design element Pergolas & Pavilions

Pergolas and pavilions both add shade, structure, and definition to patios and backyards, creating inviting outdoor rooms. They enhance comfort, support gathering spaces, and introduce architectural depth and lasting visual interest to the landscape.
Wood pergola with stone fireplace anchors a poolside living area, enabling multi-season use and dramatic visual impact.

defining structure and interest

Pergolas and pavilions are versatile landscape structures that add shade, definition, and architectural interest to outdoor spaces. Built from wood, cedar, vinyl, or metal, they can complement both traditional and modern homes. These structures help define patios, dining areas, and seating spaces, providing varying levels of shade that improve comfort during warmer New England months.

They can support lighting, climbing plants, and fabric or solid roof elements, adding texture and seasonal interest. Beyond function, a well-designed overhead structure introduces vertical presence and visual balance, turning an open yard or patio into a more inviting, usable outdoor room that enhances everyday enjoyment.

common pergola and pavilion questions

1. What is the difference between a pergola and a pavilion?
Pergolas have open or slatted roofs that provide filtered shade, while pavilions feature solid roofs that offer full sun and rain protection.
2. What materials are commonly used for pergolas and pavilions?
Wood, cedar, vinyl, aluminum, and steel are popular choices, selected based on style preferences, durability, and maintenance needs.
3. Which is better for shade: a pergola or a pavilion?
The best water feature complements your architecture, landscape style, and how you use your outdoor spaces, from quiet gardens to entertaining areas.
4. Are pergolas and pavilions suitable for the Boston and New England climate?
Yes. When designed for snow load, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles, both structures perform well in New England conditions.
Poolside pergola adds visual rhythm and sun relief, defining lounging zones while integrating clean lines with hardscape and water features.

see examples of our work

Long pergola structure enhances poolside entertaining by creating shade, guiding circulation, and visually extending the landscape design.
Cedar pergola with integrated lighting elevates a hot tub garden, extending use into the evening while adding privacy and structure.
Cedar pergola shelters outdoor dining near the pool, improving comfort and creating a cohesive entertaining zone.
Circular pergola with classical columns creates a focal point within the garden, offering shade, symmetry, and timeless architectural appeal.
Natural wood pergola creates a private backyard retreat, adding filtered shade, warmth, and structure while blending seamlessly with surrounding plantings.
Timber frame pavilion with stone fireplace creates a durable outdoor dining space, offering full shelter, warmth, and year-round usability in a New England landscape.
Pergola-style pavilion defines an outdoor dining area with a wood table and grill, improving comfort, flow, and usability on a stone patio.
Pavilion-defined dining area on a stone patio pairs a wood table with a built-in grill, adding structure, light shade, and an inviting setting for outdoor entertaining.
Painted wood pergola with classic columns frames a garden setting, adding elegance, vertical interest, and a sense of destination.
Modern cedar pergola introduces clean lines and shade, complementing contemporary architecture and open backyard layouts.
Low-maintenance vinyl pavilion with retractable canopy offers flexible shade and weather protection, ideal for garden patios and seasonal outdoor living.
Cedar pergola enhances patio comfort with partial shade and warmth, defining seating areas without closing off the landscape.
Cedar pergola provides natural shade near the pool, softening hardscape edges while aging gracefully in a New England climate.
Custom wood pavilion with integrated lighting supports evening entertaining, combining warm ambiance with shelter and refined craftsmanship.
Pergola frames a bluestone pool patio, offering shade and spatial definition while preserving open views and natural light.

intentional and usable

Both pergolas and pavilions offer practical benefits that extend beyond their initial visual impact. By creating a dedicated overhead structure, they make outdoor spaces feel more intentional and usable, encouraging time spent outdoors for meals, gatherings, or quiet moments. Both can also enhance property value by strengthening the connection between the home and landscape, a feature many buyers find appealing. 

If you are considering adding a pergola or pavilion to your home, contact us to learn more how a Blade of Grass can design and install a solution that enhances both the beauty and experience of your landscape.
Roofed pavilion anchors a stone patio with dining and outdoor kitchen space, delivering year-round usability and architectural presence.

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what our clients say

review - a blade of grass landscape designer Boston review
“Exceptional vision coupled with practical advice. The team worked hard under difficult conditions, the job was done in a timely manner and the outcome surpassed my very high expectations.”
Kathy H.
West Roxbury, MA
“What a great company. The people we work with are responsive, knowledgeable and a delight to work with. They meet with us each year at the beginning of the season to understand our needs and they make sure they meet those needs.”
Helen S.
Concord, MA
“They listened to what we wanted and created an oasis where each month we saw different plants blooming with different colors. Our designer was a joy to work with and she truly taught us about plants and flowers through this experience.”
Jaimin P.
Sudbury, MA
“Their creative vision, thoroughness, and professionalism exceeds all expectations. Further, the Blade of Grass team is exceptionally friendly, responsive and easy-going.”
Lindsey M.
Dover, MA
“They gave me an accurate budget and timetable up front and pretty much stuck to it - much to my husband's delight. They are not pushy about their services which I truly appreciate and which is why I continue to use them for maintenance, new plantings etc. Would highly recommend them!”
Sunitha D.
Newton, MA
“a Blade of Grass was a joy to work with from beginning to end. They were focused on us the entire process from brainstorming, designing, selecting and installation. We love our new landscaped backyard and know you will too!”
Pamela D.
West Roxbury, MA
“a Blade of Grass transformed our front yard from a barren wasteland of wood chips to a stunningly gorgeous garden. In late 2012, we embarked on a major project to rebuild our backyard and add a pool and patio. The result far exceeded our expectations. Heather and her crew maintain all of our gardens throughout the year, and are very responsive to our questions and requests.”
John H.
Weston, MA
“When designing the space Tom considered every detail including privacy concerns, colors, the reuse of existing plants, our likes and dislikes, cost, placement and size of walkways and stairs, shape of pool deck and where snow would be plowed in the winter. The result is a yard we enjoy all year-round. Since its design, the maintenance team at a Blade of Grass has maintained the yard's beauty.”
Dave H.
Waltham, MA
“Joanna had an encyclopedic knowledge of every plant we looked at. The installation crew led by Joel was also terrific. In fact, despite oppressive heat, they removed some old stones in the way and used them to repair and extend a fallen wall - a really thoughtful touch that went above and beyond the plan.” 
Betty T.
Lincoln, MA

which will it be, pergola or pavilion?

Contact us today to discuss how our award-winning landscape designers, gardeners, installation, and maintenance teams can design and install a beautiful outdoor overhead structure for your property.
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