The Cost of an Outdoor Living Space
Normal range: $1,500 - $20,000
Adding an outdoor living space to your home costs an average of $7,800, but prices can easily go upwards of $20,000 depending mostly on what type of space you plan to build.
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 $180,000, 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
- $7,800
- Low end
- $1,500
- high end
- $180,000
Outdoor Living Space 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 |
Deck/Patio Covers, Furniture, Add-Ons, and Accessories
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+
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 of Outdoor Living Space 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. In many cases, it’s best to hire a local deck builder.
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
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.
Pool or Guest House
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.
DIY 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes, an outdoor living space adds value to your home. The trick to your best return on investment is to choose high-quality building materials that will look nice and durable without crossing the line into total luxury that becomes cost-ineffective. For example, there’s no need to install marble tiles around your pool, but a durable and aesthetically pleasing deck will go a long way.
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 not to 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.
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 power washing 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.