Open Rafters or a Full Roof?
Pergolas have open beams and rafters. They break up direct sun, frame a space and can carry vines, shade cloth or a louvered system. They will not keep you dry. Pavilions have a solid roof, often shingled or metal to match the house, and can hold ceiling fans, lights and even an outdoor kitchen out of the weather. If rain-or-shine use is the goal, a pavilion is usually the answer. Our pergola vs. pavilion guide goes deeper on this choice.
What Drives the Price
As a broad guide, a pergola installation often falls between $3,000 and $10,000, while a pavilion commonly ranges from about $5,000 to $15,000. Where your project lands depends on:
- Overall size and height
- Material: cedar, treated pine, aluminum or a mix
- Roofing type on a pavilion
- Footings, especially on sloped or soft ground
- Add-ons such as electrical, fans, lighting or privacy panels
We give a written, itemized estimate after seeing the site.
From Layout to Final Bolt
We measure the space, check sun and drainage, and confirm where utilities run. After you approve a design, we dig and pour footings, set posts plumb, and frame beams and rafters or roof trusses. Many standard pergolas and smaller pavilions go up in about one to three days of on-site work once footings are ready; larger roofed structures take longer. We clean up as we go and walk the finished structure with you.
Other Structures Worth a Look
If you want adjustable shade, a louvered pergola lets you open or close the roof slats. For something that needs almost no upkeep, consider aluminum pergolas. Both can be built over an existing patio or deck if the surface and framing can support them.
Common Questions
Is a pavilion or pergola better for Oxford summers?
A pavilion gives full shade and rain protection, so it stays cooler and usable during storms. A pergola gives partial shade and better airflow. Many people add a fan or shade cloth to a pergola to close the gap.
How long does installation take?
Many pergolas and modest pavilions are built in one to three days once footings are set. Larger designs, roof tie-ins or electrical work add time.
Can the structure match my house?
Yes. We can match roof pitch, shingles or metal, trim color and post style so the pavilion or pergola looks like part of the original home.
What upkeep should I expect?
Wood structures need periodic cleaning and resealing or staining. Aluminum needs only washing. Pavilion roofs should be checked after major storms, the same as your house roof.