If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s outdoor space, you may be thinking should you add a gazebo, pergola, or pavilion to your home? While all three types of outdoor structures are great options, you may wonder which is best for your home. Although they have similar jobs providing shade and weather protection each outdoor structure has its own unique design and features.
Gazebo vs Pavilion vs Pergola: Which One To Choose?
Structures like gazebos, pavilions, and pergolas are great for adding comfort, functionality, and style to your outdoor living space.
The first thing to consider when adding an outdoor structure to your yard is to decide on the style you want to build. While gazebos, pavilions, and pergolas are similar, they do have differences. Gazebos are traditionally built in a round or octagonal shape and contain a proper roof structure. In contrast, pergolas are built in a square or rectangular shape and offer partial covering. Pergolas tend to provide less coverage with their open roofs although they can also be modified to include more cover.
While gazebos and pergolas both serve to provide aesthetics and shade to your yard, the main difference between a pergola and gazebo is the floor and roof. A gazebo has a full roof, meaning it offers more shade and protection from the sun and outside elements. Pergolas have slatted roofs which allow the sun (and all the outside elements) to come through the roof. While there are a variety of types of gazebos and pergolas, the floor of the structure is also often different. Typically (not always) gazebos use the same material as the roof for the floor- so a wooden gazebo will be connected to a wooden floor. Pergolas can be built anywhere and be freestanding-however we recommend it’s rooted in cement.
GAZEBO
GAZEBOGazebos are freestanding structures that stand on their own and have a solid roof and several vertical posts or supports. They offer complete shade and protection from the elements of the outdoors. Moreover, they are normally constructed in a conventional manner, taking the form of a rectangle and including an elevated level that can be left open to the public or partitioned off using privacy walls. They are also often of a more compact size and are ideally suited for use at social events or gatherings including families.
A gazebo is the ideal building for those who want a smaller, more private outdoor living area.
Gazebo Pros & Cons
- Full shade and shelter from the elements.
- 360-degree views.
- Latticework and drapes can be used for added privacy.
- Increases property value.
- Cost varies depending on materials.
- Challenging to keep clean.
- The installation site must be leveled and well-drained.
PAVILIONS
PAVILIONSA pavilion is a type of outdoor structure that offers a roofed area. Pavilions have open walls but a sturdy roof. They frequently employ conventional building techniques and strive to maintain a traditional look. Pavilions are great places to host outdoor events like barbecues and dinner parties. They provide more protection from the elements than gazebos and have room for more people, making them ideal for celebrations like birthdays and even family reunion reunions.
Pavilions offer an excellent solution for those seeking an expansive outdoor living area with enhanced protection against the elements.
Pavilion Pros & Cons
- Many options in terms of size, style, and roof shapes.
- Better protection from sun and rain.
- Can be integrated with a pergola to extend the covered space.
- Can be enclosed for added weather protection and privacy.
- Easy to clean.
- Permanent structure that requires careful planning.
- Lack of privacy.
- More expensive than other outdoor structures.
PERGOLAS
PERGOLASA pergola is an outdoor structure with a roof consisting of horizontal beams or slats that span between upright columns. They’re bigger than average, so you can still enjoy some airiness while also getting some shade and seclusion. They are great for entertaining big groups of people in the garden and adding a rustic vibe. Together with some climbing plants and a fire pit, they make for a cozy outdoor room and living space.
Pergolas are an excellent choice for designing a charming outdoor living area that enables you to relish the outdoors in a sophisticated manner.
Pergola Pros & Cons
- Countless size, shape, and style options.
- Can be independent or attached to an existing structure.
- Easily combined with a pavilion to extend the covered space.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Cost-effective.
- Minimal site preparation required.
- Some shade, but minimal protection from elements and bugs.
- Limited options for roof styles.
- Lack of privacy.
Gazebos are perfect for adding traditional style as well as privacy to your outdoor area. In addition, they give complete shade from the sun.
However, pavilions provide additional shelter from the weather, making them ideal for bigger family gatherings and other outdoor events.
Smaller outdoor areas benefit greatly from pergolas because of their ability to add almost everything to your backyard that’s needed to feel comfortable and enjoy it for an affordable price.
Some popular add-ons include:
Some popular add-ons include:- Electricity for lighting, outlets, and other features.
- Gas lines for fire features or outdoor kitchens.
- Screens, retractable doors, and enclosed sides for added privacy and weather protection.
- Built-in seating.
- Roof features, such as a louvered pergola roof with rotating blades.
No matter what outdoor structure you choose, you can’t go wrong. All three structures are beautiful and when done right, can boost the value of your home. The key is to work with an experienced, reputable home remodeling contractor like Gappsi!
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We installed an L-shaped outdoor kitchen with travertine silver color four-inch high random length stone veneers. On the countertop, we used polished granite including a raised bar area for additional seating. To complete the outdoor kitchen we installed a Twin Eagles bar sink, a Summit refrigerator, all Twin Eagles stainless steel cabinets, and a Delta Grill including a side burner.
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