Backyard Pavilion Ideas: Barn Pavilions and Pergolas
The best backyard pavilion ideas fall into two groups: barn pavilions, which combine a roofed porch with an enclosed studio or storage room, and open pergolas, which give filtered shade over a patio for much less work. If you want a room you can lock and use in bad weather, choose a barn pavilion; if you want shade for a dining table or lounge set, a pergola is usually enough.
Below are 12 designs, 6 barn pavilions and 6 pergolas, with the real footprints, heights and shade areas from each plan. For a side-by-side look at the structure types, read pergola vs pavilion vs gazebo.
Barn pavilion or pergola: which do you need?
- Choose a barn pavilion if you want a covered porch and an enclosed studio, workshop, potting room or guest space under the same roof.
- Choose a pergola if you want shade over a patio or deck, with light and air coming through the roof.
- Choose a pergola with a solid or polycarbonate cover if you need rain protection but no walls.
Planning a barn pavilion for parties and events? Our barn pavilion planning guide covers seating and table space.
Backyard pavilion ideas compared
All sizes come from the plans.
| Design | Footprint | Height | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnet roof barn pavilion | 24' x 30' (720 sq ft) | about 17' 6" | covered porch and studio |
| Gambrel barn pavilion with breezeway | 20' x 36' (720 sq ft under roof) | about 18' 9" | two rooms and covered outdoor space |
| Scissor-truss barn pavilion | 18' x 36' (648 sq ft) | about 18' 4" | covered porch and vaulted studio |
| Gable barn pavilion | 20' x 32' (640 sq ft) | about 16' 10" | covered porch and garden studio |
| Saltbox barn pavilion | 18' x 34' (612 sq ft) | about 17' 4" | covered porch and studio |
| Skillion barn pavilion | 16' x 36' (576 sq ft) | about 13' 6" at the high eave | covered porch and bright studio |
| Grid roof pergola | 18' x 16' posts | 8' 6" clear | about 360 sq ft of shade |
| Chevron pergola | 24' x 12' roof | 8' 6" clear | about 282 sq ft of shade |
| Butterfly roof pergola | 16' x 12' posts | 8' 0" under the valley | V-shaped slat roof |
| Gable pergola | 12' x 14' posts | 8' 11" clear | open king-post truss roof |
| Arched pergola | 12' x 12' posts | 7' 7-1/2" at the arch center | four arched sides, curved roof |
| Modern pergola with privacy wall | 12' x 10' posts | 8' 6" clear | floating roof and privacy wall |
Barn pavilion ideas with a studio
Every barn pavilion here pairs an open, roofed porch with an enclosed room. That makes them useful all year: the porch for summer evenings, the room for a workshop, art studio, potting shed or quiet office.
Bonnet roof barn pavilion (24' x 30')
Our bonnet roof barn pavilion plan has a storybook look, with golden-ochre board and batten walls, cedar shingle gables and a deep teal door. At 720 sq ft, it is one of the two largest designs here.
Gambrel barn pavilion with breezeway (20' x 36')
The gambrel barn pavilion plan puts two rooms under one black gambrel roof with covered outdoor space between them, for 720 sq ft under roof. It is rated intermediate to advanced.
Scissor-truss barn pavilion (18' x 36')
Scissor trusses lift the ceiling inside. Our scissor truss barn pavilion plan uses them to give the studio a vaulted ceiling, wrapped in natural cedar shiplap with a black frame and metal roof.
Gable barn pavilion with garden studio (20' x 32')
The gable barn pavilion plan is a white board and batten barn with a black metal roof, a covered porch and an enclosed garden studio, at 640 sq ft.
Saltbox barn pavilion (18' x 34')
Our saltbox barn pavilion plan takes its shape from classic New England barns: barn-red siding, white trim, charcoal shingles and a long rear roof slope.
Skillion barn pavilion (16' x 36')
For a lower, modern profile, the skillion barn pavilion plan uses a single-slope roof that peaks at about 13' 6", with sage tongue-and-groove siding and a cedar shiplap porch wall. It is the narrowest pavilion here at 16'.
Pergola ideas for patios and decks
Pergolas are lighter structures. They usually have no walls, and their slatted roofs filter sun rather than block rain.
Grid roof pergola (18' x 16')
Our grid roof pergola plan has a half-lapped grid roof that shades about 360 sq ft, enough for a lounge set and a dining set together, with 8' 6" of clear height.
Chevron pergola (24' x 12')
The chevron pergola plan uses diagonal slats in a chevron pattern on a floating roof that overhangs the posts on all four sides, shading about 282 sq ft.
Butterfly roof pergola (16' x 12')
Our butterfly roof pergola plan has a V-shaped open slat roof, 8' under the valley beam and 12' 8" at its highest points.
Gable pergola (12' x 14')
King-post trusses give the gable pergola plan a timber-frame look with a peaked roof about 12' 5" tall, built from standard lumber.
Arched pergola (12' x 12')
Our arched pergola plan has four arched sides and a curved roof in white-painted wood, a softer shape for a garden or patio.
Modern pergola with privacy wall (12' x 10')
The modern pergola plan adds a privacy wall on one side and a floating roof that overhangs the posts by about 2' on every side.
The middle ground: open pavilions
If you want a solid roof for rain but no enclosed room, an open pavilion sits between the two groups above. Our 16x20 hip roof pavilion plan gives a classic gazebo-style roof, the 20x24 modern skillion pavilion plan uses a single-slope metal roof, and the 24x30 butterfly roof pavilion plan covers a large modern backyard. All three keep the sides open, so they work well over an outdoor kitchen or a long dining table.
How do you choose the right size?
- Lay out the furniture you plan to use, such as a dining table with chairs pulled out or a lounge set.
- Add walking space around it, then compare that area with the shade areas and footprints above.
- For a barn pavilion, decide how much of the footprint should be enclosed room versus open porch.
- Check height and setback limits before you buy lumber.
For post spacing and footing sizes, see our pergola size and post spacing guide. Browse every design in our barn pavilion plans collection.
Images are illustrative renders of the plan design.
FAQ
What is the difference between a pavilion and a pergola?
A pavilion has a solid roof that keeps out rain, while a pergola has an open or slatted roof that filters sun. Barn pavilions also add an enclosed room.
How big should a backyard pavilion be?
Size it around what goes under it. A 12' x 12' pergola covers a small table; a 16' x 18' or larger structure fits a dining set and a lounge set together.
Can a backyard pavilion be enclosed?
Yes. All six barn pavilions above include an enclosed studio or room alongside a covered porch.
Do you need a permit for a backyard pavilion?
Often, yes, especially for roofed structures and anything with an enclosed room or electricity. Rules vary by town.
How much does a backyard pavilion cost to build?
It depends on size, roof type and local material prices. See our pavilion cost guide for a breakdown.
About the author: KRMPLANS designs DIY building plans for backyard structures, from chicken coops and sheds to greenhouses and cabins. Each plan is an instant-download PDF with step-by-step drawings, a shopping list and a cut list.
