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Outdoor Pavilion: Uses, Types, and Designs to Guide Your Backyard Plans
Transform your outdoor space with the perfect pavilion structure for entertaining, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment.
You may have been considering ways to create a larger outdoor entertainment space, one that allows you to enjoy your backyard while taking advantage of the beautiful weather and scenic views. Among the most effective ways to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home is to build backyard structures such as outdoor pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos.
A pavilion stands out as one of the best structure options if you have a larger yard. Unlike pergolas or gazebos, a pavilion is a fully self-supporting structure with only a roof and no walls. It provides the largest footprint when compared to similar structures. Consequently, it is ideal for large family barbecues or social gatherings with many guests.
Pavilions are designed to add both a unique and elegant touch to your home. Before you go out and purchase an outdoor pavilion, consider the following factors: use, type, and design. Let us explore each of these so you can make an informed decision about which type of pavilion is best for you, your family, and your home.
Outdoor Pavilion: Uses
You will be able to select the best outdoor pavilion once you have determined how you intend to use it. The list of potential uses is nearly endless, and it is this variety that makes a pavilion such an appealing addition to your landscape.
If you are only going to use it occasionally for small gatherings, then a more simple and compact design will suffice. However, if you intend to use it regularly for large gatherings or even as an outdoor living space, you will need something more spacious with additional amenities such as electricity, which we will discuss further under design.
Here is a list of some of the many uses for an outdoor pavilion, as well as some of our personal favorites:
Outdoor pavilions have been used in more creative ways than ever before. When it comes to pavilion usage, the sky is truly the limit!
Outdoor Pavilion: Types
Once you have decided how you want to use your outdoor pavilion, you will want to find the perfect style to match it. Here at Backyard Provider, pavilions are classified into three main styles or types:
Wooden Type Outdoor Pavilion
Wooden pavilions are the most affordable type of pavilion but still make an attractive backyard centerpiece. They are available in a variety of types of wood, but the most common are pressure-treated yellow pine and western red cedar.
Standard Outdoor Wooden Pavilion Structure:
- Unstained Southern Yellow Pine Lumber
- Shingles
- Exposed Rafters with Tongue & Groove Ceiling
- 2x8 Rafters
- Triple 2x10 Beams
- 7" Square Laminated Posts with Trim
Wooden-type pavilions are excellent options for providing homeowners across the country with resort-style relaxation, poolside paradise, or a welcoming backyard dining experience.
Vinyl Type Outdoor Pavilion
Vinyl pavilions add a contemporary feel to your outdoor space. It is constructed with quality vinyl-wrapped wooden posts, and many styles include the option of adding a vinyl ceiling for the perfect finishing touch.
Standard Outdoor Vinyl Pavilion Structure:
- Pressure-treated lumber covered with white vinyl sleeves and trim
- Shingles
- 2x8 Rafters
- Vinyl Ceiling
- 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" Glulam Beams
- 8" Square Posts with Trim
Timber Type Outdoor Pavilion
Timber-type pavilions are the origin of all the pavilions. It is an age-old method of construction that employs a system of mortise and tenon joints in heavy timber that interlock to provide a very solid joint.
Standard Outdoor Vinyl Pavilion Structure:
- Rough Hewn Hemlock lumber
- Unstained
- Open A-frame roof
- Shingles
- Exposed rafters with tongue and groove ceiling
- 3" x 8" Rafters
- 8" Square solid beams
- 8" Square solid posts
So why should you invest in a timber-type pavilion? While timber-type pavilions cost more than the standard wood or vinyl pavilions, you will get a high-end, stunning, and rigid structure that will last a lifetime.
Here's a fun fact: Did you know that the Jokhang Monastery in Tibet, which dates back to the 7th century, is the oldest timber-type building still standing today? So if you want an outdoor pavilion that will last a lifetime, a timber-type pavilion is the best choice.
Aside from the obvious benefits of having a classy pavilion in your backyard, building a timber-type pavilion will also increase the value of your home by increasing curb appeal and usable square footage.
Outdoor Pavilion: Designs
The real fun begins once you have decided on the purpose and style of your outdoor pavilion. Your choice of design elements will make this pavilion completely unique to you.
Consider your outdoor pavilion to be a blank canvas. When you look at it, what features, furniture and decorations do you want to see? Electricity is a requirement for any outdoor pavilion. It is one of the most important features because it expands your options for your ceiling fan, kitchen, television, and other appliances.
Some designs are easier to install than others, but they may require more maintenance in the long run, whereas others are more difficult to install, but they will last longer and require less maintenance. Whatever customization you choose, the key is to strike the right balance between initial effort and long-term care. This is what truly transforms your outdoor space into a home.
Here are some examples of how our customers use their outdoor pavilions that will surely inspire you!
A Full Living Room Setup
This layout can accommodate a large number of guests and family members. The accent and focal point of this design can be a stone fireplace with matching stone pillars. This wood and stone outdoor pavilion could be made even cozier by adding warm ambient lighting to the pillars. The addition of an outdoor sectional and a stunning wooden center table will also make it the ideal place to enjoy sunsets and peaceful nights. You can finish it off with a wooden roof to give it a more natural feel while admiring your backyard's serene and breathtaking view.
An Intimate Outdoor Kitchen
Adding an outdoor kitchen to your pavilion is a popular trend. An outdoor kitchen, complete with a grill, refrigerator, and plenty of seating, allows you to host and entertain guests in the comfort of your backyard. It can be provided with a ten-seat dining table, which can accommodate small family gatherings as well as intimate parties with friends.
If you have a large enough backyard, this type of pavilion design can be expanded with other architectural structures that are both decorative and functional, such as a pergola.
Poolside Shade that is Sleek, Modern, and Simple
This outdoor pavilion design can be built raised above the existing floor level of the surrounding lawn, giving homeowners a full view of the surrounding landscape and swimming pool. You can round out the design with a seating and dining area, which is ideal for taking breaks during afternoon swims. This may also provide a great place for family members and friends who prefer not to swim or yet enjoy still enjoying out of the sun.
If the weather turns bad, this pavilion can provide shelter for swimmers during a sudden rainstorm. Clearly, your sleek, modern, and simple poolside pavilion can be an excellent way to safeguard you and your family from the elements while also providing much-needed shade.
Pavilion for Hot Tubs
Because a hot tub is likely to be one of the centerpieces of your pool and backyard design, it makes sense to cover it with a beautiful outdoor pavilion. Having a pavilion to cover it is an excellent way to protect your hot tub from different climates. It means you can use your hot tub whenever you want, even during summer rain showers or, even better, light winter snow.
Other Features You Might Want to Include in Your Outdoor Pavilion
It does not have to be difficult to select the best backyard pavilion for your home. Simply keep the three main considerations of use, style, and design in mind, and you will be able to find the best pavilion for your needs.
With so many options on the market today, there's bound to be one that's ideal for you and your home. Backyard Provider takes pride in providing high-quality outdoor pavilions, pool houses, and other structures.
You have the option of building your pavilion on site or having a kit delivered to your door! If you have any questions, please contact us or request a free quote for your outdoor pavilion today.
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Blackstone 10' x 10' Bar & Grill Pavilion