16 x 20 Traditional wood pavilion on a stone brick patio.

The Essential Guide to the Pavilion

What comes to mind when I say Pavilion? Most often people think of the local county park but there is more to a Pavilion. Here is The Essential Guide to the Pavilion, a few facts about the Pavilion and what would suit your design taste.

Basic History of the Pavilion

Pavilion, in architecture terminology, refers to a subsidiary building that is either positioned separately or as an attachment to the main building. Pavilions may be small garden buildings or rooms on the roof of a large house (often used in the 18th century). Used commonly for recreation and relaxation. Some were even used as a banqueting house. Now, Pavilions have a wide range of use, such as county parks, baseball parks, and next to swimming pools, and now showing up in backyards.

Modern Uses for Pavilions

Today’s backyard pavilion is used in countless ways. Popular pavilion design ideas include outdoor kitchens, poolside bars, and backyard dining spaces. Some homeowners enclose part of their pavilion for a poolhouse or place to store equipment.

For property owners, commercial pavilions are a popular choice for picnic areas and outdoor event spaces.

Poolside Hampton vinyl gazebo kit.

Should I Choose a Wood or Vinyl Pavilion?

Our custom pavilion kits come in two options: vinyl or wood. Wood pavilions use cedar or #1 southern yellow pine and are designed to give a warm, natural appearance to your structure. You can leave it natural or choose one of our popular wood stains to get the right color for your backyard.

Vinyl pavilions are a great choice for the homeowner who wants a sleek, modern appearance. Plus, you don’t have to worry about staining your structure every few years as you may need to with wood.

Which pavilion would work in my backyard?

That depends on your style. Do you like more traditional or modern pieces, like furniture? What style is your house? Those questions can help you determine which of the pavilions described below is best suited for your style.

Traditional Pavilion
Traditional Pavilion
Hampton Pavilion
Hampton Pavilion with Cupola

Hampton and Traditional Pavilions:

These two pavilions are similar in look but are different. Check out our blog on the 5 Differences Between the Hampton and Traditional Pavilion. Both lend a classic and elegant look that can transform any backyard into a resort.

Grand Estate
Grand Estate

Grand Estate:

The name alone gives you an idea that this pavilion has a regal look to it. If you’re looking for something classic like the Hampton but grand in its presence, then go for the Grand Estate. The Grand Estate offers a spacious area and larger spans to create a stylish appearance.

Alpine Pavilion
Alpine Pavilion

Alpine Pavilion:

If you like the rustic, old-world look, an Alpine is an excellent choice. With incredible spacious ceilings and beautiful, thick pieces of lumber, you will feel at home. Alpine offers the beefier look of the Grand Estate but with a spacious ceiling.

Pavilion Santa Fe Cedar
Santa Fe Cedar Pavilion

Santa Fe:

Modern is the best word to describe the Santa Fe line. Unique in their shape and size, a Santa Fe can add a modern taste to any space. The clean lines and slant of the roof make for an incredible backyard space.

Where can I install a pavilion?

Before ordering a backyard pavilion, you will want to determine the size and location of your structure. Pavilion kits are easy to install on existing decks or patios, or you can build a pavilion on a new brick paver patio or concrete slab. Just make sure you follow our guidelines for preparing your backyard for a new pavilion.

For Additional Inspiration: