Buy Or Build: Which Option Is Cheaper When Adding Gazebos To Your Yard?

Gazebos are one of the best ways to add functional beauty to your yard. Whether you opt for a simple square or elaborate octagonal design, these outdoor structures provide shade during sunny days, shelter from pouring rain, and panoramic views whether you're enjoying a cup of coffee or entertaining a crowd. Gazebos can also transform humdrum landscaping by creating a strong focal point thanks to their distinctive architecture. While adding one may be a no-brainer when you're building a dream backyard, it can be trickier to figure out whether it's cheaper to buy or build a gazebo. To find out, Hunker spoke with Peter Kravchuck, Founder of New Day Construction. According to the contractor and carpenter, buying a gazebo is the cheaper option.

"Prefab almost always wins on price, and the reason is the factory," Kravchuck told us during an exclusive interview. "A kit manufacturer buys lumber in bulk, cuts every rafter on a jig and ships it flat," he explained. While you can find prefab gazebo kits for just a few hundred dollars, depending on the size, materials, and complexity, the cost can quickly skyrocket into the thousands.

Even if you find a great deal on a prefab kit, there are several things to consider before making the investment. Evaluate your available space to determine the best size, being mindful of existing paths, walkways, fence lines, or other elements you'll need to work around. Consider your local climate to determine the ideal framing and roofing materials. And think through any additional features, from simple bug screens to complex ones that will require additional installation work.

While it's easy enough to DIY a pop-up or portable gazebo, hiring a contractor makes sense for more complex installations or custom builds. Peter Kravchuck says there are several reasons building a gazebo will significantly increase the cost of adding one to your yard. "When my crew builds a gazebo on site, the client is paying for us to measure, cut, and fit each piece by hand," he explained. "A custom-built gazebo in my market typically runs from the high four figures into the $20,000s." 

There are a number of factors contributing to this higher cost. The overall size and type of wood used for framing are obviously significant. Opting for a cedar shake or metal roof instead of asphalt shingles will also drive the price up. "Then there's the stuff people forget: concrete footings, permits for larger structures, electrical for lights or a fan, and how hard it is to get materials into the backyard," Kravchuck added. According to Angi, homeowners should budget $1,200 to $4,300 for land preparation and another $150 for permits on top of gazebo material or prefab kit and labor costs.

But whether you buy or build a gazebo, Kravhuck says the biggest number on your bill will usually be the cost of labor. Whether you hire someone to assemble a complex prefab kit or build a custom gazebo, the process can take several days. Painting, staining, and floor installation may extend that timeline even further. Adding extra features like wiring an outdoor TV, plumbing an outdoor kitchen, or sprucing up landscaping will add significant labor costs as well, typically ranging from $70 to $250 per hour.

Gazebos are one of the beautiful garden features that can boost your home's value, and building one yourself can be a more budget-friendly way to add the charming feature to your yard without the high cost of professional assembly or installation. Peter Kravchuck had several tips for DIYers. "Design around standard lumber lengths so a 10x10 or a 12x12 footprint wastes almost nothing. Use pressure-treated wood for the hidden framing and save the cedar for the parts people actually see. Rent the specialty tools instead of buying them," he recommended.

The expert also offered savings advice for homeowners who decide to go the prefab route. "Shop late in the season when retailers are clearing inventory," Kravchuck said before adding that enlisting the help of a few others can save on assembly costs. However, even if you decide to skip the cost of hiring a professional installer, he strongly urged DIYers not to skimp on the base. "The cheapest gazebo is the one you only build once, and that comes down to level, solid footings more than anything you can buy." 

Buy or build, you'll need to budget a little extra for long-term gazebo maintenance. While you'll spend more upfront on a vinyl or aluminum gazebo, they can usually just be rinsed off. However, wooden gazebos will need to be thoroughly cleaned and coated with stain or sealer every few years. Lastly, no matter which gazebo material you choose, Kravchuck said it's important to "check the roof after storms, retighten hardware annually, and watch post bases for rot where water sits."