How Much Does It Cost to Build a 20x20 Gazebo?
- Bjørn Woodworks
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
A 20x20 gazebo offers plenty of space—perfect for hosting gatherings, covering a hot tub, or creating an outdoor kitchen and bar. But before you break ground, one of the biggest questions you'll need to answer is: How much will it cost? The answer can vary dramatically depending on the route you take.
From fully DIY to custom-built by professionals, here’s what to expect when budgeting for your dream gazebo.
💸 Cost Breakdown: $3,500 – $30,000+
The cost to build a 20x20 gazebo generally falls into three tiers:
1. DIY Build – $2,500 to $5,000
The most budget-friendly route is a completely DIY gazebo. You buy the materials, make your own cuts, and assemble everything yourself. This path gives you full control over the size, style, and features—whether you’re building a hot tub gazebo, a BBQ gazebo, or even a hybrid garden shed and pavilion.
The major benefit? Price. A DIY 20x20 gazebo can cost as little as $2,500 if you use affordable lumber and source your own materials. But it does require skill, tools, time, and planning.
To simplify the process, many DIY’ers are turning to the Bjorn Woodworks DIY Gazebo Kit. It features 12-gauge laser-welded steel gable brackets and corner connectors that eliminate the need for precise angle cuts. These heavy-duty brackets hold your lumber in place securely, while giving you the flexibility to customize your footprint size and layout—without needing to be a master carpenter.
Bonus: Want a gazebo that's truly your own? This is the only option that gives you complete control of the layout, color, finish, and added features—like shelving, lighting, or privacy walls.
2. Preconfigured Gazebo Kits – $4,500 to $15,000
Preconfigured gazebo kits strike a balance between convenience and cost. These kits typically include:
Pre-measured and cut lumber or aluminum
Hardware
Assembly instructions
They're a solid choice for people who want something more polished than DIY but more affordable than a custom build. However, they come with some important limitations:
No customization: If you want a built-in bench, a bar top, or a custom height for your BBQ gazebo, you’ll be out of luck.
Fixed sizes: If your space allows for 18x22, but the kit only comes in 16x16 or 20x20, you may be forced to size down significantly—sometimes all the way down to a 12x12.
Time-consuming: These kits can be labor-intensive to assemble, and it's not uncommon for holes to misalign, causing delays or requiring on-site adjustments.
Still, if you're looking for something clean, cohesive, and functional without the headache of design and material sourcing, a preconfigured gazebo kit may be the perfect fit.
3. Custom-Built Gazebo – $15,000 to $30,000+
If your vision includes high-end finishes, integrated lighting, or a luxury-grade hot tub gazebo, hiring a contractor to custom-build your 20x20 structure is the premium route.
Custom builders offer:
Decades of experience
High-quality craftsmanship
A "hands-off" process—design to completion
But the downside is significant: cost. Labor is the biggest expense, and it’s not uncommon for total project prices to soar to $30,000–$40,000, depending on your selected features.
🧰 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when asking, “How much does it cost to build a 20x20 gazebo?” It all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend, how involved you want to be in the build, and how custom you want the final result to be.
For many homeowners, the DIY route with Bjorn Woodworks gable brackets offers the best mix of savings, flexibility, and satisfaction. You’ll get to build exactly what you want—be it a BBQ gazebo, bike shed, or cozy hot tub gazebo—without breaking the bank.
