Pergolas and Pavilions: Attaching Them to a House

How Pavilions and Pergolas are Attached to a House

Stoltzfus Structures has a few different rules for pavilions and pergolas when attaching these structures to your home. With pavilions, we can “attach” the structure to your house, but it is not weight-bearing. This means that the pavilion is not getting any support from the house, but rather, the pavilion is simply flashed into the side of the house. This flashing – a thin material that directs water away from joints and seams – makes the seam between the house and pavilion watertight. We cannot eliminate posts when we attach a pavilion, so the posts must stay against the house. Proper clearance is needed for both pavilions and pergolas, although pavilions need enough space between the first and second story windows and doors. A team member will look at your property to determine the best approach and placement.

When attaching a pergola, we can eliminate the posts and simply mount the header on the house. Like the pavilion, we will need proper clearance, which is typically 16” for a pergola, but can change based on any custom upgrades or other structural factors. For pergolas and pavilions, we can only attach these structures to vinyl siding. If you have any questions about whether your house is suitable for a pavilion or pergola to be attached, or further details about how we attach them, contact us.

Benefits of Having a Pavilion/Pergola Attached

There are several benefits when it comes to having a pergola and pavilion, all of which narrow down to the upgraded appearance of your property. It can dramatically create a more stylish area, while also protecting you from the sun and the weather. When having a pergola or pavilion structure attached to your home, it will create a seamless flow from an indoor to an outdoor area. It won’t feel “added on”, but rather like one cohesive, extended structure that will encourage more use of your outdoor patio or deck area.

Besides having a pergola or pavilion for stylistic reasons, weather protection is another benefit that many seek out in these structures. There is faster access to a covered area to get away from snow or rain if you go with an attached pavilion. For both pavilions and pergolas, there is increased shade, which is beneficial when you want to work outside in your garden, host friends on your deck, drink your morning coffee, or watch your children play from a comfortable spot. This will improve your everyday lifestyle since you will get to be outside more and use your beautiful outdoor area.

The Difference Between a Pergola and a Pavilion

The main difference between a pergola and a pavilion is in the roof structure. A pavilion features a full roof, which provides complete protection from rain, snow, etc. While a pergola does not have a full roof, it is partially open to provide filtered shade, with some sun still peeking through.

Pavilions are typically used for outdoor dining areas or lounges, like a hot tub or kitchen, since they provide full coverage overhead. Think of a pavilion as a house, but without the walls and floor, so all that is left is the roof and the 4 corner posts holding the structure up. Pergolas are ideal for gardens, walkways, or patios, so light can still pass through. You can use this partial roof style to your advantage and place string lights, hanging plants, or vines through the slats of the pergola’s roof. Pergolas are known to be used more for a decorative purpose, while pavilions are used for protection from the weather.

Types of Pavilions Offered

If you feel that a pavilion is best for your property or are still looking at your options, we have tons to compare. When looking at the full roof design, check out our Traditional, A-Frame, Alpine, Hampton, Santa Fe, Bellavue, Timber Frame, Classic, or Grand Estate. These pavilions will be a sturdy and stylish addition to your home or property. Have your family and friends over for an outdoor dinner, without having to worry about getting rained on while enjoying your time outside. Or have it as a simple entryway into your home where your kids can shake off snow or dirt before walking inside. If you want a more in-depth look at the pavilions we offer, download our catalog.

Types of Pergolas Offered

If you’re looking into giving your property some shade while still leaving room for sun, there are several pergola options to choose from. Look at the Traditional, Artisan, Hollander, Arched, Kingston, and Santa Fe to determine which is best for what you need. There are tons of additional features you can add to your pergola, like a privacy wall or stone columns, to enhance your structure visually. If you want more details about the pergolas we offer, download our catalog.

If you wish to create a gorgeous outdoor area with a pavilion or pergola, consider sprucing up the area with our Outdoor Poly Furniture. We have tons of options in both chairs and dining sets. Check out some bold colors to brighten up your outdoor covered space or find the closest match to your pavilion or pergola to create a cohesive look.

There are endless possibilities for your pavilion or pergola. If you aren’t sure if a pergola or pavilion would fit better at your property, contact us or call our team – 610.593.7700. We are always looking to help you with your property, whether that’s answering questions, giving suggestions, comparing structures, or walking you through the final stages of the ordering process. Our team is there for you every step of the way.

About The Author

Jada Morris

Recently graduated from college, I take advantage of having more free time and spend those moments catching up on my love of reading, brainstorming ideas for design projects, and spending time with my family, friends, and furry companions. I have two Golden Retrievers that are complete opposites, one who has enough energy to run three marathons a day if he could, and the other who would be happy to stay in bed all day! I might relate a bit more to the later but am always up for an adventure.