The cost to build a gazebo varies depending on the size of the gazebo, choice of building materials, location, gazebo parts design complexity, labor costs, foundation type, structural components, electrical systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), interior and exterior finishes, landscaping, permits, and regulatory fees among others.
But how much is the total cost to build a gazebo? the cost to build a gazebo is $2,000 on average, but can cost as little as $700 for a do-it-yourself gazebo build, or as much as $15,600.
How much does it cost to build a gazebo by square foot?
We interviewed a number of contractors about how it would cost to build a gazebo in California (we recommend obtaining at least 3 quotes), and the average cost per square foot was $30 to $65 per square foot, however, the cost seemed to vary depending on the schedule priority, ease of access, materials, grading, labor costs, and demand.
Typically, the costs were mainly 40% going for the gazebo materials, 35% for the labor costs, 15% for overhead costs, 6% for permits and fees, and 5% for miscellaneous expenses.
How much does it cost to build a gazebo based on size?
Using the costs per square foot that we got of $30 to $65 per square foot we were able to calculate how much it would cost to build a gazebo based on size, basically the bigger your gazebo the more you can expect to pay:
| Gazebo Size | Area (sq ft) | Cost at $30/sq ft | Cost at $65/sq ft |
| 8×8 | 64 | $1,920 | $4,160 |
| 10×10 | 100 | $3,000 | $6,500 |
| 10×12 | 120 | $3,600 | $7,800 |
| 10×14 | 140 | $4,200 | $9,100 |
| 10×20 | 200 | $6,000 | $13,000 |
| 11×11 | 121 | $3,630 | $7,865 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $4,320 | $9,360 |
| 12×14 | 168 | $5,040 | $10,920 |
| 12×16 | 192 | $5,760 | $12,480 |
| 12×18 | 216 | $6,480 | $14,040 |
| 12×20 | 240 | $7,200 | $15,600 |
Cost of Building a Gazebo by Shape
The design and architectural complexity of the gazebo highly affect the costs of building a gazebo, this is because the more complex the gazebo is the more it will require in terms of expertise, materials, and construction techniques, all of which will drive up the cost of the gazebo build.
There are various gazebo shapes such as round gazebo, oval gazebo, square or rectangular gazebo, hexagonal gazebo, octagonal gazebo, and dodecahedron gazebos (12-sided) gazebo, these gazebos are all unique in terms of rooflines, detailing, walls, spans, and layout and each individual shape will require additional time, skilled labor, and specialized materials to be built perfectly, additionally, you might also require custom engineering and structural solutions for complex shapes.
| Gazebo Shape | Typical cost for this design | Complexity Rating |
| Round Gazebo | $1,500–$8,000 | 50% |
| Oval Gazebo | $1,500–$8,000 | 50% |
| Square or rectangular Gazebo | $2,000–$12,000 | 70% |
| Hexagonal Gazebo | $3,000–$8,000 | 60% |
| Octagonal Gazebo | $3,500–$8,000 | 60% |
| Dodecahedron (12-sided) Gazebo | $7,000–$10,000 | 80% |
Gazebo Cost by Type of Material
The cost of gazebo building materials for your gazebo will have an influence on the total costs of building a gazebo, considering the cost of building materials accounts for 40% of the total gazebo build, you will need to carefully determine the right materials you will need for your gazebo.
There are four common types of gazebo materials you can choose from, brick, wood, metal, and Vinyl gazebo building materials.
Bricks are the most affordable options and its durable and have low maintenance, wood is, on the other hand, the most common due to its aesthetic appeal and also durability, metal materials include steel and aluminum, and they are ideal for modern gazebo styles, Vinyl requires little maintenance and its easy to assemble and ideal for DIY gazebo builds because most materials come ready to assemble from the manufacturers.
The table below highlights the costs of different gazebo building materials and their associated cost ranges.
| Gazebo Material | Average Cost Range |
| Brick | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Wood | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Metal | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| Vinyl | $4,000 – $7,500 |
Do-it-yourself gazebo costs
A do-it-yourself gazebo would reduce your gazebo building costs by up to 35% of the total costs quoted by a contractor which is the amount you would pay for labor costs; this means the cost of a DIY gazebo would be $19.50 to $42.25 per square foot.
| Gazebo Size | Area (sq ft) | Cost at $19.50/sq ft | Cost at $42.25/sq ft |
| 8×8 | 64 | $1,248 | $2,704 |
| 10×10 | 100 | $1,950 | $4,225 |
| 10×12 | 120 | $2,340 | $5,070 |
| 10×14 | 140 | $2,730 | $5,915 |
| 10×20 | 200 | $3,900 | $8,450 |
| 11×11 | 121 | $2,359.50 | $5,118.25 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $2,808 | $6,084 |
| 12×14 | 168 | $3,276 | $7,104 |
| 12×16 | 192 | $3,744 | $8,124 |
| 12×18 | 216 | $4,212 | $9,144 |
| 12×20 | 240 | $4,680 | $10,164 |
Factors that can increase the costs of building a gazebo.
Apart from your choice for gazebo footing, floor, and roofing, other factors that will increase your gazebo construction costs include your choice of add-ons such as gazebo lighting, cooling systems, heating system, privacy walls, and gazebo furniture.
You will also need construction plans which you can get online for free or get a custom plan designed for you at around $700 to $1300.
