Pavilion builder in Massachusetts

What is a pavilion? Pavilions provide shade in outdoor spaces without making you feel closed off. They are freestanding structures, often with open sides. They also have a solid roof, unlike their counterpart, pergolas.

Pavilions are great for gatherings and events. It can also be used for more low-key activities like housing a garden, or just being a nice addition to the aesthetics of your backyard.

For the foundation, you'll want to use concrete footings or a concrete pad, as that will be the sturdiest foundation. For the frame, you have several options, including douglas fir, pressure-treated pine, or metal. Douglas fir has beautful grain and is very sturdy, however it needs to be stained and sealed in order to prevent it from rotting. Pressure-treated pine is one of the most cost-effective and readily available materials, however it requires frequent staining to prevent cracking and weather damage. Metal can last for decades, but gets hotter during the summer. Lastly, you can use a metal roof for durability, or asphalt shingles for the roof if you want a more cost-effective option.

At the very least, you will need a building permit from your local town of municipality in order to build a pavilion, since they have a roof and are often permanently anchored. If you plan on adding lights, electrical outlets, or plumbing of any kind, you may need additional permits. If you plan on encroaching on any property boundaries, you may also need zoning approval as well. Check with your local town hall for more information.

There are many different types of pavilions you can build. You could build a gable roof pavilion, which forms a triangular roof overhead. There's also a lean-to roof pavilion, which has a roof sloping in only one direction. You'd typically find these attached to the side of an existing structure, but they can also exist on their own too. There's also the pergola-style pavilion, which combines the design of a pergola with the roof of a pavilion.

There are many use cases for a pavilion. You could use a pavilion as an entertainment area, an outdoor kitchen, or a carport, though there are many other functionalities too.

You should choose SJ Carpentry as your pavilion builder because we're highly rated by your friends and neighbors! We provide excellent service, free estimates, and we handle all aspects of the project, working with you from the initial design to project completion.