After being cooped up all winter, it’s no wonder that many homeowners look forward to the warmer days ahead.
In fact, many of our clients take Spring as an opportunity to upgrade their outdoor living spaces—sprucing up old decks, defining gathering spaces, and making their backyards a destination for making lasting memories with family and friends.
That’s why in this article, we’re exploring three popular outdoor living trends Pennsylvania homeowners are adding to their custom deck designs: pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos. By giving it a quick skim, you’ll learn the differences between each and how to determine which is right for your space.
So you can enjoy the weather, spend more time outdoors, and sport a deck that makes your home the go-to hang spot all spring and summer long.
Let’s go.
Backyard Upgrade #1: What is a Pergola?
A pergola is a partial-shade structure built with vertical posts and open roof slats. These structures are popular for defining outdoor spaces and giving more character to custom decks—even without full coverage.
What Do Homeowners Love About Pergolas?
Pergolas are one of the hottest outdoor living trends in Southeastern PA. They’re loved for bringing an upgraded feel to a deck area without closing off the space.
Pergolas are also fantastic additions if you love the aesthetic of vines, string or market lights, and even outdoor curtains. The open feel of pergolas allows for flexibility in size, making them easy to integrate with nearly any backyard deck design.
Check out the difference this pergola made for homeowners in West Grove, PA. Note the architectural interest the additional structure adds to the porch and home.
Check out: Backyard Pergola in West Grove, PA
When Isn’t a Pergola The Best Choice?
While pergolas are popular features for many backyard patio designs, they aren’t right for all decks.
For one, pergolas only offer partial shade—and little to no rain protection. Additionally, pergolas must be built on structurally sound decks, meaning deck repairs (or a complete remodel) may first be necessary.
That being said, note that not all deck repair contractors are equal. As a place to start your search, check out our Decking Page. And be sure to swing by the Decking Project Gallery for some additional inspiration.
Backyard Upgrade #2: What is a Gazebo?
Gazebos are freestanding structures built with a solid roof and open or screened-in sides. Gazebos are usually found as add-ons to patios, reinforced decks, or as freestanding units in landscaped yard areas.
What Do Homeowners Love About Gazebos?
Gazebos are an outdoor living addition that offer true shade and weather protection. If screened, they’re also a fantastic way to enjoy nicer weather without the nuisance of bugs and other pests.
Basically an outdoor “room,” gazebos work well for homeowners with larger yards who value privacy, shelter, and the visual weight of an additional structure in their backyard.
When Aren’t Gazebos the Right Fit?
Since a gazebo is a free-standing structure, it can make a smaller yard feel crowded. In fact, some homeowners have reported that their gazebos dominate the backyard more than originally expected.
Additionally, you need to be sure your deck can handle the heft of a gazebo, as the use of a solid roof increases the overall weight per square foot of floorplan as compared to a pergola.
That being said, if you’re replacing a worn-out deck and are looking for deck renovation ideas, a gazebo may be the perfect choice for your outdoor oasis.
Backyard Upgrade #3: What is a Pavilion?
Pavilions are similar to pergolas, but have a solid roof and a heavier build than their lighter backyard counterparts.
What Do Homeowners Love About Pavilions?
The main benefit of a pavilion is getting full shade and rain protection. As such, these structures are ideal for outdoor kitchens and large outdoor dining areas (the reason they’re a staple in many parks across the world).
Due to their weight and build, pavilions are considered more permanent structures—making them best suited for homeowners investing in long-term outdoor living upgrades.
When Might a Pavilion Be Overkill?
Due to their sturdier construction, Pavilions tend to be on the pricier side of backyard renovations. They’re also best suited to larger spaces and homeowners who’ll appreciate the flexibility in outdoor living for many years to come.
How Do You Design the Perfect Outdoor Living Space?
The differences in pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos make the choice easy for most homeowners. However, after you’ve decided which will work best for your backyard, how do you nail down the perfect design?
Well, for one thing, you need a reputable contractor—one with lots of experience customizing decks for homeowners in your area. By working with the right team, you’ll be guided through a design phase that maximizes your dream and budget.
That being said, here’s one thing to keep in mind…
Design your outdoor living structures around the deck—not the other way around.
If you’d like to keep your current deck, great. You just need to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. And if you’re planning a replacement, even better. replacement. Just make sure to plan the deck before adding a pergola, pavilion, or gazebo to the yard.
Enjoy Your Backyard Even More This Spring and Summer
A great deck makes your home even more enjoyable—which is exactly why our crews offer deck remodeling, pergola, gazebo, and pavilion construction as part of our trusted services for PA homeowners.
If you’re in Lancaster, Berks, or Chester County and want to refresh your old deck—or build a new one—give us a call. A certified contractor will come and visit your home and help you design a deck you’re sure to love for years to come—all free and with zero obligations.
From there, just let us know if you’d like to move forward. If you decide to invest in your outdoor living space, rest assured your new deck will be made to your exact specifications, backed by the Smucker name and our 20-year reputation, and a complete lifetime workmanship warranty—meaning if any workmanship issue arises over the lifetime of your deck, we’ll make it right no matter what.
So get your free quote today. Because you deserve a deck you’ll enjoy for years to come.
