Types of Outdoor Structures: Pergolas, Gazebos & More
From cozy gatherings to serene retreats, outdoor structures offer not just shelter, but an extension of our lifestyle. In Cincinnati, Ohio, where outdoor living is cherished, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living stands as a beacon of craftsmanship and innovation in landscape design and installation, crafting a variety of outdoor structures that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and architectural aesthetics of the home.
What are Outdoor Structures?
Landscape Architect Josh Eastlake shed some light on the diverse array of outdoor structures available, ranging from free-standing pergolas to attached verandas. He indicated each structure serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s the open, airy feel of a pergola or the enclosed intimacy of a pavilion. Eastlake also emphasized the importance of informed choices. As such, he guides clients through the decision-making process to ensure their vision aligns with their lifestyle and budget.
Enhancing your outdoor living space involves more than just selecting the best outdoor furniture and decor; it’s about creating functional and inviting environments that reflect your style and cater to your lifestyle. Outdoor garden structures offer a great deal in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and appeal. From open-air pergolas to enclosed gazebos, attached verandas to standalone pavilions, there is sure to be something that will complement your backyard oasis.
But, first, here is a brief description of these structures. Many of these are freestanding structures that can be placed anywhere in your backyard.
Types of Outdoor Structures
Pergolas:
A popular choice, pergolas feature open lattice roofs supported by vertical posts, providing partial shade and a sense of openness ideal for defining outdoor living areas. While pergolas excel in creating outdoor sanctuaries, they also offer practical benefits.
Key Pergola Features:
- Open lattice roof design that allows filtered sunlight
- Vertical support posts that define the space
- Partial shade protection from harsh sun
- Creates a dappled light effect that enhances the outdoor experience
- Provides relief from scorching heat while maintaining airflow
- Creates an inviting ambiance for entertaining guests
- Perfect for simply basking in the tranquility of nature
- Effectively transforms your garden into defined outdoor rooms
- Ideal support structure for climbing plants and vines
- Can be enhanced with wisteria, jasmine, roses, or grape vines
- Allows plants to create natural, living shade as they mature
- Combines architectural elements with natural greenery for stunning visual impact
- Creates seasonal interest as climbing plants bloom and change throughout the year
Arbors:
While similar to pergolas, arbors serve as charming garden gateways or smaller-scale focal points within your landscape design. These arched or squared structures create inviting entrances and intimate garden moments.
Key Arbor Features:
- Smaller footprint than pergolas, ideal for garden pathways
- Often features an arched or decorative top
- Creates a defined entrance or transition point between garden areas
- Perfect framework for climbing roses, clematis, or honeysuckle
- Adds vertical interest and architectural elegance to the landscape
- Can mark the entrance to a vegetable garden or secret garden room
- Combines functionality with romantic garden aesthetics
- Creates a picture-perfect frame for garden photography
- Can be equipped with a gate for additional privacy and definition
- Offers a more affordable alternative to larger outdoor structures
Greenhouses:
For the dedicated gardener, a greenhouse extends the growing season and provides a controlled environment for cultivating plants year-round. From simple structures to architectural showpieces, greenhouses combine functionality with garden beauty.
Key Greenhouse Features:
- Enclosed structure with transparent walls and roof for maximum sunlight
- Creates a controlled microclimate for plant cultivation
- Extends growing season beyond typical outdoor limitations
- Protects tender plants from harsh weather conditions
- Enables cultivation of exotic plants outside their native climate
- Provides dedicated space for starting seedlings and propagation
- Can range from simple, affordable kits to custom architectural designs
- May incorporate ventilation systems, heating, and irrigation
- Serves as both a functional growing space and garden focal point
- Offers a peaceful retreat for plant enthusiasts in any weather
- Can be attached to your home or positioned as a standalone structure
- Provides opportunity for year-round gardening enjoyment
- Creates an ideal environment for orchids, citrus, and other specialty plants
Gazebos:
Gazebos are more than just structures; they’re serene retreats designed to elevate outdoor living. Enclosed with solid roofs and walls, they offer elegant, sheltered spaces for relaxation, dining, or enjoying nature regardless of the weather.
Key Gazebo Features:
- Solid roof construction for complete weather protection
- Enclosed or partially enclosed walls for privacy and shelter
- Elegant design that serves as a garden focal point
- Sheltered space ideal for relaxation and dining
- All-weather functionality regardless of rain or shine
- Gazebos create intimate sanctuaries for unwinding
- Allows you to connect with the outdoors in style
- Traditional charm that enhances landscape aesthetics
Verandas:
Verandas seamlessly bridge the gap between indoor coziness and outdoor serenity. Attached to the exterior of homes, these covered spaces provide sheltered areas for lounging or entertaining while maintaining a strong connection to the comforts of home.
Key Veranda Features:
- Direct attachment to the exterior of your home
- Covered protection while maintaining outdoor atmosphere
- Seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living
- Perfect for lounging or entertaining guests
- Maintains strong connection to home comforts
- Ideal for lazy afternoon reading or relaxation
- Versatile setting for both casual and formal gatherings
- Enhances overall charm and functionality of living space
Expert Installation Notes:
- Custom made and structurally tied into the home
- May have higher cost due to structural integration
- Alternative option: Position a pavilion with four posts next to a home’s blank wall
- Can be flashed into the house where pavilion roof meets wall to eliminate gaps
“Many houses aren’t set up for this, though,” noted Eastlake. “But it is a way to cut costs if you want a veranda structure.”
