Gazebo vs Pavilion: Which One Is Right for You?

Do you dream to enjoy your morning coffee?

If yes, then a gazebo or a pavilion is here to make your day while you sip your morning coffee or tea. As we know more people are improvising their backyards with either a gazebo or a pavilion, and turning their dreams into reality.

But! What suits you better? A Gazebo vs Pavilion?

If you want shade in the center of your backyard, you can choose a gazebo, whereas, you can go for a pavilion if you want to improve your porch. There is a wide range of diverse options from which you can choose either a pavilion or a gazebo and place them in your outdoor living space.

The pavilion is an opulent structure that offers flexibility if you are thinking to host any gathering. They come in handy in different damp environments while offering a sturdy ceiling that protects from harsh weather conditions.

On the other hand, a gazebo is an exquisite free-standing structure or building that comes with peace and tranquility. If you want to spend your holidays relaxing, then you should opt for a gazebo. They help you to enjoy your garden while keeping your privacy intact.

Table of Contents

Gazebo Vs Pavilion: (What’s The Difference)

Gazebos and pavilions are both popular outdoor structures that can provide a comfortable and sheltered space for relaxation, entertaining, or hosting events.

While they may seem similar at first glance, there are a few key differences between gazebos and pavilions that can help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.

One main difference between gazebos and pavilions is the size and shape of the structure. Gazebos are typically smaller, with an octagonal or round shape and an open design.

Pavilions, on the other hand, are usually larger and rectangular in shape, with a more enclosed design that can offer more protection from the elements.

Another difference is the material used for the roof and walls. Gazebos often have a soft top, made of materials like canvas or fabric, while pavilions may have a hardtop roof made of materials like metal or wood.

Pavilions may also have walls or partial walls made of materials like wood or vinyl, while gazebos are typically open on all sides.

Shapes

A gazebo is an outdoor structure having a solid roof with no walls and it comes in circular, octagonal, or hexagonal shape.

People choose to screen this building using a net to make it more secure from bugs and insects, and the robust roof of a gazebo makes it suitable in a damp environment.

A pavilion, on the other hand, is rectangular in shape and has a strong roof as well. This outdoor structure is larger than a gazebo. They are simple yet easy to install and useful. A pavilion’s size allows you to add an open kitchen or a room and they work well in humid situations as well.

Which is Bigger in Size?

A gazebo is typically constructed in an octagonal shape with the majority of people following this popular and traditional sense design.

But, many opt for Victorian-shaped buildings having twisted pillars and scrolling braces that promote old-fashioned and formal garden designs.

The size of the gazebo can withhold an average friend or family gathering. In such a case, where you are hosting a gathering, gazebos might not offer you the required space.
If you do not favor such designs, choose a gazebo out of this fairy tale. They can be customized and come in rectangular shapes. They can be constructed beautifully.

Pavilions, on the contrary, being built in the backyard are often big, open structures, have more space, can withstand more people, and can also be seen in parks. They are almost like gazebos but also simple in terms of overall shape, size, style, and shade.

They have a hardtop roof but they can withstand different weather conditions and offer protection from insects.
Net screens are not used to enclose pavilions but occasionally they are elevated and adjacent to other structures. They are surrounded by a wall on one side so that they can better withstand the weather and offer the required privacy.

Similarities.

Both structures have solid roofs.
Both offer protection from different weather conditions, such as sun, heat, rain, snow, and wind.
They are easy to install
They can offer space to host a gathering in your
They have a roof, floor, sides, and mosquito nets.
Both come in different shapes, styles, and sizes.
Both of them have diversity.

What is a Gazebo?

Gazebos are stand-alone structures, which are frequently octagonal and hexagonal in share with a robust roof and made up of wood, plastic, and aluminum.

They give shade and protection from bugs and different weather conditions such as rain, sun, snow, etc. gazebos are ideal for hosting guests and relaxing alone in a peaceful setting.

A gazebo is a free-standing outdoor structure having a strong roof with no walls coming in a circular, octagonal, or hexagonal shape.

The gazebo is typically constructed in an octagonal shape with the majority of people following these popular designs, whereas many opt for Victorian-inspired components such as twisted pillars and scrolling braces that remind old-fashioned and formal garden designs.

If that’s not to your taste, you can choose a gazebo out of this fairy tale as they can be rectangular as they are customizable, and beautifully constructed.

