Adding a Backyard Pergola, Pavilion, or Gazebo in Columbus Ohio
If you’ve been dreaming of adding a shaded structure to your backyard, you’ve likely come across pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos, but what exactly is the difference? This blog answers the popular question: what is a pergola, and helps you decide choosing between pergola, pavilion, and gazebo for your outdoor space.
What is a Pergola?
Pergolas are most notable for their semi-open roofs and relaxed design. Pergolas are an incredibly versatile structure for your backyard, letting in plenty of sunlight or just enough shade to cool you off.
A Pergola is most commonly designed as a rectangle but can be square as well. Pergolas are an excellent way to accentuate your garden and display your plants.
Enjoy your evenings by decorating your pergola with lights, creating a nightlife atmosphere under the stars. Pergolas are great because they open up many creative opportunities to showcase your unique style.
Pergolas are commonly used to frame patios, hot tubs, walkways, or even outdoor kitchens. If you're interested, find out more by exploring our custom pergola installation in Columbus Ohio. You'll also learn about how to choose a pergola size, this is important because pergola and pavilions are measured by their top dimensions (outside to outside), instead of the posts on the ground.
Outdoor Pergola Designs
To make your pergola even more inviting and functional, consider adding accessories such as outdoor curtains for shade and privacy, woven shade covers for partial or full sun protection, string lights for ambiance in the evenings, or even climbing vines like wisteria or jasmine to blend your pergola into the natural landscape.
These features allow you to tailor your pergola to fit your outdoor lifestyle perfectly. For a shade cover we recommend Sunbrella fabric for it's weather resistance, UV protection, and resistance to fading and stains.
Benefits of a Backyard Pergola
Benefits | Pergola |
Partial shade (Semi-open roof) | |
Protection from rain | |
Open Feel | |
Square or Rectangle Design | |
Attached to your Home or Freestanding | |
Accessories: Shade Cloth, Curtains, Climbing Vines, or String Lights | |
Common Uses | Patios, hot tubs walkways, outdoor kitchens... |
Enhances backyard aesthetics |
What is a Pavilion Structure?
The key defining difference between a pavilion vs pergola for shade is, a pavilion has a closed roof. Besides this difference, pavilions are very similar to pergolas.
The benefit of having a closed/full roof is it offers full protection from the sun and rain. The closed roof design make adding electric hookups to pavilions a no-brainer. Our pavilion contractors often build spaces for outdoor TV's and overhead fans underneath for customers to enjoy the outdoors all day long.
Pavilions are a bit more like outdoor rooms or 3 season rooms because they offer more protection from the elements. If you are looking for something that offers more protection for your outdoor furniture, a pavilion is the way to go.
Outdoor pavilions are often used for entertaining or dining (year-round permitting). It's common to see a backyard pavilion framing a patio, outdoor kitchen, or lounge area. If you're interested in browsing a covered pavilion for outdoor living in Ohio, stop by our store in Columbus, Ohio. We have a beautiful outdoor display area showing a range of how pavilions and pergolas would look in your backyard.
Benefits | Pavilion |
Partial shade (Semi-open roof) | (Closed Roof) |
Protection from sun and rain | |
Open Feel | (Open Sides) |
Square or Rectangle Design | |
Attached to your Home or Freestanding | Usually Freestanding |
Accessories: Curtains, Climbing Vines and String Lights | |
Common Uses | Over patio furniture, outdoor dining sets, outdoor kitchens... |
| Enhances backyard aesthetics |
Pergola
Gazebo
Pavilion
Pergola vs Gazebo vs Pavilion
- Pergola: Open roof, ideal for partial shade and open/relaxed feel.
- Gazebo: Typically octagonal or round, often includes railings or screens, may have a domed roof (outdoor room feel).
- Pavilion: Closed roof, square or rectangle design. Ideal for full coverage from sun and rain.
Each structure has its benefits depending on how you plan to use your outdoor space.
Gazebos and pavilions are often confused as being the same since they both have closed roofs. The main difference is that gazebos have fenced sides around them, making them feel like there own room. Gazebos are also often octagonal or round while pavilions are commonly square or rectangular. Gazebos are an excellent centerpiece for a yard and, while not limited to, are often seen at wedding ceremonies and other celebrations.
Choosing the Right Structure for your Backyard
Ask yourself:
- Do you want full shade or filtered light?
- Will this be a place for entertaining, relaxing, or both?
- Do you want a more open or enclosed feel?
If you prefer a light-filled, stylish structure that defines a space without closing it in, a pergola might be the perfect choice. If you're looking for complete coverage and weather protection, consider a pavilion. Whichever you choose, pergolas and pavilions are both great outdoor structures for shade and entertainment to add to your home.
Conclusion: Permission to Transform your Backyard!
Adding a pergola or pavilion can dramatically elevate your outdoor living space. If you're still deciding between a pergola and a pavilion, our team of professional landscaping contractors at Outdoor Living by Mr. Mulch can help guide you through the pros and cons of each.
We specialize in designing and installing custom pergolas and pavilions in Columbus Ohio that fit your style, space, and budget. If you're interested in pavilion installation cost, contact us by phone or online to schedule a free consultation with Pergola Builders near you!
