The massive pavilion shown above has a complete living room setup which can gather a great number of guests and family. The dominant wooden roof gives off natural coziness, while the stone fireplace and matching stone pillars serve as the accent and focal point this outdoor living area.
A backyard pavilion extends your outdoor living experience all year long as it provides protection from outdoor elements like rain or snow and gives you shade from the heat of the sun. But what is a backyard pavilion?
A pavilion is an open framed structure that is equipped with a closed roof. Simply put, it is a covered pergola. A pavilion is also a temporary or permanent freestanding architectural open space that is flexible and can be used in a variety of ways – from lounging, to dining, cooking or gathering people. It is normally situated in a backyard, in gardens, patios, pool sides or decks. It is almost similar to a gazebo, differing only in size as a pavilion is typically larger, depending on its purpose. Typically rectangular in shape,but it can be designed in any way you want according to any need you have.
The primary purpose of a backyard pavilion is to provide a protection to weather changes and offer shade from the sun and keep you dry during the raining season. It gives shelter and coverage while you enjoy different outdoor activities. Aside from being functional, it is also decorative as it adds an interesting visual element to outdoor living spaces. Backyard pavilions easily spruce up a yard, especially if designed well according to the surrounding landscape. It extends your living area, allowing you to entertain friends and spend time with your family while basking in the view of your yard. Outdoor structures like pavilions encourage you to come out of your home and spend more time outside.
This type of outdoor structure has multiple purposes – an addition of a fireplace allows you to keep warm and enjoy rainy days while curled up in a lounge chair. Setting up a kitchen in your backyard pavilion gives you ample room to prepare meals and enjoy eating with family. Likewise, a grill gives you the perfect opportunity to host barbecues with friends. Furnishing a backyard pavilion with a cushion gives you the perfect spot to enjoy some quality rest and relaxation. While placing a pavilion near the pool provides an area to take breaks during afternoon dips. Whether your activity is personal or with a group of people, a backyard pavilion is the ideal place to be.
What are the different types of backyard pavilion? A backyard pavilion comes in a variety of design, shapes and styles. Design wise, the possibilities are endless as it can be constructed using different materials and finishes.
Here are some of the most common types of backyard pavilions according to their material together with their positive and negative features:
Wood – Wood is the most common material used to build outdoor structures. It is well loved by most owners because of the natural distinctive beauty it possesses that can not be matched by any other material. Aside from that, wood backyard pavilions can be finished or stained in so many colors. However, wood is prone to termite infestation, warping and decay when exposed to harsh weather elements. So for outdoor structures like a backyard pavilion, make sure to go with a wood species that is resilient when wet. Cedar, redwood and pressure treated pine are the most popular types of wood used for backyard pavilions.
Cedar or Western Red Cedar has natural oils which make them resistant to decay, rot and insects. In addition to that, it is durable and is guaranteed to last for years. This type of wood turns gray when weathered, giving it a timeless beauty and visual appeal. It is also abundantly available and is also less expensive compared to California Redwood.
California Redwood, on the other hand, is the most expensive type of outdoor wood. Unlike cedar, this wood species has a limited supply. It has a rich reddish hue and a tight grain pattern which appeals to most homeowners. Among all the three types of outdoor wood species, this is the most resistant to decay and is guaranteed to last for years without rotting. A redwood backyard pavilion is guaranteed to last for 15 years, making it a wise cost effective investment.
Lastly, Pressure Treated Pine is another wood species that can be explored in building a backyard pavilion. It is the least expensive one because it is not as sturdy as the first two outdoor wood types. Unlike cedar and redwood which are inherently resistant to certain elements, pressure treated pine is subjected to harsh chemicals to gain these properties. Though not as beautiful, it is more suited to be painted, giving you more options in terms of finishes.
Vinyl or Plastic – This is a modern alternative to wooden backyard pavilions. Usually used for kits, this material is decay resistant and is not prone to insect damage. It is lightweight yet durable and comes with as long as 25 year warranties. Maintenance wise, vinyl pavilions are practically maintenance free and just needs some mild soap and water for cleaning. Traditionally, vinyl pavilions come in white, but there are more available finishes in the market now. From faux finishes and colors which simulate the appearance of natural wood, this material provide a broad spectrum of choices to choose from.
Fiberglass – Also known as composites, are also prefabricated backyard pavilion kits. Another modern alternative to wood, this material is perfect if you want a more modern or contemporary look. It is lighter than wood but is stronger than steel. In addition to that it won’t rot, decay, rust or get infested by insects. Fiberglass pavilions are highly customizable in any color, shape or size. Cost wise, a fiberglass backyard pavilion is more expensive compared to wood and vinyl.
Metal– Metal pavilions do not have the same versatility as wood in terms of design, but it is durable and heavy duty. This material is not prone to insect damage but has the tendency to rust when exposed to varying elements. Another downside of using metal backyard pavilions is that its look cannot be easily altered, so when you get one, you’re gonna have to stick with it for a while.
Stone– Natural stone, cement or concrete – these backyard pavilions are perfect for rustic inspired spaces. It has a natural beauty which gives off warmth and coziness to a space. Permanent and very sturdy, stone pavilions have a strong base which can last for years. When it comes to design sensibilities, there are a lot of decorative stones which one can explore to express different characters in a space.
In this article, we also explore some of the most stunning backyard pavilion ideas. We hope you get inspired as much as we did.
Patio Pavilion
A patio pavilion is a covered outdoor living space, or simply, a roofed patio. Typically furnished with an outdoor sofa set or a dining table with chairs, its primary purpose is to extend your indoor living and dining experience to the outdoors, without having to worry about the exposure to harsh weather elements.
