If you’ve never looked into owning an outdoor structure, you might be wondering, “How much does a pavilion cost? And what about pergolas? Are these backyard structures worth the investment?”
The short answer is…it depends on what you’re wanting for your backyard.
With a beautiful structure to provide shade and protection from the elements, your outdoor space can now be used for the majority of the year—especially with the addition of wind curtains and heaters.
Do you want some or partial shade over your patio or in your backyard?
Let’s dive into the difference between pavilions and pergolas and which backyard structure suits your lifestyle the best.
Pergola vs Pavilion: What Backyard Structure is Better?
Most people know the terms for a pavilion or pergola. But what's the difference between a pergola and a pavilion?
Let’s simplify the style and purpose of these backyard structures.
Pergola Designs
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a pergola is “a structure in a garden that climbing plants can grow over and that people can walk through.”
To be more specific, a pergola is typically a square or rectangular wooden frame that’s elevated by posts at each corner.
The “ceiling” of a pergola is mostly open with slats of wood going across vertically or horizontally.
While you can add ivy, hanging flowers pots, and succulents to your pergola, it can be completely bare if you prefer.
Typically, pergolas are more for looks than protection from the elements.
But, they can provide shade. Especially when fitted with rain covers or pergola canvas covers for extra protection.
If you’re looking for lower levels of protection from sunshine, rain, or wind, a pergola is a beautiful spot to recline and relax during warmer months.
And with an outdoor table and chairs beneath it, a pergola acts as an outdoor dining area for brunch, lunch, and nights by the campfire.
Pavilion Designs
Unlike pergolas, pavilions are designed with a roof of some sorts (metal, shingles, etc.).
However, like pergolas, pavilions are completely open on each side, letting in plenty of sunlight and breeze.
Pavilions can be built with exposed native timber or cedar beams, which naturally draw your eyes to the ceiling.
So, if you want to take full advantage of your outdoor kitchen and living area, a pavilion is a must-have for your outdoor space.
Popular Pergola and Pavilion Sizes
Popular pavilion sizes range from 8’ x 8’ to 20’ x 32’ or larger. they can have ceiling fans and lights and be built to fit pretty much anywhere.
But you might be wondering, “How much does a pavilion cost on average?”
Budget-wise pavilions start around 10k for the smaller sizes but can range from 25k to 50k depending on size options and materials.
If you are wanting to save money but not lose out on aesthetics, choose from an 8’ x 8’ pergola or an 8’ x 10’ pergola.
And if you’re asking, “Do pergolas provide shade?”, the answer is, they definitely can!
Remember, you can leave your pergola completely undecorated. On the other hand, a few pergola ideas for shade include adding plants, buying canvas rain covers, or installing your pergola under or near trees for extra shade.
Pavilion and Pergola Ideas
Your home changes over the years, so it’s convenient when your outdoors is adaptable too.
You might want a pergola attached to your house, or a pavilion installed on your existing patio.
But how do you build a pergola attached to your house, and how do you build a pavilion on patio or concrete slab?
In short, deciding where you want to place your backyard structure looks slightly different for each person’s property.
Where to Build a Pergola or Pavilion
Some homeowners want to add a pavilion over their patio or deck.
Others want more space between their outdoor hangout and their house.
Here are some pavilion and pergola ideas to consider:
- Can you place a pergola on your deck or patio?
- Do you want a pergola for shade or decoration?
- Do you want an outdoor kitchen under your pavilion?
- Will you use your pavilion as an entertainment pavilion or a place to read and relax?
- Are you planning on spending more time outdoors with a backyard structure? How will this affect which structure you invest in?
When you understand what’s possible for your backyard, you can realistically plan to incorporate a backyard structure into your landscape.
Types of Foundation for Your Pavilion or Pergola
If you already have a concrete slab or patio that’s in good shape, then your pergola or pavilion will already have a foundation laid.
However, if you need to lay a concrete slab, then the foundation will add cost to your outdoor expansion.
Further, incorporating an outdoor kitchen, a firepit or fire table, outdoor furniture, and other features is a bigger investment than buying only a backyard structure.
Whether you want pavers or a smooth concrete foundation also affects the overall cost of installing your pavilion or pergola.
A paver patio adds more character and texture to your outdoor space, while a concrete slab offers less upkeep over time.
Pergolas and pavilions are practical and eye-catching on either type of foundation, so it’s up to you whether you’d like to minimize or maximize the foundation of your outdoor structure.
Types of Materials for Building Pergolas and Pavilions
Like we mentioned earlier, Pavilions can be built with exposed native timber or cedar beams.
The same goes for pergolas, which are completely designed from wood.
Timber Frame Pavilions
Timber frame pavilions have A-frame rooftops with exposed wooden beams underneath.
These structures add a classic yet almost rustic touch to your outdoor dining area or outdoor kitchen.
Or, if you don’t add an outdoor kitchen, stepping outside onto your patio with a beautiful timber frame pavilion overhead creates a calming atmosphere for any occasion.
Timber frame pavilions are timeless because they always complement your landscape, while offering a space to enjoy shade, sunshine, and breeze from spring to fall.
Depending on your preference, you can incorporate a square, rectangular, or L-shaped timber frame pavilion in your backyard or patio area.
Wooden Pergolas
Like timber frame pavilions, wooden pergolas can take on a variety of styles.
Some add a small wooden pergola to their flower garden. Others prefer a larger pergola providing shade over their deck or patio.
The top of a pergola can vary from small to large grid-style designs.
Pergolas can also be arched, slanted, or flat, but the most defining factor is that these structures do not include a roof of any kind.
Walls of a pergola are typically not solid but match the pattern of the ceiling with spacing in between each wooden beam.
The biggest advantage of a wooden pergola are the many spaces for hanging plants and the ability to weave canvas fabrics through the roof or walls.
Not only are wooden pergolas beautiful, they give your landscape a sort of “open concept” greenhouse or dining area.
Start Designing Your Pavilion or Pergola Today!
As a homeowner, you know that there are countless options for your landscape. But knowing where to invest can feel overwhelming.
With a pavilion or pergola, your backyard and patio become an extension of your home—meaning there’s more opportunity to relax and entertain at home.
Whether you want to invest in a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen or a deck with a pergola, we’re here to discuss all options with you. With the guidance of our team, the layout of your backyard structure is in your hands.
Call us at 574-202-1636 or stop by our store to start designing your timber frame pavilion or wooden pergola today!