There are a lot of different garden structures with unusual names. Pergolas, pagodas, and pavilions all sound similar, but what differentiates one from the other? At Creative Concepts & Design, we’re familiar with many styles of garden structures and we’re here to explain the similarities and differences.
Pergolas Don’t Have Roofs
One thing that sets pergolas apart from pagodas and pavilions is the fact that pergolas have no roof. They can have open or louvered roofs, but not a solid roof. That is the main difference.
Pavilions are basically pergolas with a cover or roof. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed, stationary cover that generally completely covers the pergola.
Pagodas are a style of pavilion with multi-story towers with a tiered roof design. Pagodas are typically found in Asian architecture, while pergolas are more versatile garden structures.
The Biggest Perk of a Pergola
Structurally, pergolas offer a more sleek and sensible option in comparison to roofed structures, but we find the biggest advantage is that pergolas can add a wow factor without costing near as much as a fully roofed structure. Pergolas are one of our secret weapons for creating an amazing backyard oasis while staying on budget. At Creative Concepts & Design, our deck designers are all about adding those affordable touches that elevate your deck without elevating the price right out of your budget. We call it value engineering—an artful balance of affordability and beauty. Privacy walls, pergolas, and patios all enhance your living space and create a beautiful oasis, perfect for relaxing, dining, gardening, entertaining, or whatever you dream of doing in your backyard.
The Beauty of Pergolas
A pergola is more than just a decorative structure—it’s an experience. With its delicate framework and open design, it defines a space without confining it, allowing gentle breezes to flow through while dappled sunlight dances across your outdoor retreat. Whether covered in lush climbing vines, strung with glowing lights, or left open to embrace the sky, a pergola transforms an ordinary backyard into a peaceful sanctuary.
Picture a cozy morning spent sipping coffee beneath your pergola or a warm evening gathering with friends, laughter echoing under a canopy of twinkling string lights. Whether freestanding or attached to your home, a pergola brings charm and functionality to any outdoor setting. Take a look at our pergola gallery for some amazing pergolas in Overland Park and Kansas City.
Why Choose a Pergola?
Pergolas are the ideal blend of style and practicality, offering a host of benefits for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor space. A pergola can create an open, airy space that’s great for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. It can also be a focal point for your garden or a secret hideaway in a shady corner Here are some other perks:
- Breezy & Open: Enjoy the perfect balance of sunlight and shade without feeling enclosed.
- Low Maintenance: With no solid roof to maintain, pergolas require minimal upkeep.
- Naturally Beautiful: Train climbing plants like wisteria or ivy through the beams for added charm and shade.
- A Defined Outdoor Space: Whether over a dining area, outdoor kitchen, or cozy seating nook, a pergola creates a distinct and stylish focal point.
Pergolas Offer Lots of Style Options
Pergolas aren’t always freestanding structures but can be attached to the house or integrated into the main structure of the home. Pergolas are perfect near pools, over a hot tub, tucked in the corner of your yard, or attached to your deck. The design options are endless, so a pergola can blend into any backyard or deck design taking your space to the next level.
The Perfect Pergola Proportions
How big should your pergola be? Here are some rough estimates. If you need space for no more than 6 people, a 12X16 pergola should work for you. However, if you think you’d like to accommodate seating for 12 people, we would recommend a spacious 16X20 foot pergola.
There is something called the golden ratio for pergola proportions. Using the golden ratio (approximately 1:1.618) can help you achieve aesthetically pleasing proportions for your pergola. This ratio ensures that the width and length of your pergola are balanced and visually appealing. For example, if your pergola is 10 feet wide, its length should ideally be around 16.18 feet. But this is just a rule of thumb. We can create curved pergolas, triangular pergolas, freestanding pergolas, attached pergolas…the only design limit is your imagination!
Custom Pergolas
We’ve built hundreds of pergolas in Kansas City and Overland Park and our expert deck designers will create a custom pergola that complements your backyard design plan. And don’t worry, they will show you what it will look like before construction begins. That’s what our free deck design meetings are for. Our deck designers will make sure your pergola is perfectly appealing.
Schedule Your Free Pergola Design Meeting
Explore our pergola gallery and imagine the possibilities. Whether you envision a cozy escape or a grand outdoor entertaining space, we’re here to make it happen. At Creative Concepts & Design, we’ve been building custom decks and pergolas in Kansas City for a long time and we have plenty of satisfied customers you can talk to. Check out our Google reviews.
Call us at (816) 301-0275 or contact us online. You can even schedule a deck or pergola design meeting and get a free quote. We’d love to bring your backyard dreams to life and design your perfect custom pergola retreat.
