An outdoor structure can add instant life and elegance to your deck or patio. An important factor when designing the structure type is overhead protection. Outdoor pavilions are essentially a house with no walls. Whereas a pergola is an open-air structure with a lattice style top. Pergolas can then be covered with a ShadeFX’s retractable canopy or retractable roof. Below, we’ll summarize some differences between the two so that you can finally add coverage when needed most.

Versatility

Pavilion: In regard to providing sun or shade, there is no flexibility for a pavilion with a fixed roof. The roof will remain, always providing shade and rain protection to the areas below.

ShadeFX: Retractable shades provide the flexibility to have full coverage, partial or no coverage. Users get to determine how much sun and shade the retractable solution provides.

Natural Heating/Cooling

Pavilion: If a pavilion is attached to a home and provides shade near a large window or door, it can help keep the interiors of the home cooler. However, in the winter time, the fixed roof prevents sun from shining into the home and from naturally warming the house.

ShadeFX: If a pergola is attached to the house, the shade provides cooling temperatures as it can protect large windows from the sun. In the winter time, the canopy is removed, allowing the sun to bathe the home with warm rays.

Cost

Pavilion: The addition of a roof to any structure increases material cost. From additional framing beams, to plywood and shingles on top, both the time spent to build, and materials used are generally higher. In colder climates, the need to engineer for snow load will apply.

ShadeFX: Pergolas are a much simpler architectural design that requires less material. These structures can be completed using a retractable shade for a versatile roof option. For DIY lovers, ShadeFX offers pergola kits where everything is pre-cut, pre-drilled and simple assembly is all that’s required.

Sizing

Pavilion: For the most part, pavilions are typically on the larger side and are generally used as a freestanding addition on larger properties. They take up quite a bit of space and need a good amount of yard. The opaque roof can also make the outdoor area feel dark while the large footprint of shade can lead to a ‘cold island’ in the spring, because the sun will not heat the ground under the roof.

ShadeFX: Pergolas can be attached to extend a home’s footprint or as a freestanding unit. These structures can be applied to both smaller and larger properties as they do not obstruct views or take up too much space. The open roof also allows the area to have an open-air feel.

Overall, pergolas or pavilions are great ideas for an outdoor structure. It comes down to size, cost and of course the versatility of providing sun or shade to the living areas below. Keep in mind, if the structure or design changes throughout the process, ShadeFX can easily adapt.

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