STRUCTURES
Adding a structure to your outdoor living area can serve various purposes and take different forms. Although providing shade is often the primary objective, it can also help in defining a space, creating an "enclosure," and becoming a significant part of creating your outdoor room. Additionally, it can serve as a visual element, creating a "vista" or focal feature from the interior view. These structures can complement the architecture of your house or reinforce a specific style in your outdoor area.
Pergolas are a shade structure, typically built of wood or a composite or vinyl material, which provides shade by the use of some sort of lattice or beam structure. The density of the shade produced can be adjusted by the design and layout of the lattice. Additionally, vertical screens can be added to increase privacy and provide additional shade from the sun's angles.
If denser shade is desired or even an area that is out of the weather, a roof can be added to the structure to take on the form of a “pavilion” or “cabana.” These structures can extend the use of your outdoor room by making it useable on the days when weather is less than ideal.
A pavilion structure, like a pergola, can further reinforce an architectural style or create a certain feel in the outdoor space. Whether or not the structure is attached to your home, it can visually extend the architecture into the landscape.
These outdoor structures can be combined with outdoor living rooms to create a space that can be used even when it's raining. They can also be combined with outdoor kitchens to provide shade and protection from the elements while grilling. Adding amenities such as a television, ceiling fans, lighting, and patio heaters to these structures can extend the functionality and season of use for your outdoor space. An outdoor living structure is a practical and beautiful addition to your home that can draw you and your guests to the outdoors.
