Outdoor Pavilion Ideas: Styles, Uses, & Designs
Jordan Slabaugh - January 18, 2023
Are you interested in investing in a new pavilion but just don’t know where to start? It only takes a quick google search, and you will discover that finding your perfect backyard pavilion can be a daunting task. That is why we’ve created this outdoor pavilion ideas guide to make choosing your pavilion design as easy as possible.
Are you looking for a regal and rustic timber framed pavilion or the more modern and sleek vinyl pavilion? Have you wondered whether you should add a kitchen and TV or just keep it simple with a pavilion by your pool? Whether you have a large or small backyard, these outdoor pavilion ideas can help you make your decision easier.
Outdoor Pavilion Ideas: Uses
Deciding what your pavilion will be used for is the first step in your backyard structure journey. The list is almost endless, and while that can be overwhelming, it is what makes an outdoor pavilion such an attractive addition to your landscape. Here is a list of some of the many ways you can utilize your outdoor pavilion.
- Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion
- Poolside structure
- Hot Tub cover
- Dining space (casual or formal)
- Outdoor livingroom
- Seating/Reading area
- Picnic areas
- Event spaces
Outdoor Pavilion Ideas: Types & Styles
Once you decided how you plan to use your outdoor pavilion, you will want to find the ideal style to match that usage. The primary three styles or types of pavilions are:
- Wooden Pavilions: Wood pavilions are the least expensive type of pavilion but still provide a beautiful backyard centerpiece. They come in a variety of wood types but the most popular are pressure-treated yellow pine or western red cedar.
- Vinyl Pavilions: Vinyl pavilions bring the modern vibe to your outdoor space. A vinyl pavilion is built with wooden posts that are wrapped in quality vinyl, and many styles have the option to add a vinyl ceiling for that perfect finishing touch.
- Timber Frame Pavilions: Timber Frame pavilions are the OG of the pavilion world. The rugged look of huge timbers is a gorgeous addition to the rustic or organic style backyard. Most timber framing is made of #1 douglas fir or pressure treated yellow pine.
Are you looking for some specific styles of outdoor pavilions? Below you’ll find some popular outdoor pavilion ideas and designs.
Backyard Wood Pavilions
The Lakefront Wooden Pavilion
When you are looking for a straightforward pavilion that will last for years, the Lakefront Pavilion is a perfect choice. Built with traditional southern pine lumber with the option of shingles or a metal roof.
- Sizes: from 8×8 to 20×40
- Max size w/ 4 posts: 16×18
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $6,200.00
The Cheyenne Wooden Pavilion
For a more elegant wood pavilion, choose the Cheyenne Pavilion with increased post dimensions and a larger roof overhang. These design upgrades give you a more elegant and higher-class structure.
- Sizes: from 8×8 to 24×48
- Max size w/ 4 posts: 24×24
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $7,300.00
Vinyl Outdoor Pavilions
The Shoreline Vinyl Pavilion
For a cost-effective yet clean and beautiful look, the Shoreline vinyl pavilion is a great place to start. The clean lines and modern vibe of the vinyl-wrapped posts and structure is the perfect addition to your home and backyard. Choose between the standard 6×6 columns or upgrade to the larger 8×8 square or even the 10” tapered round column.
- Sizes: from 8×8 to 20×40
- Max size w/ 4 posts: 16×18
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $7,300.00
The Monford Vinyl Pavilion
The Montford vinyl pavilion provides you with an upgraded structure. From the steep roof pitch, the large roof overhang, and curved post bracing, this pavilion provides an elegant and dignified backyard centerpiece. With design also allows for larger post-to-post spans which gives the pavilion an airy feel.
- Sizes: from 8×8 to 24×48
- Max size w/ 4 posts: 24×24
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $9,200.00
The Caribbean Vinyl Pavilion
For a regal and bold backyard centerpiece, check out the Caribbean vinyl pavilion. This pavilion features large columns with traditional post braces. The Caribbean is the perfect poolside pavilion. Finish out this pavilion with a vinyl ceiling, electricity, and an outdoor fireplace, and you’ve just created a stunning outdoor retreat area.
- Sizes: from 8×8 to 24×48
- Max size w/ 4 posts: 24×24
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $11,600.00
Timber Frame Pavilions
The Kingston Timber Frame Pavilion
Designed and built with the iconic king post timber frame design, the Kingston timber frame pavilion has that bold and majestic profile. Built with quality #1 Douglas-fir timbers and completed with your choice of asphalt shingles or metal roofing. This beautiful pavilion is ideal for large gatherings or a wedding venue.
- Sizes: from 12×12 to 40×80
- #1 Douglas-Fir Timbers
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $15,500.00
The Denali Timber Frame Pavilion
To add a unique design to your outdoor space, the Denali timber frame pavilion is the perfect choice. Designed with the distinctive hammerbeam split-truss design this pavilion is truly a work of art. Pair it with an outdoor kitchen and you’ll have a backyard that will last for years.
- Sizes: from 12×12 to 40×80
- #1 Douglas-Fir Timbers
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $18,500.00
The Grand Teton Timber Frame Pavilion
For a truly magnificent pavilion, you need to consider this Grand Teton timber frame pavilion. With a stately truss system that incorporates an arched rib that is held together with stunning black strapping. Whether by your pool, or the centerpiece of your backyard, this pavilion will be the center of your outdoor entertainment.
- Sizes: from 12×12 to 40×80
- #1 Douglas-Fir Timbers
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Starting price: $23,000.00
Outdoor Pavilion Ideas: Sizes
Some of the more popular outdoor pavilion sizes include:
- 10×10
- 10×14
- 12×12
- 12×20
- 16×24
Outdoor Pavilion Design Ideas
Once you’ve chosen the size and style of your preferred outdoor pavilion, the fun really begins. The design elements that you include will make this pavilion your own. From adding electricity, to including a full outdoor kitchen, the customizations are really what make your outdoor space feel like home.
- Electricity: Maybe one of the most common additions to an outdoor pavilion, electricity opens up a wide range of possibilities. Whether it’s power for your ceiling fan, kitchen, or TV. Electricity is a much-needed add-on to any pavilion.
- TV: Turn your outdoor space into the sight of the next big watch party.
- Heating: Install a simple outdoor heater, whether propane or electric, to take the chill out of those fall evenings.
- Fireplace: There is nothing like an ole’ fashioned fireplace. Gather around and enjoy the warmth and glow.
- Cupolas: For an added aesthetic, consider including a decorative cupola to your pavilion.
- Privacy Walls: Including a wall to the back or side of your pavilion can be a great way to give your space some privacy.
Outdoor Pavilion Ideas: Conclusion
With so many options to choose from, having lots of outdoor pavilion ideas to look through can be really helpful. But it ultimately comes down to what is the best fit for you and your situation and meets the needs for the way you want to use your pavilion.
At Lancaster County Backyard, we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line outdoor pavilions and other structures. Contact us if you have any questions or request a free quote for your outdoor pavilion today.