Pavilions:
A pavilion is a large outdoor structure with a solid roof and open sides, suitable for hosting gatherings in various weather conditions. Pavilions stand as majestic landmarks, beckoning people to gather and celebrate in style. With their expansive, standalone structures featuring open sides and covered roofs, pavilions provide ideal settings for gatherings and events of all sizes.
Key Pavilion Features:
- Expansive, standalone structure design
- Open sides with solid covered roof protection
- Perfect for hosting gatherings of any size
- Provides ample space for socializing and entertaining
- Allows full enjoyment of surrounding landscape views
- Serves as a focal point for memorable occasions
- Accommodates both intimate gatherings and grand festivities
- Blends grandeur with practical functionality
- Creates unforgettable spaces for making memories
Customization and Integration of Patio Covers
One of the hallmark features of Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living is their commitment to customization and integration. Bob Voigt, Architectural Designer, collaborates closely with Eastlake and clients to translate their dreams into tangible designs. Whether it’s hand-drawn sketches or intricate blueprints, every detail is meticulously crafted to complement the existing architecture and landscape.
For attached structures like verandas, integration with the house and its overall architecture is paramount. Through careful planning and skilled craftsmanship, Werbrich seamlessly ties these structures to the home, eliminating any visual gaps and ensuring structural integrity. This level of integration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but potentially adds value to the property, creating a seamless exterior living space.
Craftsmanship and Transformation
A testament to Werbrich’s commitment to excellence is their exemplary work showcased in collaboration with Voigt and Eastlake. By combining premium materials like porcelain pavers and limestone with meticulous craftsmanship, they can easily transform outdoor spaces into havens of comfort and luxury. From ventless gas fireplaces to built-in grills and refrigerators, every element is thoughtfully integrated to elevate the outdoor living experience.
One notable project involved the demolition of an old deck on the back of this Indian Hill home to make room for a new, custom freestanding structure. Through meticulous planning and attention to detail, Werbrich not only created a stunning outdoor space but also addressed architectural nuances like window sizes, ensuring harmony between the new structure and the existing home.
How to Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Structure
When choosing the right outdoor structure for your backyard, keep these key factors in mind:
- Budget: Determine your investment range first to narrow options – from simple pergolas to elaborate gazebos – and streamline decision-making.
- Space: Measure your available area and consider how the structure will integrate with existing gardens, patios, and walkways for a harmonious layout.
- Purpose: Define your primary use – relaxation retreat, entertainment space, or storage area. Different needs require different backyard structures (pavilions for gatherings, pergolas for garden relaxation).
- Maintenance: Assess upkeep requirements – wooden structures need regular staining/sealing while metal or vinyl options offer lower maintenance alternatives.
- Local Regulations: Check with local authorities about permits, building codes, and restrictions before starting your project to avoid complications.
Carefully weighing these factors will help you select a structure that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your outdoor living space.
Cincinnati Outdoor Living: Local Considerations
Cincinnati’s unique climate and topography present both opportunities and challenges for outdoor structure design. With four distinct seasons, homeowners benefit from structures that provide shade during humid summers and shelter during wet springs. The city’s hilly terrain often requires terraced designs and specialized foundations, while neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Indian Hill, and Mason each have specific zoning requirements for outdoor structures. Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living’s deep understanding of Cincinnati’s specific environmental factors ensures that every pergola, pavilion, or veranda they create is perfectly adapted to our local conditions while meeting all municipal codes.
Embracing Outdoor Living Space with Werbrichs
Ultimately, outdoor structures transcend mere functionality; they become an expression of lifestyle and personality. Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living, with its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, empowers homeowners to embrace the beauty of outdoor living. Whether it’s a tranquil veranda or a captivating gazebo, each structure serves as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of outdoor design, helping to designate outdoor rooms within your garden space.
In Cincinnati, where outdoor living is more than just a trend—it’s a way of life—Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living continues to redefine the boundaries of outdoor design, one exquisite structure at a time. So, why confine yourself indoors when you can step outside and immerse yourself in the boundless beauty of nature? With Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living, the possibilities are endless, and the journey is as breathtaking as the destination.
Conclusion
Outdoor structures are a fantastic way to elevate your backyard and create a functional and beautiful outdoor space. From gazebos and pergolas to patio covers and pool houses, the variety of options available allows you to tailor your outdoor area to your specific needs and preferences. By taking into account your budget, space, purpose, maintenance requirements, and local regulations, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your outdoor living experience.
Whether you’re envisioning a tranquil retreat, an entertainment hub, or a practical storage solution, an outdoor structure can help you achieve your goals. These structures not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits that enhance your overall quality of life. So why wait? Start exploring your options today and discover how an outdoor structure can transform your outdoor living space into a haven of comfort and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an outdoor covered structure called?
An outdoor covered structure can be called a pavilion, gazebo, veranda, or pergola, depending on its specific design features and attachment to the main house. Each type offers different levels of coverage and functionality for outdoor living.
What are outdoor spaces called?
Outdoor spaces are commonly referred to as patios, decks, terraces, courtyards, or gardens. The specific name typically depends on the location, materials used, and overall design purpose.
What is better than a pergola?
A pavilion or gazebo might be better than a pergola if you need complete rain protection and more substantial shade. Your choice should depend on your specific weather conditions, budget, and how you plan to use the space.
What is an outdoor structure with a roof and no walls?
An outdoor structure with a roof and no walls is typically called a pavilion or sometimes an open gazebo. Pavilions provide overhead protection while maintaining open sides for airflow and unobstructed views.
