Pergolas, Pavilions & Gazebos

Ventures is your premier design and build company for custom pergolas, pavilions and gazebos in southeast Michigan

Everything you need to know about Pergolas, Pavilions & Gazebos

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is a style of shade cover with open walls and a partially covered roof. They are often made from cedar or steel with four structural pillars and a roof of cross beams or sturdy lattice. Pergolas are a wonderful way to provide shaded outdoor spaces. They can be attached to your house like our Bates and Bevernhaus projects or freestanding like the Kingston. The structures are beautiful additions themselves but can also be landscaped with climbing vines, hops, or string lighting to create beautiful, intimate outdoor spaces for dining and relaxing.  Your custom pergola can be designed with a retractable louvered roof to offer full protection from the elements on rainy days and partial shade on sunny days. 

Pergolas often have a square footprint but Venture’s innovative design team can customize a pergola to your home’s specifications. See our incredible Kingston project for an example of a fully customized pergola. The expansive structure and custom deck below, mimic the octagonal shape of the house. The slanted roof offers full coverage over the outdoor kitchen and bar and transitions to partial shade over the outdoor dining room. Whatever you can dream of, our design and build team can create. 

What is a Pavilion?

If you’re looking for something more structural than a pergola, a custom pavilion may be for you. Pavilions can also be designed in any shape and size but have a fully covered roof. Our Buchanan project is a stunning example of a custom pavilion. This project combines an outdoor kitchen and bar with a beautiful lounge area. The outdoor sectional provides abundant seating around the brick fireplace and flat-screen TV, all in the open air! 

What is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a common style of the pavilion, often featuring a turret-style roof. Gazebos are commonly built in gardens, parks, and other visually pleasing outdoor spaces. Gazebos can be built in any size, from small structures designed to hold one or two people to larger structures capable of shading large groups for gatherings and events.

How long has Ventures been building outdoor pergolas, pavilions and gazebos in Michigan?

Ventures has been building custom pergolas, pavilions and gazebos in Michigan for over 10 years. Over the years we’ve built a reputation as one of Michigan’s best contractors to hire for custom pergolas, pavilions and shade structures.

What types of pergolas, pavilions and gazebos do we specialize in?

Ventures specializes in the design and construction of fully customized pergolas, pavilions, gazebos and shade structures. Whether you want a simple attached pine pergola coming off the back of your house or something more elaborate like a free standing pavilion with outdoor kitchen, electricity, and a fireplace, we’ll work to design and build the perfect structure for your home.

How much does a custom pergola, pavilion or gazebo cost in Michigan?

Having a custom pergola, pavilion or gazebo built in Southeast Michigan can range from $2k - $100K. With fully customized pergolas, pavilions and gazebos, there is a huge range depending on size, materials, and intricacy of design. Shade cover projects can be as simple as adding an attached cedar pergola to an existing patio or deck, or as intricate as building a freestanding pavilions with all the amenities of an indoor room. Our portfolio features gorgeous pavilions with tongue and groove ceilings, recessed lighting, outdoor kitchens with chef grade appliances, entertainment lounges with fireplaces and all weather TVs. In addition we’re happy to take on smaller projects with as much care and attention to detail as the larger builds. A simple pine pergola or gazebo with string lighting and crawling vines can add immense charm to your home. No matter the scope, our experienced team of designers and sales consultants will work with you and your budget to build the custom pergola or pavilion of your dreams.

How long does the design and build process take?

The construction process for a custom pergola, pavilion or gazebo can take anywhere from a couple days to several months to complete. That doesn’t include time spent on design, selections, permitting or other landscaping features. On average a full project that includes a custom shade structure, patio and surrounding landscape will take around 2-6 weeks to complete. Like most things in Michigan, the time of year and weather can also have a big impact on the overall timeline. If you’re thinking about adding a custom pergola or pavilion to your backyard it’s never too early to start planning.

Are permits required to build a custom pergola, pavilion or gazebo in Michigan?

Yes, in most cases permits are required to build pergolas, pavilions and gazebos in Michigan. We have extensive experience working with Building Departments across Southeast Michigan and are familiar with the local building codes. When you choose Ventures to build your custom pergola, pavilion or gazebo we manage every step of the permitting process from application to final inspection.

Ventures is the premier source for your custom outdoor living space. Check out our portfolio to see the full breadth of what we build:

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