Written by
Sarah Noel
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Pavilion cost
The cost to build a 20’x30’ pavilion is $21,000 to $36,000 on average. A backyard pavilion costs $35 to $60 per square foot installed. Outdoor pavilion kit prices start at $3,000 to $5,000. The labor cost of pavilion building is $5 to $20 per square foot.
| Pavilion size | Square feet | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 8'x10' | 80 | $2,800 – $4,800 |
| 10'x14' | 140 | $4,900 – $8,400 |
| 12’x12’ | 144 | $5,000 – $8,600 |
| 12'x16' | 192 | $6,700 – $11,500 |
| 12'x20' | 240 | $8,400 – $14,400 |
| 14'x16' | 224 | $7,800 – $13,400 |
| 16'x20' | 320 | $11,200 – $19,200 |
| 16'x24' | 384 | $13,400 – $23,000 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $14,000 – $24,000 |
| 20'x30' | 600 | $21,000 – $36,000 |
| 20'x40' | 800 | $28,000 – $48,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $20,150 – $34,550 |
| 24'x48' | 1,152 | $40,300 – $69,100 |
| 30'x40' | 1,200 | $42,000 – $72,000 |
| 40'x60' | 2,400 | $84,000 – $144,000 |
All pavilions need a foundation with varying prices for in-ground concrete piers, aboveground stone footings, a reinforced concrete slab, or other post supports.
Cost to build a pavilion
The cost to build a pavilion is $35 to $60 per square foot on average with an existing foundation. Hardwood pavilions in larger sizes are heavy and require stronger footings than lightweight vinyl models.
| Pavilion size | Average cost per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Materials | $30 – $40 |
| Labor | $5 – $20 |
| Total cost to install | $35 – $60 |
*Prices excluding foundation work.
Cost factors include:
Material & quality – Different prices apply for metal, vinyl, or cedarwood-framed pavilions.
Type & shape – Larger sizes and specialty shapes cost more for labor and higher-quality materials.
Brand or manufacturer – Exclusive pavilion brands with extra features like built-in gutters or specialty roofing cost more.
Custom vs. kit – Standard pavilion kits are cheaper to install than having builders construct a custom-designed model on-site.
Delivery – Travel fees for dropping off kit materials start at $100 and increase depending on the total distance traveled.
Permit – A building permit costs $60 to $150. Building departments in some rural areas don’t always require a permit for pavilions smaller than 200 square feet.
Labor cost to build a pavilion
Labor costs to build a pavilion are 10% to 35% of the total construction cost. Lower prices are for assembling kits on-site, and higher prices are for custom builds.
A general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour.
A carpenter costs $40 to $100 per hour.
Drafting blueprints costs $30 to $120 per hour.
A structural engineer costs $100 to $220 per hour.
The cost to paint a pavilion is $2 to $6 per square foot.
Foundation
Pavilion foundation costs vary greatly depending on the design and whether installers mount it onto an existing patio. Most pavilions have concrete pier footings for extra stability. Some lightweight pavilions can attach to a deck, but only if the deck’s design can bear the extra weight.
The cost to level or regrade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Pouring a concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot.
Concrete pier footings for a pavilion cost $125 to $300 each, and pavilions need at least 4. Cold climates need deeper footings below the frost line.
Building a new wooden deck costs $25 to $50 per square foot, but engineers must specify the footings are big enough to support a pavilion on top as well.
Roofing
The average cost of a new roof is $3 to $6 per square foot installed, depending on the material. For a seasonal pavilion roof, a canvas canopy costs $150 to $700 and has an easy DIY assembly process.
An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot.
A metal roof costs $5 to $16 per square foot.
A clay tile roof costs $8 to $25 per square foot.
Options and features
Upgrades and add-ons for a pavilion include:
Outdoor lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350 each.
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.
An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $20,000.
An outdoor misting system costs $2,000 to $4,000.
Building a fire pit costs $325 to $2,000.
Ceiling fan installation costs $150 to $400 per fan.
An outdoor heater costs $150 to $500.
Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
Retractable side-awning shades cost $50 to $300 for privacy or temporarily blocking the sun. Motorized models cost more.
Mosquito screen curtains cost $50 to $200 for fine-mesh netting without a frame.
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Outdoor pavilion kit prices
DIY pavilion kit prices are $3,000 to $5,000 on average while high-end models cost $6,000 to $8,000+. Total costs depend on the size, material, and quality. These kits come with step-by-step assembly instructions for the experienced homeowner.
| Pavilion size | Average material price* |
|---|---|
| 12’x12’ | $3,000 – $3,800 |
| 12’x14’ | $3,400 – $4,000 |
| 12’x16’ | $3,900 – $5,000 |
| 14’x16’ | $4,500 – $5,500 |
| 16’x16’ | $5,200 – $6,000 |
*Prices excluding installation for the most common wood & vinyl pavilions.
Pavilion cost vs. pergola vs. gazebo
The following tables shows the difference between a pavilion, pergola, and gazebo.
| Type | Average cost per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pavilion cost | $35 – $60 |
|
| Gazebo cost | $30 – $100 |
|
| Pergola cost | $15 – $65 |
|
*Including materials and installation.
Backyard pavilion FAQs
What is the cheapest way to build a pavilion?
The cheapest way to build a pavilion is to buy a DIY kit. Basic kit prices are $2,000 to $3,800 for a 12’x12’ metal-topped pavilion.
Alternatively, a flat sunshade canopy cover costs $50 to $200 for a seasonal or temporary pavilion roof that’s DIY-install friendly. Stronger canvas materials cost $1,000 to $1,700 with longer rope and hook attachments to cover a deck.
Do I need a permit to build a pavilion?
You need a permit to build a pavilion in most states. However, rural areas don’t always require permits for structures smaller than 100 to 200 square feet. The contractor typically pulls all necessary permits.
Who builds pavilions?
People who build pavilions include:
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Outdoor design-and-build contractors
Installers from local home improvement stores
Professional crew from the local pavilion-kit manufacturer
Landscapers specializing in hardscaping
Builders or general construction contractors
Carpenters (for custom modifications)
Getting estimates from pavilion builders
Before hiring professional pavilion builders near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids from companies with at least 5 years of experience.
Check that they have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed estimate and contract before work starts.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that typically result in low-quality work.
Give the final payment only after the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many years of experience do you have in building pavilions?
Can I see your reference list and photos of past projects?
How long will construction take?
What type of base do I need to withstand the weather in my area?
Do you offer a labor warranty?
What types of building materials do you recommend?
Which sealant options are best for this climate?
Will I need gutters?
Does this estimate include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup fees?
How many people are on your crew?
What’s the best way to contact the project manager?
Which types of unexpected costs are common on a job like this?
Will you handle permits and zoning requirements?
