something goes wrong, it will be more difficult to fix. This material can also grow mold, requiring regular cleaning in humid climates.

Custom Gazebos vs. Kit Assembly

Instead of buying materials for a custom gazebo, you can buy a kit that includes everything you need for installation. Some stores also offer completely assembled products.

Cost to Build an Outdoor Gazebo

Labor accounts for $4,000 to $9,000 in a custom project. That includes general construction, land preparation, roof installation, and any extra features. The size and shape of your structure will also affect your construction budget.

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Shape

A gazebo is any outdoor structure with a round, full roof and a floor. Beyond that, many common and standard gazebo shapes and sizes exist. Standard octagonal, hexagonal, square or oval shapes can come in kits or pre-made forms that will allow for a lower price. A custom shape needs a higher budget.

Pricing by Size

The larger the gazebo, the higher the price. Instead of the below standard sizes, you can also build a custom structure to fit your space for a higher budget.

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Gazebo Plans

Construction plans cost between $15 and $40 for standard sizes. If you want a custom plan, expect to pay 10% to 20% of your total budget (between $670 and $1,250).

Standard plans are available at most hardware stores. A custom plan requires hiring an architect. Either is crucial to make sure the project is structurally sound. Some, but not all contractors include drawing or purchasing a plan in their overall estimate.

Pole Barn Gazebos

Building a pole barn building costs $4,000 to $50,000. This type of structure makes sense when keeping costs down for larger structures. Pole barn buildings are rectangular or square and might not include flooring, which means they are sold as pavilions instead of gazebos.

Land Preparation & Landscaping

You might have to clear or prepare the construction site for $1,200 to $4,300. This ensures your gazebo is structurally sound. More complex projects might require hiring a construction manager, which raises the budget to $3,200 to $52,000.

Any landscaping will cost between $1,500 and $5,300. When construction is done, it can put the finishing touches on the space.

Roof Installation

A custom-built roof for your structure ranges between $1,000 and $3,000. You can also buy a roof kit at home improvement stores for about $600 to $900. Expect the same pricing as installing a roof on your home.

A gazebo can benefit from asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, wood shakes, slate, or tile. Each material will have a different price point. Ask your carpenter about the differences. You can save money with the roofing you choose if that part of the structure doesn't matter as much to you. If you enjoy looking at the stars, you can opt to spend more money and get a glass roof.

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Open vs. Screened or Enclosed

You can find a screen kit for your gazebo at your local home improvement store for $500 to $800. It helps to keep bugs out and provide some protection.

Enclosing your structure in the same way you would enclose a patio costs between $8,500 and $23,300. Adding glass walls increases your budget by $5,000 to $8,000 but provides weather protection.

Extra Features

Make your gazebo as luxurious or as simple as you'd like. Create your own seating with lawn or patio chairs. Install benches or a swing. High-end options include electrical wiring, plumbing, cable, and a bar.

Backyard vs. Town, Park, or Neighborhood Structure

Any structure in a public space requires a permit. Expect to pay between $50 and $200 and a longer project timeline. Gazebos in public spaces also tend to be larger than backyard options.

You may have to work with a contractor who often works with local authorities, which can increase the project price.

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Average Cost to Build a Pavilion

Building a pavilion costs between $3,000 and $12,000 in most cases. Larger structures for public spaces can go as high as $25,000. Materials account for $1,000 to $5,000, and labor is between $2,000 and $7,000. Like gazebos, pavilions come in kits or pre-constructed, but can also be custom-built.

Pavilions are different because of their shape. They are typically rectangular and often larger than gazebos. They provide the same basic shelter. Cement flooring and other add-ons increase the budget.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Expect to pay between $2,000 and $8,500 for a gazebo you build yourself. That's about $1,500 less than professional construction. Savings are highest with a custom-built structure, which incurs extensive labor costs.

Taking on the project yourself can come with some significant pitfalls. No professional land evaluation means you don't know if it will hold the structure. You might choose the wrong materials. A few missteps in the construction, and your gazebo is not structurally sound. Any extras you add will multiply these risks.

That's why in most cases, hiring a pro makes more sense. A contractor builds the project, but also provides valuable planning advice. They become the go-to resources throughout the construction process.

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