Photo: Sam Lion

How much would it cost to build a small room in my backyard?

Sunrooms typically run anywhere from $20,800 to $72,600, or between $150 and $300 per square foot. However, you can pay as little as $5,000 if you build a small room yourself or purchase a pre-fab kit.

angi.com - How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Room?

How do you price carpentry work?

Estimate the amount of hours it will take to complete the job, and multiply that by the amount you need to charge per hour (such as $30 per hour)....

Last updated Oct 12, 2018

What hinge holds the most weight?

Let's start with the basics: a residential duty hinge can hold between 200 and 400 pounds. A commercial duty hinge can carry between 400 and 600...

Last updated Mar 31, 2020

Promotion

Highlights Create your outdoor room by choosing a foundation, covering, furniture, and accessories.

Simple patios or pre-built gazebos are the most budget-friendly foundations.

DIY builds can save 50% or more over pro installs, but it’s important to prepare.

Furnish your outdoor space with seating, TVs, a bar, fireplaces, and more.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros ! Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Find pros Your outdoor space presents a world of new opportunities for morning coffees, afternoon barbecues, and late-night hangs around a warm, crackling fire. With average costs falling anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000, or upwards of $100,000, building an outdoor living space can also fit a wide range of budgets. If you’re looking to upgrade that collection of folding lawn chairs, here’s what you can expect to budget for some of the most popular setups.

Average Cost to Build an Outdoor Room

Minimum Cost National Average Cost Maximum Cost $1,500 $7,800 $180,000

Cost to Build an Outdoor Room by Type or Foundation

Your main expense in building an outdoor room is choosing the type of foundation you want. Patios and pre-build gazebos can be fairly budget-friendly, while major builds like a pool house will cost significantly more. Outdoor Room Type Cost Patio $1,900 – $5,300 Deck $4,100 – $11,220 Gazebo $3,100 – $9,400 Sunroom $20,800 – $72,600 Pool or Guest House $48,000 – $180,000

Patio

The cost to build a patio ranges from $1,900 to $5,300 on average, or anywhere between $5 and $50 per square foot. Materials are your biggest cost factor for this project—inexpensive options like gravel or poured concrete go for as little as $1.50 to $6 per square foot, while high-end materials like granite cobblestone can run as much as $20 to $35 per square foot.

Deck

The average cost of building a deck is $7,630, with most installations ranging between $4,100 and $11,220. Size, the type of deck materials , and labor are your biggest cost factors. You can build your own deck to save an average of $15 to $35 per square foot, but be sure to arm yourself with the proper tools and know-how to achieve a solid, level, and aesthetically-appealing result.

Gazebo

Building a gazebo costs $6,200 on average, with builds typically falling between $3,100 and $9,400. Pre-made gazebo kits from your local home improvement store will be the most affordable option, while pre-built professionally-installed models can land on the mid-to-high end of the spectrum. If you want to go all out, custom builds can go for upwards of $20,000 or more.

Sunroom

Pool or Guest House

How deep will a rat dig?

about 18 inches Rats typically burrow down about 18 inches to nest (if they can't find an indoor home), but they are capable of digging much deeper...

Last updated May 5, 2021

How do you keep a cold house warm without heat?

How to Stay Warm at Home Without a Heater Close all of your windows properly. ... Use cheap clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sun...

Last updated Jul 21, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Building a pool or guest house costs an average of $114,000, or between $48,000 and $180,000 for a 300-square-foot structure. To save major cash, consider a pre-fab model for around $27,000 and up.

Outdoor Room Cost Breakdown

Labor can take up 50% or more of your total project cost, though the materials you use will certainly impact the total price. Aside from that, getting the permits and land prep done will tack on extra to your budget. You’ll also pay more based on the size of the foundation or structure, as well as how you furnish and accessorize. Outdoor Room Type Cost for Materials Labor Costs Patio $1 – $35 per square foot $5 – $15 per square foot Deck $20 – $45 per square foot $15 – $35 per square foot Gazebo $2,000 – $8,500 Kit assembly: $300 – $800; Custom build: $1,500 – $9,000 Sunroom $3,000 – $60,000 $2,000 – $25,000 Pool or Guest House $14,000 – $112,000 $34,000 – $70,000

Materials

Materials can significantly impact your cost, covering a wide range of $1 to $45 per square foot, or upwards of $100,000 for major builds like pool or guest houses.