Features of Gazebos

They are reasonable and budget-friendly
They are Portable
They have traditional design
They possess attractive aesthetics
They offer Protection from rain
They provide shadow from the sun
They provide an atmosphere free of bugs due to net screening
They provide privacy
Gives a perfect 360-degree view
Kids and pets can play in an enclosed area
Can play in an enclosed area

Gazebos
Roof	Dome-shaped, Pitched, Enclosed roof
Shape	Hexagonal, Circular, Octagonal
Sides	Build-in railing
Foundation	Free-standing structure, Elevated foundation
Style	Traditional, Modern

Pros & Cons

Pros

They add value to our home
They come with their flooring
They allow freestanding placement
They have a partly closed design
They protect from outside elements
They provide more privacy
Net screen can be installed for bug protection
Electricity can be run in your gazebo

Cons

They are expensive
Your backyard can look crowded
If not placed correctly can be looked chopped up
They have an enclosed structure that can prevent summer breeze
It requires repainting and staining
It holds fewer people as compared to the pavilion

Buy Now From Amazon

What is a Pavilion?

Pavilions are similar to gazebos as they protect from sun and weather conditions but they differ greatly as the pavilions have significantly more space and opened sides as compared to the gazebo, which is why they are ideal for hosting huge parties or events.

A pavilion typically is rectangular in shape and has a strong roof. This outdoor structure is often larger than a gazebo as they are frequently simple yet easy to install and useful. A pavilion’s size allows you to add an open kitchen or a room and they work well in humid situations as well.

Pavilions being built in the backyard are often big, open structures that can also be seen in parks. They are almost like gazebos but simple in also simple in terms of the overall shape and styler shade having a hardtop roof but they are open to welcome different weather conditions and insects.

Also, you must know about the detailed comparison of Hardtop vs Soft-Top Gazebos.

Features of Pavilion

There is a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and roof forms
They provide wind protection
They are easy to install
They are easy to maintain
They can include kitchen appliances, TVs, and hot tubs
Sides can be enclosed with overhead-type doors to ensure safety
They come with all-year weather protection
They support meetings of all sizes
Their space can be sufficiently increased

Pavilion
Roof	Low-pitched, Enclosed roof
Shape	Square, Rectangular
Sides	Open, No sides
Foundation	An existing patio
Style	Modern, Contemporary, Traditional

Pros & Cons

Pros

They also add value to your house
They are made up of different materials to accommodate you
They have a versatile design
They can easily be integrated into your home
They have an open design without sides
They do not look bulky
They don’t seem to be out of place
They come with spacious rooms to fill more people
They can accommodate furniture, kitchen, sofa, etc.

Cons

They are expensive
They do not have flooring
They take a large portion of your backyard
They require repainting and refinishing
They do not offer privacy

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1). What is the purpose of a Gazebo?

For outdoor occasions like weddings and reunions, a gazebo can be a decorative focal point. They can provide a lot of shade in a yard when it is sunny. They may also fill in an empty area if seen from an architectural point of view

2). What is the purpose of a Pavilion?

Many of the same benefits are offered by pavilions as gazebos, although they are less visually intrusive. If you want to keep the sight line of your landscape clear, pavilions are a great option.

3). Which structure suits the best to your property?

It is difficult to decide the ideal structure for a particular location there are many possibilities.
You should have a general idea of the applications you want in your framework before you start. Many architectural styles can be employed and you can place the structures in different parts of your gardens.

4). Are there any advantages of having a Gazebo?

1). They add value to your home
2). They have flooring
3). They provide protection
4). They offer privacy
5). You can add new screens

5). What are the drawbacks of having a Pavilion?

1). They are expensive
2). They do not have flooring
3). They take a large portion of your backyard
4). They require repainting and refinishing
5). They do not offer privacy

Conclusion

Gazebo or Pavilion, each of the structures is unique in its way having unique qualities. The style and features determine which structure will be ideal for your backyard

Both Gazebo and Pavilion have many similarities and differences with each structure having some superior qualities along with some drawbacks that give your outdoor setting a new depth when you look at them attentively.

These structures are a source of enthrall for you and your family. Any guests that come, you will have the privilege of hosting them in one of these beautiful additions that are standing in your garden.

Gazebo vs Pavilion: Which One Is Right for You?