Have you seen those octal or hexagon-like and open on all sides’ structures that are always in outdoor spaces? They are called Gazebos, but of course, you already know that. Most recreational, commercial, and residential terraces usually have Gazebos. They are free-standing structures that have covered areas.
If you are looking for a shaded area where you can have fun during the rainy or summer season, a Gazebo is your best bet.
They are used for family sit-outs, small gatherings, formal meetings, leisure activities, and some are even used for weddings. For open space lovers, a Gazebo can serve lots of functions.
Gazebos can be designed and constructed in different and unique ways. Your love for art and sculpture could play out in your Gazebo design and the structure would still serve its purpose while reflecting your fancy.
Most people who consider erecting a Gazebo in their space are usually in a dilemma as to whether to purchase or to construct them. Both of these choices have their cost implications and one may be cheaper than the other. To help you decide, we have here, all you need to know about Gazebos and whether constructing or purchasing is a better option.
What to consider before building or buying a Gazebo
Before you decide to pump resources into a Gazebo purchase or construction, there are certain things you need to know to make a good choice. Like the saying, better safe than sorry, you should be familiar with these few tips to be prepared:
1. Purpose of the Gazebo
Why do you want to erect a Gazebo? Is it for recreational, commercial, or official purposes? All of these considerations would feature in how it is going to be constructed. The answers to these questions would guide your architect and even your interior designer.
2. Consider the Gazebo placement
This addresses where your Gazebo is going to be erected or constructed. It is very important to know if your property can accommodate a Gazebo structure. In addition, the purpose of the Gazebo also informs its placement. Whether it is for commercial or recreational purposes, the placement would differ to serve its utilitarian purpose. For instance, a Gazebo created for formal meetings cannot be placed near rowdy areas in the environment.
3. Gazebo size
How big or small is your Gazebo going to be? This helps give an idea of the cost implication for erecting a Gazebo. Again, the purpose of the Gazebo would also play out in determining the size. Gazebos erected for family sit-outs, small gatherings, wedding receptions usually differ in size. This is the reason you need to determine the purpose first before constructing or buying a gazebo.
What do I need to know before building my Gazebo?
Most built gazebos are made of wood, bamboo, wrought iron, aluminum, fabric, brick, fiberglass, vinyl, concrete, or steel. The cost implication of building a gazebo is dependent on the kind of materials you would use. The resources needed for the building are also dependent on the materials needed for the Gazebo.
Since this is a one-time project, it is advisable to just rent the equipment instead of buying it. To build a gazebo, you need to get certain materials and this should be right after you have drawn about your gazebo plan; ensure your gazebo style matches your home style in other that they complement each other.
Follow these steps before building your gazebo:
- Get a permit from your local building permit office to get clearance before you start building. This applies to when you are both purchasing and building a gazebo.
- If you want to DIY (do it yourself), you would need to watch a tutorial. This gets you familiar with all you need to know about building it including the materials you would need. You must work with a plan before starting to build.
- Rent the materials you would need through the construction. These are some of the equipment you would need to rent before building your Gazebo: drills, excavators, electric saws.
- Check the areas of the selected area for your gazebo. Areas that are prone to wind and being overtaken by greenery should be avoided except you have plans to consistently hire a gardener
- Level the ground of the specified area to suit the structure
- Follow your outlined plan and start building the right way.
- Seek professional help whenever you face a hurdle during building the gazebo.
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you would need a contractor and the price is sure to fall on the high side. The contractor is sure to offer professional advice before the commencement of the building.
What do I need to know about buying a Gazebo?
All the tips mentioned before choosing must be considered before any purchase; this is to avoid making costly mistakes or wasting resources. Here are some other tips to help you decide before making a purchase.
- Identify the purpose of the gazebo
- Consider the gazebo placement
- Identify your preferred size, shape, and color
- Run a survey on different stores to have an idea on the price of a Gazebo kit
- Choose the preferred gazebo material
- Consider ease of installation- Would you need to do it yourself or pay for professional service?
- Most purchased gazebos are movable; if you need to move them about frequently, you also need to consider ease of transport and this is linked to the size of the gazebo.
The price of a gazebo purchase is on the high side because you have to consider the payment of different charges from consultancy to the actual purchase, delivery, and then installation of the gazebo if you would need to contact a professional.
The beautiful thing about buying a gazebo is that you do not worry about your time or stress unlike building one yourself which is very time-consuming and stressful. In buying one, you just need to make an order and install it.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a Gazebo?
It is cheaper to build a Gazebo, especially when you are building it yourself than to buy one. Equipment needed for construction can be rented instead of purchased and this helps cut cost-effectively. Watching a tutorial video before starting gives you a better edge and this helps cut costs as you do not need to pay any contractor for something you can just construct with a good tutorial video.
Buying a gazebo or paying a contractor to build is more expensive than building one yourself. For the former, you would need to pay for a lot of services: consultation fees, interior designer, contractors fee, installation, purchase of the gazebo amidst many others can be on the high side.
FAQs
How long does it take to build a gazebo?
If you are single-handedly building it, it can take about 24 hours to complete. If you have to help hands, especially if they are more than two, it would take about 10 hours.
How much does it cost to build a wooden gazebo?
The price range falls between $4,000 and $7,000, Although this is dependent on the structure you want to erect.
How much does a contractor charge to build a Gazebo?
A gazebo contractor’s charge falls between 5, 600, and 6,500 dollars but this also depends on the design and structure of your desired Gazebos.
Final Thoughts
Whatever option suits your fancy; whether you DIY or make a purchase, you are already on the right track to getting your very own Gazebo. If you want to DIY with the gazebo interior, you need to get your creative juices flowing.
If you want an exotic design for the structure or you do not have the leisure to DIY, you would need the help of an interior designer.
Ensure your interior designer is aware of your niche so they can make it feature in your Gazebo.