When designing your outdoor living space in Southern Oregon, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between a covered patio and a pergola. Both options can transform your backyard into a functional, beautiful extension of your home—but they serve very different purposes.
Whether you’re in Grants Pass, Medford, or Brookings, understanding the differences can help you make the right investment for your lifestyle, budget, and climate.
A covered patio is a fully or partially enclosed outdoor space with a solid roof structure. It can be attached to your home or built as a standalone feature.
Covered patios are especially popular in Southern Oregon where homeowners want to enjoy their outdoor space through hot summers and rainy seasons.
A pergola is an open-air structure made with vertical posts and overhead beams or slats. It provides partial shade while maintaining an airy, natural feel.
Pergolas are perfect if you want to enhance your yard visually while still enjoying open skies and natural light.
If you want a space you can use regardless of weather, a covered patio is the better choice.
Costs can vary significantly depending on size, materials, and site conditions, but pergolas are typically the entry-level option.
In many areas like Grants Pass and Medford:
Working with an experienced contractor can help navigate local permitting requirements.
Absolutely—and this is becoming a popular trend.
Many homeowners in Southern Oregon are choosing to:
This hybrid approach creates a layered, high-end outdoor design.
Both covered patios and pergolas offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use your outdoor space.
If you’re looking to create a fully functional outdoor living area that you can enjoy year-round, a covered patio is likely the better investment. If you’re aiming for a more decorative, open-air enhancement, a pergola may be the perfect fit.
At Hawthorne Landscaping Northwest, we specialize in designing and building custom outdoor living spaces throughout Southern Oregon, including Grants Pass, Medford, and Brookings.
Whether you’re considering a covered patio, pergola, or a combination of both, our team can help you design a space that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Contact us today to start planning your custom outdoor living project.