If you’re in the market for an outdoor structure, you’ve probably been through a long cycle of debating whether or not to get one. You may have seen a beautiful pergola over a deck at a friend’s house, or stopped by your brother’s house and spent some time relaxing in that gazebo he added to his backyard.

So, now you’re here! And you want to add some sort of outdoor structure to your home but you don’t know where to start.

Here are a few different types of outdoor structures to help you with that decision.

Gazebo

Gazebos are one of the most popular and oldest outdoor structures. They’re even said to have been invented before tents and were one of the first forms of outdoor shelter. Basically, they’re like a small building that’s ornamental, with a roof over a small area that can include benches or patio furniture for sitting.

You’ve probably seen gazebos in public parks or personal backyards. They’re used as settings for dining and entertaining, and even special events like weddings.

Pergola

A pergola consists of columns that support beams, creating an outdoor structure that feels airy and allows plenty of light in. Vines or flowers can be trained to grow up and over it. A pergola can be added to a home or deck or it can be free-standing in a yard.

 

Cabana

Cabanas are often associated with being poolside, but they can be used for a variety of purposes. You can put a hot tub inside a cabana for shelter and privacy, or you could use it as a kids’ play area. If it’s large enough, it could even be used as a small guest house.

 

Sunroom

A sunroom is exactly what it sounds like: a room designed with lots of windows to allow as much sun as possible to shine in! Sunrooms can be an addition to your home, or, for an option with much less hassle, it can be a free standing structure. It’s an additional room for your home, providing a place for a getaway when you need it.

 

You can design a custom gazebo, pergola, cabana or sunroom on fifthroom.com. If you’re still stuck on deciding which structure to get for your home, give one of our project advisors a call to discuss your needs – 1-888-293-2339.