Labor

Labor can make up a significant chunk of your project cost, coming in at anywhere between $15 and $35 per hour or more. Many contractors will also charge by the project, so get in touch with a contractor in your area for the most accurate estimate.

Land Prep

If your land isn’t clear or level, you may need to budget anywhere from $500 to $6,000 or more to prep it for building. Your main cost factors are the number of trees, plants, and debris to remove, as well as the size of the plot that you’re looking to prep.

Permits

Many new constructions outside the home require extra permits—plan to invest about $400 to $1,500 depending on the project and where you live.

Size

The cost of your outdoor room’s foundation will go up depending on the size of the build. Use these ballpark figures to plan your budget accordingly. Outdoor Room Type Price per Square Foot Deck $30 – $60 Sunroom $150 – $300 Patio $10 – $50 Pool or Guest House $60 – $600 If you need to protect your outdoor room from the elements, the cost to add a deck or patio cover can be anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000. Or, if you want to occasionally work on your tan, a retractable awning typically costs between $2,000 and $3,500. From there, you can accessorize and transform your outdoor room into your dream hangout spot. Here are a few ballpark cost estimates to factor into your budget:

Patio furniture chat set (four chairs and a low table): $350–$5,000+

Why dont we build houses out of metal?

Poor Insulation and Energy Efficiency Steel conducts heat around 300-400 times faster than wood and reduces the insulating properties of the walls...

Last updated Dec 3, 2018

Can I use my shed as a studio?

Converting your boring storage shed into a fully equipped studio could be the perfect solution. A shed can be thoroughly protected against the...

Last updated Apr 29, 2022

Promotion

Patio table and chairs: $100–$5,000+

Hammocks: $40–$200+

Privacy curtains: $15–$400+

Outdoor Kitchen : $1,000–$40,000+

Outdoor Bar: $5,000–$20,000

In-ground pool : $40–$70,000+

Fire Pit : $300–$1,400

Heater: $100–$300

Propane Fireplace: $300–$700

Lighting Fixtures: $8–$30+ each

Outdoor TV/Home Theater System: $550+

Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor

DIY enthusiasts have many ways to save with this project, but it’s important to do your research beforehand to avoid structural issues and other hiccups. Pros can cost significantly more, but they offer guaranteed stability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. Outdoor Room Type DIY Cost Hiring a Pro Patio $80 – $11,000 $400 – $14,400 Deck $1,200 – $7,500 $2,500 – 17,000 Gazebo $1,500 – $8,500 $1,500 – $9,000 Deck or Patio Cover $1,250 – $3,500 $3,000 – $10,000 Sunroom $5,000 – $20,000 $21,000 – $75,000 Pool or Guest House $5,000 – $45,000+ (prefab structure; DIY builds by non-professionals not recommended) $27,000 – $180,000

FAQs

Should I buy or build an outdoor room?

Pre-fab kits like a small sunroom for around $20,000 or even a basic gazebo roof for as little as $60 can save you big over professional installation. However, you lose the option for customization and these structures tend to not last nearly as long. As for bigger projects like a deck or patio, you shouldn’t go with the DIY route unless you’re fully prepped with the tools and know-how to get it done right. Mistakes can be frustrating and costly, so choose a pro if you’re looking to eliminate your margin for error.

How much maintenance will my outdoor room need?

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual powerwashing and sealing. You may also need to occasionally re-stain the wood every two to three years. In general, you’ll make maintenance a lot easier by adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

How can I style my outdoor room?

angi.com - How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Room?

How do you close a gap between shed and ground?

Concrete Block/Landscape Blocks Concrete blocks or landscape blocks represent the most durable and secure means of filling the gap. Concrete blocks...

Last updated Oct 22, 2018

How deep to bury armoured cable?

A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a...

Last updated Feb 4, 2022