Picking between a covered deck vs pergola is like choosing between a fully equipped outdoor living room or a stylish garden retreat. Each brings shade and character to your St. Louis backyard, but they differ in terms of function, cost, and aesthetic appeal. Let’s dive into detailed pros, cons, and decision-making factors to help you select the ideal shade structure for your outdoor space.
A Quick Look
Hey, dreaming up some backyard shade? Covered decks provide full shelter from rain, sun, or snow, transforming your deck into a legitimate outdoor room for all-season gatherings—think dining in the drizzle or starry movie nights. Pergolas? They’re the breezy, budget-savvy stars with open slats for dappled light and vine-climbing charm, perfect for casual lounging without the full enclosure. Go for a covered deck if you want constant usability and don’t mind the higher price tag (around $10K–$30K); pick a pergola for style on a dime ($2K–$10K) if partial shade and low upkeep are your priorities. Dive in to see what suits your vibe, weather, and wallet best!
What’s a Covered Deck?
A covered deck is a raised platform, typically attached to your home, with a solid roof for full weather protection. Picture a seamless outdoor extension where you can dine or relax, shielded from St. Louis’ spring showers or summer sun. Materials include pressure-treated wood, composite, or vinyl for decking, with roofs in asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal, or polycarbonate panels.
Pros of Covered Decks
- Complete Weather Shield: Blocks rain, snow, and UV rays, ideal for St. Louis’ unpredictable climate (e.g., 40 inches of annual rainfall).
- Flexible Use: Set up dining tables, sectionals, or a projector for movie nights, usable any season.
- Property Value Boost: Adds 5–10% to home resale value in St. Louis, per local realtor data, if built with quality materials.
- Custom Options: Install skylights, recessed lighting, or screened walls for a personalized setup.
Cons of Covered Decks
- Higher Price Tag: Costs $12,000–$30,000 for a 12×16-foot deck, depending on materials (e.g., composite vs. wood) and roof type.
- Upkeep Needs: Wooden decks need staining every 2–3 years; shingle roofs require inspections every 5–7 years.
- Less Airy Feel: Solid roofs reduce the open, natural connection compared to a pergola’s slatted design.
What’s a Pergola?
A pergola is an open-air structure with a slatted roof, supported by four or more posts, which creates a defined outdoor space without a full enclosure. Think of it as a chic framework for your yard, often made of cedar, vinyl, or aluminum, available in either freestanding or attached styles.
Pros of Pergolas
- Budget-Friendly: Ranges from $2,000–$10,000, with DIY kits as low as $1,500 for a 10×10-foot model.
- Stylish Look: Open slats support climbing plants like clematis or add ambiance with string lights, perfect for creating a garden vibe.
- Dappled Shade: Blocks 50–70% of sunlight, ideal for St. Louis’ humid summers (average high: 89°F in July).
- Low Maintenance: Vinyl or aluminum pergolas require only occasional cleaning; cedar pergolas last 15–20 years with minimal care.
Cons of Pergolas
- Partial Weather Coverage: Slats don’t stop rain; add-on canopies offer 80–90% protection but incur an additional cost.
- Limited Privacy: Open design exposes you to neighbors, less ideal for secluded yards.
- Weather Vulnerability: Less durable in high winds (e.g., St. Louis’ occasional 50 mph gusts) compared to covered decks.
Key Factors to Consider
When weighing pergolas versus covered decks, consider your yard’s needs and how you plan to use the space. Here are practical questions to guide your choice:
1. How Does St. Louis Weather Impact Your Choice?
St. Louis experiences approximately 40 inches of rain and occasional snowfall annually. Covered decks keep you dry during spring downpours or winter flurries. Pergolas work well for summer shade, but need canopies for rain protection.
2. What’s Your Yard’s Purpose?
If you want a multi-season space for dining, lounging, or watching Cardinals games, a covered deck handles it all. For casual hangouts, reading, or garden vibes, a pergola’s open design suits relaxed moments.
3. What’s Your Budget?
Covered decks cost $12,000–$30,000 for a 12×16-foot setup (e.g., $800/sq. ft. for composite, $500/sq. ft. for wood). Pergolas range from $1,500 (DIY vinyl kit) to $8,000 (custom cedar). Request quotes from St. Louis contractors for accurate pricing.
4. How Much Upkeep Can You Handle?
Wooden covered decks need staining every 2–3 years ($500–$1,000) and roof maintenance (e.g., shingle replacement every 20 years). Vinyl or aluminum pergolas require cleaning every 1–2 years; wooden pergolas need staining every 3–4 years.
5. What Look Do You Want?
Covered decks create a polished, room-like space that ties to your home’s exterior (e.g., brick or siding). Pergolas offer a garden-inspired aesthetic, great for pairing with greenery or modern minimalist yards.
6. Are Eco-Friendly Materials a Priority?
Composite decking (50% recycled content) or FSC-certified wood for covered decks reduces environmental impact. Pergolas in recyclable aluminum or sustainably sourced cedar (15–20-year lifespan) are lighter on the planet.
7. What’s Involved in Installation?
Covered decks require permits in St. Louis due to their structural ties to your home (e.g., ledger board attachment), which can take 1–3 weeks to build. Pergolas often require permits for freestanding models (verify with city codes) and can be installed in 1–3 days, or 4–6 hours for DIY kits.
Pergola vs Covered Deck Designs
Your shade structure’s design can define the vibe of your St. Louis backyard, so let’s explore specific looks for pergolas versus covered decks that suit local architecture and lifestyles. Here are four design ideas, two for each structure, with material pairings and style notes to spark inspiration.
