Aluminum pavilion vs Aluminum pergola

In courtyard design, aluminum pavilions and aluminum pergolas are both popular choices for enhancing the quality of outdoor Spaces. This article provides a comprehensive analysis from functional positioning, structural design to price and cost, helping you precisely match your needs.

Core functional Differences: Independent space and extended decoration

1.Aluminum pavilion

• Closed shelter: 360-degree surrounding roof with column structure, providing all-weather shade and rain protection.
• Independent functional areas: to build outdoor living room, outdoor restaurant or swimming pool have a rest.
• Typical application: 20 square meters garden, lawn landscape area.

2.Aluminum pergola

• Open frame: The crossbeams are hollowed-out, and the light can be regulated by climbing plants or detachable sunshades.
• Space extending: often used to connect architecture and garden, building corridor type transition space.
• Typical application: 8 to 15 square metre long and narrow area, terrace edge decoration.

Structural design comparison: Safety protection and flexible expansion 

1. Top structure

（1）Aluminum pavilion

Closed-top canopy: 

• Material thickness: Usually made of 1.2-2.0mm aviation-grade aluminum alloy, with surface anodized treatment (corrosion resistance grade AA15 or above)
• Sealing process: EPDM waterproof rubber strips are used at the seams of the top plate to prevent rainwater penetration

Light transmission options: 

• Tempered glass top (5mm thickness, 80% light transmission): An additional cost of 800−800−1,200 is required
• Polycarbonate sheet (double-layer hollow, UV coating): Heat insulation performance is improved by 40%

（2）Aluminum pergola 

Open beam structure：

Beam spacing: standard distance between 40 to 60 cm, encryption can be customized to 30 cm (snow load resistance up to 30 kg / ㎡)

shade to adjust:

• slide aluminum louvers: 150-200 per square metre
• retractable sunshade cloth (650 d polyester + PU) : life is about 5-8 years

2.support system

（1）Aluminum pavilion

Column specification:

Diameter: Main column ≥120mm, wall thickness ≥3mm

Installation method:

• Embedded type: 60cm deep concrete base (with the best wind resistance)
• Ground anchoring: Expansion bolts are fixed to the hardened ground (cost reduction by 30%, wind resistance grade drops to level 6)
• Horizontal reinforcement: X-shaped aluminum alloy tie rods are installed at the top to prevent structural distortion

（2）Aluminum scaffolding

Connection between column and beam:

• Node design: T-shaped slot embedded clip, no welding (installation speed increased by 50%)
• Overhang limit: the maximum extension of a single side beam is 1.5m (additional diagonal braces are required for extra length)

Ground adaptability:

• It can be directly installed on the anti-corrosion wood platform or floor tiles
• A 15cm thick gravel cushion (anti-subsidence) should be installed on the soft ground

• Aluminum pavilion: 6 to 8 load-bearing columns, need foundation reinforcement.

• Aluminum shed: 4 columns plus suspended beam structure.

classification of wind resistance：

• Aluminum pavilion: professional installation can withstand 8 strong winds.
• Aluminum scaffolding: It is recommended to be used in wind force environment below level 5.

expansibility：

• Aluminum pavilion: fixed size, high cost of later modification.
• Aluminum shed: can be extended longitudinally and spliced, modular and flexible adjustment.

3. Price and cost analysis: long-term investment and cost performance scheme

（1）regular size

• Aluminum pavilion: 3 meters x 3 meters.
• Aluminum frame: 3 meters x 2.5 meters. 

（2）cost of material

• Aluminum pavilion: $4,500 to $6,000 (rust-proof anodized aluminum).
• Aluminum scaffolding: $2,800 to $3,500 (aluminum powder coated).

（3）additional charges

• Aluminum pavilion: Foundation work $800 to $1,200.
• Aluminum scaffolding: $300 to $500 for a flat floor.

（4）annual maintenance

• Aluminum pavilion: $50 (for flushing the drainage trough).
• Aluminum trellis: $150 (replace shade cloth or trim vines).

（5）High-end customization case

• Smart pavilion: Equipped with LED ambient lights, electric gauze curtains and rain-sensing system, the price is $12,000 to $18,000.
• Combination trellis: with an embedded flower trough and an automatic retractable awning, the price is $6,500 to $9,000. Four, purchasing decision guide: three steps to lock in the best solution

（6）Define core requirements

• Requires 24/7 use: choose the pavilion first.
• Pursue the interaction of natural light and shadow: choose a trellis.

（7）Measure spatial data

• Available area less than 15 square meters: it is recommended to use a trellis.
• No obstruction around the site: the pavilion has better wind protection.

(8)Budget allocation proposals

• Short term use: choose the basic frame for less than $3,000.
• Permanent investment: For more than $5,000, choose a pavilion with a 10-year warranty.