The Difference Between Pergola,Gazebo And Explained

Pergolas and Gazebos have long been adding style and shelter to outdoor spaces, but which is right for your yard or garden?

Many of us like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Adding a pergola or gazebo to a yard or garden offers a stylish place to relax and spend time with family or friends. It can help protect people from the searing heat of summer and, depending on the design, can hold off the chill of autumn for a few more precious weeks.

The choice between a pergola and gazebo can be confusing if you don’t know the characteristics of each structure. This article shares the pros and cons of both to help you decide which is right for your outdoor space.

The roof design is the key difference between a pergola and Gazebo.

There is one defining aspect of whether an outdoor structure is a pergola or a gazebo that just about everyone agrees on: roof structure.

The basic design of a pergola roof is usually an open horizontal lattice of interlocking beams (wooden, aluminum, steel, and PVC are all possibilities). It offers some shade, but negligible protection from rain. Retracting fabric canopies are frequently added for more complete shade, but don’t offer a great deal of weather protection. Alternatively, plants can grow up the supports and over the roof structure. These not only help with increased shade but often create a cooling atmosphere.

A gazebo roof offers complete cover. Sides may be open, but the roof is continuous. Styles vary considerably from pagodas to tiled pavilions to modern steel frame gazebos and fabric models. The roof is usually pitched so that any rain runs off, and it is fixed rather than retractable.

Most often a gazebo has a finished floor, often slightly raised from the surrounding area. A pergola usually sits on an existing deck, hard-surface patio, or lawn. Pergolas don’t usually include seating. Some gazebos are designed with benches built inside.

A Gazebo can provide more shade and shelter from the elements than a pergola.

Given that a gazebo’s roof covers the whole structure, it is easy to assume it provides more shelter than a pergola. It may, but the amount of shelter can vary considerably. Overall design makes a huge difference.

Lightweight pop-up gazebos, for example, are quick and easy to erect for a party, and offer protection in the event of a shower, but are not particularly sturdy. A solid wooden pergola with a canopy might be just as effective in that situation.

However, pergolas don’t generally have enclosed sides, whereas gazebos often do. They vary from mesh screens (great for keeping the bugs out) to wooden railings to roller shutters. Thus permanent gazebos can offer almost complete protection from the elements, but it very much depends on the features chosen.

1 (2)


Post time: Feb-11-2023