Picture it - it’s a hot, summer afternoon, and you’re sipping an iced tea on your beautiful patio, surrounded by your perfectly landscaped yard. Sounds dreamy, right?
There’s one thing missing, though. While crafting your dream backyard escape, you forgot to include a suitable backyard shade structure. Suddenly, those hot summer days turn into a nightmare.
With so many options (gazebos vs pavilions vs pergolas, oh my!), deciding which to choose feels overwhelming. And choosing a permanent outdoor shade structure that doesn’t suit your needs would be a costly mistake.
Never fear, we’re here to walk you through the best options in patio shade solutions so you can decide which design is the best fit for your outdoor oasis.
Typically, a pergola is an outdoor structure of four posts propping up a lattice-style roof. They’re a bigger shade structure option and are great for covering larger areas, like a full patio.
It’s possible to customize a pergola to have a solid roof, but even with slats, they provide some protection from the sun on their own. Just add some shades or climbing plants to make things even shadier, and don’t forget to string up some lights for dreamy summer nights by the firepit.
Pergolas are great for entertaining large groups of people in the garden, and if rustic luxury is your vibe, it’s a perfect choice.
Similar to a pergola, pavilions are roofed structures with open sides that are supported by posts or columns. Unlike pergolas, pavilions always come equipped with solid roofs and are built to withstand extra rough weather conditions.
While aesthetically similar, pavillions provide more protection from the elements. Be sure to add ceiling fans in particularly warm climates.
Pavilions are great for keeping guests cool during barbecues and garden parties and deliver a more buttoned up, classic look to your space.
Like pavilions, gazebos are outdoor shade structures with a solid roof. However instead of being completely open, the sides are partially enclosed, often by a railing. They can also be screened the remainder of the way providing a pest free zone. You’ll commonly find charming, built-in bench seating in gazebos! It’s a perfect setting for reading your favorite book.
Because gazebos are free standing, they offer a lot of versatility for placement anywhere in your yard. While pergolas and pavilions are square or rectangular, gazebos are most often octagon or oval. It’s also not uncommon to see steps leading up to a raised floor.
Even large gazebos are more compact and private than alternative shade structures, and their elegant, classic look adds a bit of whimsy to any backyard.
When choosing between a pergola vs a pavilion vs a gazebo, there are a couple of key factors to consider.
Do you wish to add more shade to your deck with a pergola, or a little get away spot in your garden with a gazebo? Are you covering an outdoor dining area or seating area? Then a pavilion might be the right move.
Just like you need the right tool for the right job, you need to choose a structure that provides the experience you’ve been dreaming of.
Outdoor shade structures get the most use in the summertime, but summer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Very hot regions will appreciate the solid, sunblocking roof of a pavilion as opposed to a breezier pergola. Are your summers plagued by flying pests? A screened in gazebo may be the best fit.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind how sturdy your structure will need to be to withstand the off-season where you live. Do you get whipping winter winds, or do you spend time outside during chillier months?
Whether you choose a stately, traditional style or fairy garden chic, the right style of structure adds volumes to your perfect outdoor space. Consider the overall vibe you’re going for when choosing a shade structure.
That said, at LiveWell Outdoors, we’re able to customize any structure to suit your vision!
Speaking of customization, when designing your dream shade structure, keep in mind that some enhancements are better suited for a particular style. While built-in lighting is ideal for any type of structure, screened in sides are suited for gazebos.
Style goes hand in hand with function when crafting your backyard sanctuary. When you work with expert contractors, you never have to choose one over the other.
At LiveWell Outdoors we’re waiting to help you design the outdoor shade structure of your dreams. Whichever style you choose, we can customize it however your heart desires.
Get ahead of the summer heat and schedule a consultation today to design and build a patio shade structure beautiful enough for your outdoor space!
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