Which Timber Frame Structure Is Right for You? Pergola, Pavilion, Gazebo, Cabana—or a Unique Blend?

Outdoor Shelter, Redefined

When you’re dreaming of an outdoor shelter—a place to gather, relax, or celebrate—the most important question isn’t what it’s called. It’s what it creates for you.

At Western Timber Frame™, we craft structures that are grounded in beauty, strength, and meaning. Whether it’s a pergola, pavilion, gazebo, cabana—or even a unique hybrid that blends the best features of several—we tailor each one to your space, your style, and your story.

Pergolas: Where Light, Shade, and Structure Meet

A pergola is more than an outdoor accent—it’s a graceful architectural frame that filters light, defines space, and invites you to linger a little longer outdoors. Whether it’s freestanding or attached, stretching over a deck, patio, pool, or rooftop, a pergola becomes a gentle canopy—letting in sunlight while offering dappled shade and design depth.

At Western Timber Frame™, our standard pergola design provides approximately 85% shade coverage—comparable to the cooling comfort of a mature shade tree. For those who prefer more sunlight, shade planks can be spaced further apart, allowing natural light to pour through while still providing form and comfort. This level of customization turns a simple overhead structure into a personalized extension of your home.

And the beauty of timber framing is this: it doesn’t have to fit a mold.

We’ve crafted pergolas with diving decks, rooftop platforms, swing mounts—even expanded shade coverage approaching that of a pavilion. Design elements can overlap and evolve, creating something unique for every space. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy reading corner or a sweeping garden walkway, a pergola can be shaped to express both elegance and function in harmony with its surroundings.

Pavilions: Spacious Canopies for everyday celebration

With a full roof and open sides, pavilions offer solid cover and a striking frame for outdoor living. From cozy retreats to expansive entertainment areas, they’re often the centerpiece of a backyard gathering space.

Gazebos: A Timeless Sanctuary in the Garden

Traditionally crafted in elegant polygonal forms—most commonly as a six-sided hexagon, an eight-sided octagon, or even a twelve-sided dodecagon—gazebos echo the refined geometry of a honeycomb. This natural design is both strong and visually striking, a framework shaped by centuries of beauty and purpose.

With a fully covered roof or the option for an open cupola to let in sunlight and sky, a gazebo becomes more than a structure—it becomes a space of presence. It invites quiet reflection, heartfelt conversation, and joyful moments with loved ones. Rooted in classic design, gazebos remain a landscape centerpiece—timeless, tranquil, and tailored for gathering or solitude.

Cabanas: Contemporary Comfort with a Shelter-All Feel

Cabanas bring a fresh, modern edge to traditional timber framing. With their signature shed-style roof that slopes to one side, they offer sleek visual lines and a naturally efficient design for rain and sun runoff. But beyond function, a cabana is a canvas—ready to become whatever you envision it to be.

It can be a private poolside retreat, a breezy garden studio, or a restful lounge tucked beside the trees. Enclose it for added privacy, leave it open for airflow and views, or blend it with lighting, curtains, and furnishings to create your personal escape. The cabana’s quiet sophistication pairs effortlessly with the warmth of timber and the clarity of purpose.

Built with the same durable, artisan craftsmanship as all our structures, cabanas deliver not just shelter—but sanctuary.

Every Structure is Custom, Every Space is Possible

Here’s what truly sets our approach apart: we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. A pergola can anchor a massive estate entrance or soften a small backyard corner. A pavilion might serve as a luxury spa roof, a chapel canopy, or a communal dining hall. A cabana could become a yoga retreat or the kids’ favorite reading spot.

It’s not about what a structure should be used for—it’s about what you want to make possible.

Design elements often overlap, allowing you to draw from the strengths of each style and create something new—something entirely yours.

Let’s Build What Matters Most

Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your values: grounded, warm, welcoming. With our team of passionate designers and craftsmen, every detail—every beam and post—is shaped to reflect your vision.

Whether you know exactly what you want or are just beginning to explore ideas, we’ll guide you in creating a structure that’s timeless, meaningful, and made to last.