Pergolas & Pavilions in Forest Lake
Custom Outdoor Structures to Elevate Your Forest Lake Backyard

We Create Stunning Gazebos & Pergolas for Forest Lake Landscapes
Picture yourself soaking up a warm Minnesota summer day in your Forest Lake backyard, relaxing beneath the shade of a custom-built pergola. Maybe you’re flipping through a favorite book or sipping a cool drink beside the pool. Pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions are a great way to enhance your deck, patio, or outdoor living space, adding comfort, charm, and more reasons to enjoy your time at home.




Thunderstruck Restorations is a professional outdoor construction company specializing in gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions. Based in Ham Lake, Minnesota, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Forest Lake and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking to install a pergola over your patio, need a covered structure for your hot tub, or want a shaded space beside your pool, the experienced craftsmen at Thunderstruck Restorations are ready to make it happen.
Understanding the Difference Between Gazebos, Pergolas, and Pavilions
If you're planning to enhance your outdoor living space in Forest Lake, Minnesota, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right type of structure. While gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions may serve similar functions, each one brings its own style and benefits depending on your goals for the space.
Gazebos: Typically octagonal and freestanding, gazebos are often placed in quiet corners of the yard or garden. They feature a solid roof and partially open or enclosed sides, creating a peaceful place to relax, read, or enjoy a shaded outdoor meal. Many Forest Lake homeowners love gazebos for their charm and ability to create a tranquil garden retreat.
Pergolas: With open, slatted, or cross-beam roofs supported by columns, pergolas help define outdoor living spaces like patios, dining areas, or walkways. They offer partial shade and allow filtered sunlight to pass through, which makes them ideal for enjoying warm weather while staying comfortable. Pergolas are especially popular in Washington County for adding visual interest and functional structure to backyards.
Pavilions: Larger and typically rectangular or square, pavilions provide full roof coverage and are perfect for entertaining. They’re often built over patios, near pools, or as a central feature in wide-open spaces. In Forest Lake, pavilions are a great fit for homeowners who enjoy hosting cookouts, gatherings, or simply want a covered outdoor area they can use in any season.
Choosing between a gazebo, pergola, or pavilion depends on your available space, design preferences, how you plan to use the area, and your budget. Each offers something unique—from quiet, shaded escapes to spacious outdoor lounges ready for entertaining.
Why Choose Thunderstruck Restorations to Build Your Pergola, Gazebo, or Pavilion?
Located in Ham Lake, just a short drive from Forest Lake, Thunderstruck Restorations is a licensed and insured outdoor construction company with over ten years of experience designing and building custom outdoor structures.
Our small, skilled team focuses on creating durable, beautiful additions that stand up to Minnesota’s weather while enhancing your outdoor lifestyle. At Thunderstruck Restorations, we treat every project with the same care and commitment we would give our own homes. From materials and design to construction and cleanup, we prioritize quality at every step.
With 40+ five-star reviews and a growing reputation throughout Anoka and Washington County, we’ve become a trusted name for homeowners who want craftsmanship they can count on. We keep our workspaces tidy, stay on schedule, and make sure you’re informed every step of the way.
If you’re ready to build a custom pergola, gazebo, or pavilion in Forest Lake, call us at (612) 806-7048 or fill out our contact form. We’d love to help you bring your outdoor vision to life.
Custom Pergolas & Gazebos Built in Forest Lake
An outdoor structure like a pergola, gazebo, or pavilion is a great way to complete your new outdoor living space
Smaller Structures
$2,500 - $4,000
This would be for a small wood pergola type structure on your back deck, across a pathway, or in your garden.
Medium Spaces
$4,000 - $8,000
This would be for a larger pergola or gazebo type structure on your back deck or patio, or in your garden area.
Large Spaces
$8,000 - $20,000+
This would be for a larger pavilion type structure on your back deck, next to your pool, or to cover an outdoor dining area.
Choosing Between Pre-Made Kits and Custom-Built Outdoor Structures in Forest Lake
If you're planning to add a gazebo, pergola, or pavilion to your yard in Forest Lake, you'll likely find yourself deciding between a pre-made kit and a custom-built structure. Both options come with their own set of benefits, but it’s important to consider the installation process and how well the structure will fit your property.
Pre-Made Kits: These kits include all the materials and instructions you need to assemble the structure yourself. They’re designed for quicker installation and come in a variety of styles—from basic to more detailed designs. However, even pre-made kits require accurate measurements, the right tools, and a solid understanding of construction. Many homeowners are surprised by the complexity involved in making sure the final structure is safe, level, and secure.
Custom-Built Options: A custom pergola or gazebo in Forest Lake gives you the freedom to tailor the size, layout, and materials to match your yard and home. These structures are built specifically for your space, providing a more seamless and durable addition to your outdoor living area. Because of the skill required, custom outdoor structures are best handled by experienced professionals who understand structural integrity and local building conditions.
While DIY might seem like a cost-saving approach, Minnesota’s climate makes it essential to build with strength and longevity in mind. Wind, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles all put stress on outdoor structures. When you hire a trusted contractor like Thunderstruck Restorations, you’re ensuring your pergola, gazebo, or pavilion will be safe, stable, and built to last.
At Thunderstruck Restorations, we have the tools, experience, and construction knowledge to handle even the most complex installations in Forest Lake. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from design to final walkthrough.
Avoid the frustration and risk that can come with self-installation. Let Thunderstruck Restorations deliver a smooth, professional build that enhances your backyard, poolside, or patio the right way from day one.
Our Clients Love Us!
Here's What They Say

Team was great to work with. Love my Pergola that they built. Great communication and excellent craftsmanship. They truly wanted to make the customer happy and go the extra mile.