What Is a Gazebo? Discover the Common Uses, Costs, and Pros and Cons

If you’re eager to spend more time outdoors but want some type of protection from the elements, installing a gazebo in your backyard could be a smart compromise. But wait—what is a gazebo, exactly? Is it right for your home? Let’s dive into the basics behind these shade structures, including their uses, costs, benefits, and drawbacks.

What Is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a free-standing or wall-mounted outdoor structure with a covered roof and open sides, often built in a hexagonal, octagonal, or round shape. Some gazebos sit on flat ground, while others are elevated and have steps leading up from the ground to the platform.

In most cases, gazebos are made from wood, metal, vinyl, or brick. Gazebos can be permanent or portable, but for the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on free-standing, permanent ones. There are some DIY gazebo-building kits available, but since building a gazebo is labor-intensive, hiring a pro is the safest bet.

What Is a Gazebo Used For?

Gazebos have several purposes. For one, they provide a sheltered and shaded place for outdoor gatherings so that you can enjoy your backyard in all kinds of conditions. For example, if you put a gazebo over an outdoor kitchen, you could host BBQs, picnics, and dinner parties all summer long—while protecting yourself from the harsh sun or unexpected rainstorms.

Need a bit of relaxation? Cover your hot tub with a gazebo so that you can comfortably soak all year long—even when it’s snowing. Alternatively, a fully enclosed gazebo makes a great shed, art studio, or workout space.

In addition to these functional uses, these structures also serve as a decorative element in outdoor areas. Gazebos create an interesting architectural focal point in gardens and backyards since they stand out against the surrounding natural landscape.

What to Consider Before Installing a Gazebo

Whether you love to entertain or simply want to revamp your backyard, there are plenty of reasons to build a gazebo on your property. But before you start the installation process, there are a couple of factors to consider.

For starters, where do you plan to install it? Ideally, you’ll want to find a spot with level ground away from trees and plants. However, if space is tight, you might consider putting a gazebo on your deck or mounting it to the side of your home.

Next, do you plan on building the gazebo yourself or hiring a professional? If you want a larger or custom structure, it’s best to work with a local gazebo builder. Not only can they design and build the gazebo of your dreams, but they’ll also handle the more tedious parts of the project, like requesting permits, drafting construction plans, and preparing the land.

How Much Does a Gazebo Cost?

Gazebo installation usually costs between $2,700 and $9,900, with most people paying around $5,700. With that said, the cost of your gazebo will depend on a few factors, including the materials, size, and shape of the structure.

Wood and vinyl are the priciest materials, while brick is the most affordable. Also, the more sides a gazebo has, the more expensive it is to build. In fact, the starting price for a hexagonal gazebo is double that of a round or oval one.

Pros and Cons of Gazebos

Not sure if a gazebo is right for your home? Let’s walk through some of the pros and cons.

How Are Gazebos Different From Pergolas?

Gazebos aren’t your only option when it comes to backyard shade structures. If you prefer a more modern look, you might consider installing a pergola instead.

When it comes to pergolas versus gazebos, the main difference is their design. Gazebos have a rounded or sloped roof that fully covers the space beneath it. On the other hand, pergolas usually feature a flat, grid-like roof with beams or rafters. Unlike gazebos, pergolas don’t have a floor (instead, they have four posts that extend from the roof to the ground).

Price is another difference between gazebos and pergolas. Thanks to their more minimalist design, building a pergola is less expensive than constructing a gazebo. On average, a new pergola costs $3,000 to $6,000.

If you prefer the modern look of a pergola but want the shade that a gazebo offers, you could install an awning over your pergola, which generally costs between $1,500 and $4,500.