Pergola vs Pavilion vs Gazebo: Differences, Costs and Sizes
Quick answer: A pergola has posts and an open slatted roof, so it gives partial shade but little rain protection. A pavilion has a solid roof over an open, usually rectangular frame and is the best choice for full shade, rain cover and large groups. A gazebo is a smaller freestanding structure, often octagonal, with a solid pitched roof. Pergolas typically cost the least to build and pavilions the most.
These three words get used interchangeably in stores and listings, which makes shopping confusing. If you are trying to decide what to put over your patio, deck or backyard seating area, the right answer depends on how much shade and rain protection you want, how many people you plan to host and your budget. Here is how they really differ.
Key Takeaways
- Pergola: open roof of beams and rafters, filtered shade, lowest cost, often 10x10 to 14x20 feet.
- Pavilion: solid roof, open sides, full shade and rain cover, often 12x16 to 24x30 feet or larger.
- Gazebo: solid pitched roof on a round, hexagonal or octagonal frame, cozy and decorative, often 10 to 14 feet across.
- Solid roofs need stronger framing and footings, so pavilions and gazebos usually cost more and are more likely to need a permit.
- Choose by use: shade over a patio (pergola), dining and gatherings in any weather (pavilion), a focal point or quiet sitting spot (gazebo).
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is a framework of vertical posts supporting beams and an open grid of rafters or slats on top. Sunlight passes through the gaps, so the shade is partial and shifts during the day. Pergolas can stand alone or attach to a house wall.
Because the roof is open, rain falls straight through. You can add a shade cloth, polycarbonate panels or adjustable louvers to increase coverage. A louvered design, like the 12x18 wood louvered pergola plan, lets you tilt slats to control sun.
Best for
- Defining a patio or deck area with light shade
- Supporting climbing plants like wisteria or grapes
- Budget-friendly projects that a DIYer can finish in a few weekends
What Is a Pavilion?
A pavilion is an open-sided structure with a solid roof, typically rectangular, with gable, hip or single-slope (skillion) roof framing. The roof is covered with shingles or metal, so it provides full shade and keeps rain off the space below.
Pavilions are built to cover larger areas, which makes them good for outdoor kitchens, dining tables, hot tubs and gatherings. That capacity comes with heavier posts and beams, rafters sized for snow and wind loads, and concrete footings.
Best for
- Outdoor dining and kitchens that need rain protection
- Hosting larger groups and events
- Covering a hot tub, bar or picnic area year-round
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a freestanding roofed structure, traditionally round, hexagonal or octagonal, with a pitched roof that rises to a peak, sometimes topped with a cupola. Many gazebos have a built-in floor, railings, built-in benches or screened sides.
Gazebos give full overhead cover like a pavilion, but their shape and size make them feel more like a destination or garden feature than an extension of the patio. The multi-sided roof framing is more complex to build than a simple rectangle.
Best for
- A focal point in a garden or lawn
- A quiet seating area for a small group
- Screened spaces in buggy climates
Pergola vs Pavilion vs Gazebo: Side-by-Side Comparison
Costs below are rough 2026 estimates for DIY materials only; lumber prices vary by region, and professionally built structures typically cost much more.
| Feature | Pergola | Pavilion | Gazebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Open beams and rafters or slats | Solid (shingles or metal) | Solid, pitched to a peak |
| Typical shape | Square or rectangle | Rectangle | Octagon, hexagon or round |
| Shade | Partial, filtered | Full | Full |
| Rain protection | Minimal unless covered | Yes | Yes |
| Typical size | 10x10 to 14x20 ft | 12x16 to 24x30 ft or larger | 10 to 14 ft across |
| Typical capacity | Small patio set or lounge area | Large dining table, kitchen or groups | Small group seating |
| Rough DIY materials cost | About $1,000 to $4,000 for 10x12 | About $5,000 to $15,000 for 16x20 | About $3,000 to $10,000 for 12 ft |
| Build difficulty | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
| Permit likelihood | Sometimes exempt, varies | Often required | Often required |
Material choice moves costs a lot. Pressure-treated pine sits at the low end, while cedar, larger timbers and metal roofing push numbers up.
DIY 16x20 Hip Roof Pavilion Plans: Wood Backyard Gazebo PDF Blueprints: instant PDF download with illustrated steps, a shopping list and cut lists.
Do You Need a Permit for a Pergola, Pavilion or Gazebo?
Rules vary by city and county. In general, structures with solid roofs, larger footprints or attachment to the house are more likely to need a building permit. Some jurisdictions exempt small freestanding pergolas because the roof is open, but others do not.
Setbacks from property lines, height limits and HOA design rules can apply even when a permit is not required. Check with your local building department and HOA before you finalize the size and location. Our guide to backyard structure permits covers how size thresholds and setbacks commonly work.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Decide how much weather protection you need. If light shade is enough, a pergola is the simplest option. If you want to stay dry, choose a pavilion or gazebo.
- Count your guests. For a dining table for eight or an outdoor kitchen, a pavilion's rectangular footprint is the most efficient use of space.
- Consider how it connects to the house. Pergolas and skillion pavilions attach easily to a wall. Gazebos almost always stand alone.
- Match your skill level. A rectangular pergola is the friendliest first build. A multi-sided gazebo roof requires careful angle cuts.
- Set your budget. Use the table above as a starting point, then price your local lumber and roofing.
If you want something in between, a cantilever pergola with a partial cover, like the 14x20 cantilever pergola plan, offers open shade with fewer posts in the way. For post spacing and sizing details, see the pergola size and post spacing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a pergola and a pavilion?
The roof. A pergola has an open roof of beams and rafters that gives partial shade and lets rain through. A pavilion has a solid roof covered with shingles or metal, so it provides full shade and rain protection.
Is a gazebo or pavilion better?
A pavilion is usually better for large groups, outdoor kitchens and dining because its rectangular shape covers more usable space. A gazebo is better as a decorative focal point or a cozy seating area for a few people. Both provide full rain protection.
Which is cheapest to build: a pergola, pavilion or gazebo?
A pergola is usually the cheapest because it uses less material and has no solid roof. Rough 2026 DIY material estimates run about $1,000 to $4,000 for a 10x12 pergola, compared with roughly $3,000 to $10,000 for a 12 foot gazebo and $5,000 to $15,000 for a 16x20 pavilion. Lumber prices vary by region.
Does a pergola keep rain out?
A standard pergola does not keep rain out because its roof is open. You can add polycarbonate panels, a fabric canopy or a louvered roof to increase protection. If staying dry is a priority, a pavilion or gazebo is a better fit.
Do I need a permit for a pergola?
It depends on where you live. Some jurisdictions exempt small freestanding pergolas, while others require permits based on size, height or attachment to the house. Always check with your local building department and HOA first.
Find the Right Shade Structure for Your Yard
Pick the structure that matches how you will actually use the space, then size it to fit your yard and local rules. KRMPLANS plans include framing drawings, elevations, a cut list and illustrated steps in feet and inches. Browse our pergola plans and pavilion plans to compare designs.
