7 Best Gazebo Kits of 2022
Updated: Jun. 15, 2022One of these gazebo kits will help you build your outdoor getaway, no matter your budget or skills.
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Buying a Gazebo Kit
Do you love your backyard but keep thinking it’s missing something? A gazebo kit might be the answer.
A gazebo kit allows you to build a gazebo yourself without cutting and measuring lumber or picking out the right hardware. Every piece comes together in a tidy box, ready to assemble. With the right gazebo kit, soon you and your guests will be enjoying the outdoors, protected from the rain and sun.
What is a gazebo?
A gazebo is a covered outdoor structure open on all sides. A gazebo differs from a pergola in one important way: A gazebo has a roof for full protection from the elements, while a pergola is slatted, offering only partial coverage.
A pergola is usually installed over a garden, pathway or patio. A gazebo is a more substantial freestanding element, and a gathering destination that can be located anywhere in your yard.
What to look for in a gazebo kit
Before you choose a gazebo kit, consider the size, your budget and how much work you’re willing to dedicate to assembling it.
- Size: Gazebo kits come in all shapes and sizes, and the right choice for you will depend on the size of your yard and how you intend to use the gazebo. An 8-foot x 8-foot gazebo will fit well in most small- and medium-size backyards, and is a perfect intimate gathering spot or a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding. If you have a larger backyard, you can go up to a 10-foot x 10-foot gazebo, which is a great size to set up with outdoor furniture or a fire pit. A 12-foot x 12-foot gazebo can easily accommodate outdoor parties, a large sitting area or even a hot tub.
- Budget: You’ll find a wide range of prices. A semi-permanent structure can cost as little as $300 to $400, while an extra-large permanent gazebo kit can run well over $10,000. On average, plan on spending $3,000 to $5,000 on a eight-foot or 10-foot gazebo made from steel, vinyl or lumber. Custom gazebo kits will be pricier than standard kits, with each additional element — screens, benches or other accessories — adding to your cost. Remember: Money spent on the kit will be offset by labor cost savings because you’re assembling it yourself!
- Assembly time: That, of course, depends on how big it is. Most gazebo kit retailers say to plan on five to 10 hours of labor. With the help of a friend, that gazebo can probably be finished in a weekend. The exception is a semi-permanent gazebo, which usually features a fabric top with steel posts. That can be a one-person job and shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to set up. Another thing to consider when estimating your project time is the site preparation. You’ll need a hard, compact base to support your gazebo. A concrete pad, compacted gravel or patio blocks will do the trick.
Best Vinyl Gazebo Kit
This vinyl gazebo kit ($6,400) from Country Lane Gazebos features pressure-treated southern yellow pine covered with maintenance-free vinyl. And unlike many gazebo kits, this one includes a heavy-duty floor made of composite decking boards with five color options!
The underside of the roof is coated with a rich mahogany stain for a beautiful hardwood appearance. The final result is a charming centerpiece that will bring years of outdoor enjoyment.
Most Convenient Assembly Gazebo Kit
For easy assembly, customers swear by Amish Country Gazebos. Their Gazebo-in-a-Box ($2,600) comes in a container that two people can carry. You can choose the eight-, 10- or 12-foot size in wood or vinyl. The kit includes all the parts you need to assemble your gazebo quickly and easily, like building with Lincoln Logs! The easy-to-follow instruction book details every step.
Best Cedar Gazebo Kit
This gazebo kit ($3,400) contains a generously-sized 12-foot x 16-foot structure made of cedar lumber with a beautiful natural cedar stain. Despite the size and quality material, it’s still priced affordably when compared to other similarly-sized structures. Cedar doesn’t shrink, swell, warp or decay even in severe weather, making it ideal for a gazebo.
Best Fully Custom Gazebo Kit
Amish County Gazebos offers a customizable gazebo kit, starting at $2,500 and averaging about $10,000. It allows you to design your gazebo from scratch with their fun online design tool. You get to choose every feature — shape, size, roof shingle color, floor decking, cornice style, even the weather vane (with 50 choices!).
Once you’re done, the kit and detailed instructions will be shipped to you, with every piece ready for you to assemble.
Best Steel Gazebo Kit
This highly-reviewed steel gazebo kit, on sale for $960, will give you the best bang for your buck. It’s durable, with an attractive two-tier roof and convenient mosquito nets. The tiered roof design provides protection from inclement weather while allowing refreshing airflow. The powder-coated steel resists rust and adds a sleek, modern element to any backyard design.
Best Beginner-Friendly Gazebo Kit
Somewhere between a pop-up gazebo and a permanent gazebo is the semi-permanent gazebo ($350), like this one. This kit includes everything you need to build a sturdy gazebo, even if your DIY skills are beginner level. The manufacturer recommends enlisting a couple of friends to help, and you can assemble it in an hour.
The heavy-duty steel frame attaches to the grass with 16 ground stakes (included), and the polyester roof is UV-protected and water resistant. However, it’s recommended you remove the canopy during heavy storms.
Best Distinctive Design Gazebo Kit
This Tattle Creek gazebo kit ($7,300) will make your guests stop in their tracks when they enter your yard. Its steep pointed roof line brings European flair, and the overall look adds a bit of playful magic to your landscape. Your kids will think its straight out of a fairy tale! Cedar rail panels can be customized, and you can also opt to add screens and built-in benches.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
