Why a Pavilion Should be an Essential Part of Your New Patio Design In Middleton and Sun Prairie WI

Enjoying the great outdoors is often associated with “fun in the sun” - but too much of a good thing isn’t good at all, and some sort of shelter is needed. But beyond offering shade, here’s why a pavilion should be an essential part of your new patio design in Middleton and Sun Prairie, WI.

Related: Choosing the Right Patio Pavers for Your Pavilion in Waunakee, WI

Protection from the Elements

A patio is a much more livable space in nearly any season, when there is shelter. While a pergola provides relief from the hot summer sun, it can’t offer protection from the rain. To keep everyone from rushing inside at the first sign of rain, you’ll want a permanent and cozy place to ride out the storm outdoors. A pavilion features the same open sides as a pergola, but the roof is solid - much like an attached porch - to provide just the right combination of shelter and fresh air.

An Extended Outdoor Living Season

A pavilion is one of the most useful backyard features because it makes your patio usable long into the cooler months, when your neighbors retreat indoors and rarely set foot on their patios. A pavilion provides an excellent opportunity for a more enjoyable outdoor experience no matter the weather.

Ceiling fans, lighting, patio heaters, misters, a gas-fueled fire pit or fire table, an outdoor fireplace along one side of the pavilion will ensure that the pavilion is always a comfortable place to be regardless of the changes in weather. Gas- or propane-fueled fire pits or fire tables can be located within the pavilion itself, giving you a “campfire” experience that’s still sheltered from the elements.

Blurring the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors

Since there’s no size limit to a pavilion, it could house a full outdoor kitchen with bar seating (or even a full dining area) and a seating area, effectively moving your normal activities outdoors. Some homeowners add outdoor audio systems and TVs to their pavilion for an experience that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. For the ultimate outdoor entertaining experience, consider adding a masonry pizza oven along one side.

Even though it’s partially sheltered, be sure to use completely outdoor-rated furniture, appliances, and fixtures within the pavilion. The open sides do a great job at keeping most of the weather out, but not all: a strong storm or low winter sun can still damage materials intended for indoor use.

Increased Privacy

If lack of privacy is an issue in your backyard, the pavilion could be the perfect solution. Place the pavilion along the side of the property where you want to block a view; and on the side(s) where you need privacy, you could install a lattice screen with climbing vines. Outdoor curtains work well too. Of course, the solid roof shields your activities from the second story of a nosy neighbors’ home.

Embracing the Outdoor Lifestyle

If you’re a fan of outdoor naps, you can hang hammocks from the supports. And if your pavilion contains an outdoor kitchen (or at least a beverage counter) and comfortable seating, you might be tempted to spend the whole day outdoors, even in inclement weather!

For the ultimate in serenity, consider adding a water feature along one side of the pavilion. The sounds of moving water are incredibly soothing, and you’ll enjoy the natural noise-canceling properties of a fountain or waterfall.

Related: Find Some Shade All Summer Long With These 5 Stylish Pavilion Ideas in Madison and McFarland, WI