The hallmark quality of whether a shade shelter is considered a Pavilion or Gazebo is in the formulation of the design concept. However, although Pavilions and Gazebos have unique characteristics the interrelationship of the two design specifications can be surprisingly indistinct. Take a pictorial view from the hallmark qualities of Pavilions and Gazebos to new beautiful, state-of-the-art compositions.

The roof of a Gazebo or Pavilion covers the uppermost part of the shade shelter to provide protection for people or animals from the rain, snow, heat, wind, and sunlight. The roof shape is also often a distinguishing feature to know a Gazebo from a Pavilion.

The Gable Roof is a typical pavilion style roof.

Flat Roofs are also generally found on Pavilion Style shade architectures.

    A Hip-Roof or Hipped Roof usually has a gentle slope, symmetrical on all sides. It can have two triangular sides with two trapezoidal sides. A Hipped Roof defines the ShadeScape™ as a Pavilion.  

The rectangular twelve-post shape with a Barrel Top Roof in the above ShadeScape™ Plans are classed as a Pavilion.

The Turret Roof is a telltale sign of a traditional Gazebo construction.

And maybe a little surprisingly, a Gazebo can come with no roof at all. The single characteristic of an octagonal shape classifies this ShadeScape™ DIY Gazebo Plan as a Gazebo.

Traditionally a Gazebo is a place to rest and take in the view but not all Gazebos are open on all sides or without walls.

Pavilions regularly have added walls or privacy lattices.

Another so-called telltale element implemented on a Gazebo is the octogonal shape. A Gazebo does not have to have eight sides to be a Gazebo. They do not even have to be freestanding; they can also be attached to a building.

Now comes the individuality and uniqueness, wherein a Gazebo and Pavilion be hard to separate, where one ends and one begins.

 
 
This four gabled Pavilion Plan is complete with two Gazebos, one on each side, so here is the case where the distinction can become blurred between calling it a Pavilion or a Gazebo.
 

Here again, is a combination of Gazebo and Pavilion.

At times the composition of a ShadeScape™ can give an illusion of an alternative shelter. The above DIY Pavilion Plan appears somewhat as a Gazebo when viewed from one side, in contrast to the straight lines from a differing angle.

Likewise, this composition of a ShadeScape™ Gazebo with attached pavilions gives an the perception of Pavilions when viewed from one side.

A Gazebo can be traditional or combine it with other structures for a unique design.

A Pavilion can be straight forward or integrated with many types of structures utilizing any space well.