An open patio is great on a sunny day. But Central New York weather changes fast, and a sudden shower, the midday sun or a chilly evening can send everyone inside. A roof changes that. A covered patio or pavilion turns your patio into an outdoor room you can use from early spring to late fall.
Syracuse Construction designs and builds covered patios, pavilions and outdoor living structures in Syracuse and Central New York. Here's how to plan one.
- Attached covered patio or freestanding pavilion?
- Choosing a roof style
- Built for Central NY snow and weather
- Fireplaces, heaters and lighting
- Ceilings, columns and finishes
- Planning tips
- Frequently asked questions
Attached Covered Patio or Freestanding Pavilion?
| Attached covered patio | Freestanding pavilion | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Right off the kitchen or living room | By the pool, at a view or at the edge of the yard |
| Feel | An extension of the house | A destination of its own |
| Design | Ties into your home's roofline and siding | More freedom in shape and style |
| Best for | Everyday dining and relaxing | Entertaining, pool lounging and outdoor kitchens |
Choosing a Roof Style
- Gable: a classic peaked roof with room for a vaulted ceiling and decorative trusses.
- Hip: slopes on all four sides, great for freestanding pavilions and sheds snow well.
- Shed or lean-to: a single slope that tucks under second-story windows on attached patios.
- Pergola: an open, slatted roof for partial shade. Pair with a solid-roof section if you want shelter from rain.
Built for Central NY Snow and Weather
A roof in Syracuse has to carry heavy, wet snow for months. Covered structures must be engineered for local snow loads, set on footings below the frost line, and connected properly to the house when attached. Flashing, gutters and drainage keep water away from the house and off the patio. That's why a covered patio is a construction project, not a weekend kit.
Fireplaces, Heaters and Lighting
The features under the roof decide how many months you'll use it:
- Stone fireplaces for warmth and a focal point
- Infrared heaters to take the chill off in spring and fall
- Ceiling fans for summer breezes
- Recessed lights, pendants and sconces for evenings
- Outdoor TVs and speakers for game days
As a certified flexible gas line installer, we can run gas for fireplaces, heaters and grills, along with the electrical for everything else.
Ceilings, Columns and Finishes
Tongue-and-groove wood ceilings add warmth. Stone-wrapped column bases tie the structure to your patio and home, and matching siding and roofing make an attached structure look original to the house. Our team includes a CertainTeed Master Craftsman. Read about natural vs. cultured stone veneer for columns and fireplaces.
Planning Tips
- Size for furniture: lay out dining and seating first, then size the roof around them.
- Think about sun: place the structure to block afternoon sun where you sit most.
- Plan utilities early: gas, electrical and speaker wire are easiest before the floor and ceiling go in.
- Design the patio and landscape together. Our sister company, Syracuse Lightscapes, can design the patio, lighting and plantings around the structure.
- Start in winter: design and permits over the winter mean construction can start in spring.
Want a fully enclosed space? See our guide to planning a pool house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a covered patio or pavilion?
In most Central New York towns, roofed structures, whether attached to the house or freestanding, require a building permit. We handle drawings, permits and inspections.
What's the difference between a pergola and a pavilion?
A pergola has an open slatted roof that gives partial shade. A pavilion has a solid roof that keeps out rain and snow, so you can add ceiling fans, lights, a TV, heaters and a fireplace.
Should my covered patio be attached to the house?
An attached covered patio extends your living space right outside the door and can match your roofline. A freestanding pavilion can sit by the pool or at a view. The right choice depends on your yard, roofline and how you'll use it.
Can you add a fireplace, heaters or a TV?
Yes. We build stone fireplaces and run electrical for fans, lights, TVs and heaters. As a certified flexible gas line installer, we can also run gas for fireplaces, heaters and grills.
How much does a covered patio or pavilion cost?
It depends on size, roof style, materials and features. As a reference, our sister company Syracuse Lightscapes lists pergolas, pavilions and covered structures at a typical $15,000 to $80,000 in its pricing guide.
Related Services
Build Your Outdoor Room
From attached covered patios to freestanding pavilions, we design and build structures made for Central NY weather.
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