Your Guide to Gazebos: Costs, Sizes, Kits and Maintenance

A gazebo has many benefits. It provides a place to relax in the shade. It serves as a great entertainment and gathering space. And it’s a decorative feature that makes your yard look attractive and polished.

Gazebos can be made out of wood, wood composite, vinyl, aluminum, steel or wrought iron. They come in a variety of shapes, including square, circular, octagonal and hexagonal, and a variety of sizes. They can be open or screened. Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, architectural shingles and wood shakes.

Gazebo Prices

Gazebos range in price from just a few hundred dollars to more than $20,000. The price depends on the size, materials and features. However, the vast majority of gazebos are priced from about $2,000 to $10,000.

• A basic steel gazebo at a discount store costs about $500 or less. However, these look more like temporary structures than permanent gazebos.
• Wooden gazebo kits start at about $2,000, not including features like screens or built-in benches. However, most mid-sized wooden gazebos (say 12X12 feet) fall in the $3,000 to $6,000 range.
• Vinyl, composite and cedar gazebos usually cost about $5,000 to $8,000; however, they stand up to the elements better than wood versions.
• Handmade, specialty and custom-designed gazebos usually top $10,000.

If you don’t already have a level surface for the gazebo, such as a concrete slab or deck, budget about $1,000 to $3,000 to have one constructed. You can’t place a gazebo on uneven ground.

Choosing a Gazebo

Size, maintenance and your budget are some of the most important considerations in choosing a gazebo.

First, set a realistic budget. Decide how much you can afford, then only look at models within that price range. That way you won’t be tempted by fancy gazebos that will break the bank.

Next, give some thought to how you’ll use the gazebo. If you love to entertain, you’ll probably want a gazebo large enough to accommodate a group of family and friends. If you’re simply looking for a quiet place to relax, a smaller gazebo will do.

Finally, give some thought to maintenance. Wood is long-lasting, but it requires significant maintenance and upkeep, including re-staining or repainting every few years. Wood composite and vinyl gazebos require much less maintenance, but some people don’t consider them as attractive. Aluminum gazebos tends to be inexpensive, but they’re prone to rusting.

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