Covered Deck Designs
1. Modern Midwest Minimalist: Picture a 12×16-foot covered deck with dark gray composite decking and a sleek, black standing-seam metal roof. Add floor-to-ceiling glass panels on one side for wind protection without blocking views of your Creve Coeur yard. Pair with stainless steel cable railings and built-in LED strip lighting along the beams for a clean, contemporary look.
This design suits St. Louis’ modern suburbs, offering a polished space for evening drinks or Cardinals watch parties
2. Rustic St. Louis Retreat: Opt for a 14×14-foot covered deck with pressure-treated pine decking, stained a warm walnut, and a cedar-shingle roof to match historic Kirkwood homes. Include exposed wooden beams and a stone-accented support column for a cabin-like feel. Add a ceiling fan with a wrought-iron finish and built-in benches for casual dining.
This setup thrives in St. Louis’ rainy springs, keeping you dry during April showers..
Pergola Designs
1. Garden-Inspired Classic: Imagine a 10×12-foot cedar pergola with a natural stain, set in a Webster Groves backyard. Drape it with climbing wisteria for organic shade and pair it with a gravel floor and teak bistro set for intimate coffee mornings. Add solar-powered lanterns on the posts for evening glow.
The open slats block 60% of sunlight, perfect for St. Louis’ humid summers, and the cedar resists rot for 15–20 years.
2. Contemporary Louvered Luxury: Go for a 10×10-foot aluminum pergola with motorized louvered slats, powder-coated in matte white, ideal for a Clayton condo patio. Pair with a tiled floor and modular outdoor sofas for a sleek, urban look.
The adjustable louvers (controlled via remote) block 85% of rain when closed and resist 60 mph winds, common in St. Louis storms. Add retractable privacy screens for seclusion.
Pro Tip: Maximize Durability
For covered decks, opt for powder-coated aluminum framing (resists rust in St. Louis’ humidity) and composite decking (30-year lifespan vs. wood’s 15–20 years). For pergolas, choose motorized louvered roofs (e.g., Rainier systems) for adjustable shade and wind resistance up to 60 mph.
Test material samples for color and texture before committing, and confirm load-bearing capacity (e.g., 50 lbs./sq ft. for snow on covered decks) with your contractor.
Pergolas vs Covered Decks: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Covered Deck | Pergola |
| Weather Protection | Full (rain, sun, snow) | Partial (50–70% sun, add canopy for rain) |
| Cost | $12,000–$30,000 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Maintenance | Staining every 2–3 years, roof checks | Cleaning yearly, staining every 3–4 years |
| Style | Room-like, tied to home | Open, garden-inspired |
| Use | All-season, multi-purpose | Casual, seasonal |
| Installation Time | 1–3 weeks | 1–3 days (4–6 hours DIY) |
Can You Combine Them?
Undecided? Mix it up! A covered deck with a pergola-style roof section offers partial shade and style for larger yards. Or, place a freestanding pergola next to a covered deck to create separate zones—one for sheltered dining, another for open-air lounging. In St. Louis, this combo maximizes usability across humid summers and rainy springs.
FAQs: Covered Decks vs. Pergolas
How long does it take to build a 12×12-foot covered deck vs. a pergola?
A 12×12-foot covered deck typically takes 10–14 days to complete professionally, including roof framing. A 12×12-foot pergola takes 1–2 days, or 4–6 hours with a pre-cut vinyl kit.
What’s the cost for a 12×12-foot structure in pergolas vs covered decks?
A 12×12-foot covered deck costs $12,000 (pressure-treated wood, shingle roof) to $18,000 (composite, metal roof). A 12×12-foot pergola costs $3,000 (vinyl) to $6,500 (cedar, no canopy).
Can a pergola’s canopy withstand St. Louis winds?
A motorized louvered canopy (e.g., Rainier system) for a 10×10-foot pergola costs $2,000–$4,000 and can withstand winds of 50–60 mph, providing 85% rain protection when closed.
What foundation does a covered deck need compared to a pergola?
Covered decks require concrete piers (4–6 per 12×12 deck, $1,200–$2,500) to support 50 lbs./sq. ft. snow loads. Pergolas use 4–6 post anchors ($80–$250) for lighter structures.
How often do I stain a wooden-covered deck vs. a wooden pergola?
A wooden-covered deck needs staining every 2 years ($600–$1,000) and roof checks every 5 years. A cedar pergola needs staining every 3–4 years ($400–$800).
Which works better for a 100-square-foot St. Louis yard?
A 10×10-foot pergola uses 4 posts, leaving more open space. A 10×10-foot covered deck’s roof and railings (needing 10–12 sq. ft. for supports) can feel cramped in 100 sq. ft.
Which Is Right for You?
Deciding between a covered deck and a pergola depends on how you want to use your St. Louis backyard. A covered deck provides reliable shelter for dining or relaxing during rainy springs (averaging 40 inches annually) and snowy winters. A pergola with adjustable louvers gives you control over shade on humid summer days (with average highs of 89°F). Use durable materials like powder-coated aluminum or composite to handle Midwest weather and boost your home’s value.
Want to get started? Solid Ground, a St. Louis-based, veteran-led deck builder, specializes in custom outdoor living structures like steel-framed covered decks and motorized louvered pergolas. Our high-quality, low-maintenance designs maximize comfort and curb appeal.
Get a free consultation and start building your ideal backyard today!
