How Much Does A Gazebo Cost
One interesting feature you can add in your landscape is a gazebo. It is a classical architecture, but it definitely enriches the landscape artistically. This is without mentioning yet that a gazebo can be a good shelter for extending outdoor living spaces in the landscape.
So if you are thinking of getting a gazebo for your yard, shopping for one must be done with care. It must not only be aesthetically appealing but it must also be able to offer all your outdoor living needs. This article will guide you through gazebo shopping starting from costs up to several tips to help you get the right purchase.
The Cost Of A Gazebo
The cost of a gazebo ranges from $1,500 to $12,000.
This refers to a permanent style gazebo including materials, plans, and labor.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of A Gazebo
Type. A gazebo can be a temporary or permanent structure in the landscape. A temporary gazebo has a canvas or fabric roof that comes with a skeletal structure during purchase. This kind of gazebo is a lot cheaper than its counterpart. You can purchase canvas-roofed gazebos for $150 to $600 only depending on the size of the unit. On the other hand, permanent gazebos refer to those made from wood, wood composite, aluminum, or vinyl that definitely costs more.
Premade or from scratch? There are gazebos that are pre-manufactured, which means they come in a kit with materials that are already cut and designed to specifications. Getting a gazebo like this is usually the more expensive approach. Gazebo kits like this costs $1,500 to $12,000. If you do a gazebo from scratch, you can purchase materials from $1,500 to $3,000 only. If you do the project yourself, you’ll end up having a permanent gazebo for half or even less the price of premade gazebo kits.
Size. The size of the gazebo of your choice greatly affects prices as well. Small gazebos are a lot cheaper than larger ones. The cheapest of all are gazebos that can only accommodate two people. There are gazebos that are large enough to hold a big party. These gazebos are the most expensive. A 10x10 basic gazebo costs from $100 to $300 while a 10x30 gazebo starts at $120 and can go up to $400.
Material. The most common materials for a gazebo are wood and vinyl. The latter is a more expensive option, usually $500 to $600 more than a wood gazebo. Vinyl is known to last longer than wood, but wood has a very classical touch to it. Also, there are various types of woods that can be used for a gazebo. High quality wood materials such as cedar are on the more expensive side.
Design. A basic style gazebo costs less as compared to those with intricate details. Gazebos with braces, windows, slate, and other details can be more expensive. Adding Victorian braces, for instance, will add around $200 to the cost of your gazebo.
Location. Your geographical location can greatly affect prices as well. Some areas where the cost of living is high may have high gazebo prices as compared to other areas where the cost of materials and labor is usually low.
Additional Costs
If you are building a gazebo from scratch, you may need to purchase a plan for $15 to $50. There are a lot of carpentry design vendors that you can find in your locality these days where you can purchase unique gazebo plans.
Usually, flooring is not included in a gazebo kit purchase. If you want to add flooring to the gazebo, the price will start at $1,000 usually.
DIY gazebo builders may need roofing for the structure. Asphalt and slate roofing costs $2 to $6 per shingle.
For those purchasing gazebo kits online, shipping is an added expense. Depending on the weight of the kit and the carrier being used, shipping can cost $100 or more.
If you need help assembling the gazebo kit that you have purchased, you can hire a handyman or a general contractor to do the installation for you. Usually, assembly costs run from $500 upwards for a gazebo.
Maintenance of the gazebo will be a running cost with a purchase of a unit. For wood gazebos, staining or painting is necessary at least once or twice a year. This can cost from $50 to $100. On the other hand, vinyl gazebo maintenance is cheaper as it requires mere water and window cleaner to keep them looking new.
Furnishing and lighting your gazebo will be an added expense in your part. A light string is commonly placed around the gazebo. This costs $20 to $60. Furniture pieces are required as well, which can include benches, lounge chairs, or hanging chairs.
You have the option to add a concrete foundation beneath the gazebo. Pouring a foundation will cost you extra as it requires site preparation, labor, and materials.
Screening the gazebo is oftentimes needed to keep insects and bugs out. Depending on the size of the gazebo, screening costs will run from $200 to $600.
Tips Before You Decide To Get A Gazebo
Know what your needs are in a gazebo. If you want to have an investment that is worth it of your money, buying a gazebo that meets your needs is essential. For instance, if you plan to hold big events, bigger gazebos are great investments. On the other hand, if you plan to simply lounge in the gazebo, a smaller gazebo may be enough.
Besides your needs, evaluating your outdoor space is essential prior to getting a gazebo. If you have a small space, do not dwarf the area even more by adding a large unit. On the other hand, a very small gazebo can easily get lost in a big yard.
Consider the climate in your area when choosing a material for the gazebo. If your area receives a lot of rain, better choose wood that can resist water damage such as cypress. Or, you can consider options such as wood composite or vinyl.
Decide whether you want a temporary or a permanent gazebo. When building a permanent gazebo, take note that you have to be responsible about making it look good all the time. On the other hand, a temporary gazebo may not offer permanence but it can be conveniently used as it can be pulled out when it is not anymore needed.
Get a gazebo with a good design plan. As much as possible, the gazebo of your choice must not only be something to answer your needs but must also complement your overall landscape.
If you are hiring a professional, seek price quotes from at least three different contractors. Evaluate the contractor’s prices, services, reputation, credibility, license, and insurance.
Your Key To A Perfect Gazebo
Placement. A lot of homeowners want a gazebo in the middle of the yard for decorative balance. However, this is not always the best gazebo placement. The best location for a gazebo is somewhere near landscaping features such as an outdoor pond, a garden, or a backyard pool. Placing the gazebo as near as these elements will allow you to enjoy more the landscape features, not to mention yet that this kind of placement is soothing and more relaxing.
Size. When picking the right size for the gazebo, it must be based on three things such as balance, purpose, and budget. Weigh down size options and choose the best one that will work for these three considerations. A smaller gazebo may bring in a more intimate area but it cannot hold a large number of guests. On the other hand, a large gazebo may accommodate a lot of people but can easily overwhelm a backyard.
Materials. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the three most popular gazebo materials to date. Wood has an unbeatable image because of the warmth and elegance it can give to a landscape. However, it usually is high maintenance as you need to guard it against pests, rot, termites, and the like. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a good finish but it cannot usually withstand wind storms and other extreme weather conditions. In the middle of the two options is vinyl. It is as maintenance-free as aluminum but it can be as durable and elegant as wood.