Some patio pavilions are equipped with a fireplace to serve both functional and ornamental purposes. Typically, these are upright fireplaces made up of stone or bricks and they look similar to traditional fireplaces found inside your home. Aside from using a permanent built-in fireplace, a portable fireplace can also be used.
Swimming Pool Pavilion
Swimming pool pavilions are shaded, open walled structures which are found in a patio near a pool, or sometimes over a raised ledge within the pool. This is typically used to take shelter from the sun, to rest in between swims or to simply enjoy a refreshing view of the pool. The design possibilities it offers are endless as it can be used in more ways, depending on how you furnish it. For example, if planning to use your swimming pool pavilion as a place to lounge and rest, a mattress or cushion works well to serve this purpose.
If planning to utilize this as a changing room, add opaque curtains to serve some privacy. Set up a couple of lounge chairs if you want to entertain guests or to simply enjoy some relaxing time for yourself. Just make sure that you use the appropriate type of outdoor furniture as this is constantly exposed to moisture.
Another added benefit of a swimming pool pavilion is that in aids in the flow of wet traffic. Since this structure can be conveniently accessed from the pool, guests or homeowners can dry up themselves before entering the house.
Backyard Pavilion Kits
Backyard pavilion kits are “do it yourself” kits which are easy to assemble. This are usually free standing and are not anchored to the ground. Compared to conventional pavilions which are constructed from scratch, this type of gazebo eliminates the need to dig holes for posts. just laid
Most backyard pavilion kits are just laid on top of the ground. These are also known as “covered pergola kits” and can be placed anywhere in the yard – whether near the pool, on a deck, in a patio or in the middle of a garden.
Backyard pavilion kits also have two different types: the permanent type and the portable type. Permanent backyard pavilion kits are designed to be not moved around because of their heavy weight. Usually made up of wood, metal, vinyl , fiberglass or plastic, these pavilion kits are very durable and sturdy. However, wood backyard pavilion kits still remain to be the most popular type because of its unmatched natural beauty. Wood pavilion kits are also typically made up of Cedar, a species of wood which is commonly used for outdoor construction because of its natural resilience to harsh weather elements and its resistance to rot and insects.
The portable type, on the other hand, is perfect for homeowners who have limited space and have a minimal budget. This is is also an ideal alternative if you are not yet ready to commit to building a permanent structure within your yard. Portable pavilions are easy to set up and can be transported anywhere within your yard without much effort. This is also very affordable and less pricey compared to spending separately on materials and labor costs for construction.
Backyard pavilion kits also always come as ready to start assembly. The materials, like lumber are already pre cut and pre drilled. All hardware and roofing materials like shingles or a metal gable roof are also provided. It also comes with a complete set of instructions and all you need is a hammer, wrench, electric drill or screw gun. Installation wise, pavilion kits do not require much effort and can usually take 10 to 20 hours to assemble, depending on its size.
In terms of price, backyard pavilion kits may be more expensive compared to ready made unroofed architectural structures because of the extra material, skills and craftsmanship required to build them. Aside from that, their roofs are also an added weight and cost a lot to ship. It usually costs a minimum of $1000 per pavilion kit.
This pre fabricated wooden pavilion is easy to assemble but is not meant to be moved around as it is a permanent structure. The raw unfinished look of wood gives off a natural beauty and coziness. It also has just the right size to accommodate a three seater sofa and two arm chairs. This design is also versatile as it can be matched with different outdoor furniture styles.
Another example of a wooden pavilion kit, this design features Cedar wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. In addition to that it is also guaranteed to last for years because of its durability. The design of this Cedar backyard pavilion is also simple and easy to assemble, making use of four posts and a steel hip roof. Perfect to be used anywhere within the yard and ideal to hold either a small dining set or a some lounge chairs.
This dome shaped pavilion kit is made up of natural stained wood and four millimeters thick poly carbonate glazing. This can be placed directly onto the ground without the need for a foundation. Designed ultimately for a relaxing hot tub experience, the advantages of this design is that the clear panels allow the users to enjoy a full 360 degree view of the surrounding, while the four sections which can slide open provide cool natural ventilation.
Garden Pavilion
Garden pavilions are roofed outdoor structures which are placed in a garden for both ornamental and functional purposes. Although most homeowners use garden pavilions as decorative landscape elements, it can also be used to house a small vignette perfect for enjoying cup of morning coffee, or it can be utilized to hold a small bench for enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape.
Garden pavilions also look extra appealing when combined with other architectural features like a small bridge which connects to a manmade pond, or a water feature. Another option is to incorporate it into the landscape, by allowing trailing plants and climbing vines to grow in the posts, giving a more organic feel.
Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion
A pavilion with an outdoor kitchen is perfect for homeowners who love to cook and find delight in enjoying a sumptuous meal with friends or family in the backyard. What could be more relaxing than a grill out in your very own yard while enjoying a cooling afternoon dip in the pool?
An outdoor kitchen pavilion may either be furnished with a simple barbecue area -with a set up of some comfortable outdoor seating and a grill, or a full kitchen with complete facilities and functionality. A full outdoor kitchen pavilion is similar to an indoor kitchen, offering a complete cooking area, washing area, dining area and some built in cabinets. The only minor difference is that an outdoor kitchen concentrates more on food preparation, as compared to an indoor kitchen which has full overhead cabinets and storages. However, you can design it in whatever way you like, using any material you prefer.
It is usually furnished with a sink, a cooktop or grill and some opt to put appliances too, like a bar refrigerator or an oven. When it comes to design, an effective outdoor kitchen pavilion has a ample space for food preparation and proper storage for dining utensils and dry ingredients. Stainless steel is one of the most common materials for outdoor kitchen pavilions as they are very durable and heavy duty. Stone, concrete, bricks and tiles are also recommended finishing materials for the structure as they are not sensitive to heat. Also take into consideration safety measures without compromising your design aesthetics.
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