Definitions: Pergola Vs Gazebo
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof. A gazebo provides full coverage from the sun, while a pergola allows for sunlight to shine through its slatted roof. Typically, a pergola provides partial shelter and shade over a garden, pathway, or patio. The criss-crossed wooden roof is an optimal space for plants and vines to climb. Meanwhile, a gazebo is a covered, designated seating area in the yard that offers more protection from the elements.
The Purpose Of A Pergola
Gazebo Vs Canopy: The Differences
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo si the shape but with a canopy, it is not the same. A gazebo and a pergola are both created to offer your shades but a canopy is considered more of a simple structure. Here are the differences between a gazebo and a canopy.
| Gazebo | Canopy |
|---|---|
| A gazebo is mainly used for decorating outdoor events and celebrations such as parties, birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. | Canopies are simple structure shades made of lightweight. |
| Gazebos are built to withstand weather and might take up lots of space. | Canopy is designed to add value to your home but is not sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. |
| Gazebos are expensive but are considered reasonable since they are built with durable materials. | Canopies are meant to be temporary structures. |
| Gazebos are permanent and convenient whenever there is a need. | The cost of installing a canopy after a couple of months or years is less favored than that of a gazebo that is sure to last for a long while. |
| The sheer weight of gazebos means they will be standing firm in a place and they are more expensive than the simple structured canopy. | Canopy is a simple structured shade that favors convenience over durability. |
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Whats The Difference Between A Pergola And A Gazebo
Outdoor structures provide us shade and comfort from the elements, a place to entertain and enjoy the outdoors. If you are considering adding an outdoor element like a gazebo or pergola to your home, you may find yourself asking which is right for you. Both the gazebo and the pergola structures are very different, aesthetically and functionally, and the two are often confused for one another. Here is what you need to know when deciding between the two:
Whats The Difference Between Pergola Vs Gazebo
Gazebos, unlike pergolas, have a closed roof. Most gazebos are raised off the ground and rounded, while pergolas are rectangular and connected to a hard ground surface like a patio.
Other outdoor structures similar to pergolas and gazebos include arbors and trellises, which are generally smaller and used differently.
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How Well Can They Match Future Upgrades
The final thing homeowners should consider when deciding between these two structures is how well they can accommodate future upgrades. Gazebos, as said above, are stand-alone structures that need room to feel right in a backyard, so they may become a problem down the road for homeowners who want to further upgrade their outdoor living space.
Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to other structures , so they present more options for future upgrades. Likewise, new offerings like Fortress® pergolas have almost limitless configurations, so homeowners can customize them to fit their current and future design needs.
What Is A Gazebo
A gazebo is a free-standing garden structure, usually hexagonal, rounded, or octagonal, with a solid pitched roof to protect from the elements. A gazebo might have no walls, half walls, or fully built walls but a window for viewing the garden space and more privacy. Screens are used for making their walls.
Gazebos can be made of wood, iron, or stones.
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Pergolas: Residential Affordable Customizable
While both arbors and gazebos bring a lot to the table, they tend to be better fitted for those looking to add a specific type of outdoor structure to their garden or large space, whether it be small or large. For those looking to add some architectural interest and shade to their backyard, a pergola is often the best choice.
Why? A pergola can be freestanding, or you can attach it to your home. Attaching it to your homes exterior wall can also save you money during the construction project since you wont need as many columns or as much support.
There are many pergola options available, especially here at Pergola Depot.
If you want to save on energy costs and invest in green technology, solar-powered pergolas may be of interest to you with the help of your local solar installer. Or, you may prefer to put up your pergola yourself with one of our Big Kahuna Wood Pergola Kits or Sombrero Pergola Kits.
Pergolas arent just limited to the backyard, either. We offer garage pergola kits and a pergola trellis for walkways, as well. Whatever your outdoor goal is, we have the pergola product that can bring it to life.
All About Gazebos Pavilions And Pergolas
Have you been dreaming of ways to make your backyard more inviting and livable? Perhaps you have a deck where you enjoy spending time, but it gets hot in the afternoon sun with little or no shade. Or maybe your backyard doesnt currently have many comfortable features beyond a few chairs or a basic patio. Landscape structures can offer new options for relaxing on your own property. In fact, you may find that creating a calm oasis in your backyard with a gazebo, pavilion, or pergola makes it difficult to spend time anywhere else!
The question is, which structure is the best choice for your unique property? And what are the differences between these three main types anyway? Here at Backyard Unlimited we often hear from customers just beginning a backyard improvement project who dont know what best suits their personal style while solving all challenges presented by their particular outdoor living space. Understanding the key differences between gazebos, pavilions, and pergolas will help you choose the best structure for your individual yard and lifestyle. Lets take a closer look at each.
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What Is An Arbor
An arbor is a simple structure. It can be small or large, but if youre asking, Whats an arbor? you should know that its essentially a simple arch or flat-topped structure supported by one beam on either side. But theres a bit more to it than that.
An arbor comprises a frame that serves as an entryway of sorts. Many even include a gate. Youll likely see arbors covered with climbing plants or vines, like morning glories or even jasmine, which add texture, variety and height to the overall appeal.
An arbor is very similar to a trellis, though thats not what were comparing here. The difference between the two is that a trellis primary purpose is to support plants, while an arbor offers that as a bonus function outside of serving as an entryway.
Later, well compare a pergola vs. arbor so you can see how the two stack up against one another.
How To Choose The Right Structure For Your Property Things To Consider
Clearly, there are many possibilities when it comes to landscape structures, and that can make it difficult to choose which is right for your particular property. Of course, maybe more than one type is right, and you can always mix and match structures in different areas of your backyard! But lets focus for a moment on a few things to consider as you begin the design process. First, youll want to have a rough idea of what your primary use of your new structure will be.
As weve already touched on, outdoor dining space is one of the most popular uses for gazebos, pavilions, and pergolas. Thinking about how you most like to enjoy a meal will point you in the direction of the right structure for outdoor dining. For example, if you prefer cooking indoors and then taking your plate outdoors to sit and eat, you may most enjoy a pavilion or pergola constructed right outside your kitchen door. If pests are a concern and you absolutely hate swatting at bugs as you attempt to enjoy your dinner, you might prefer a gazebo thats screened in to guard against unwanted mealtime invaders. If youre considering the addition of an outdoor kitchen where you can both prepare meals and eat in the same area, again, a pavilion or pergola is going to be your best choice, as gazebos tend to be smaller and more closed in.
Covered vs. Uncovered Space
Screened vs. Open Air
Shape and Style
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Dedicate Or Theme By Your Favorite Hobbies
Theres no better way to plan your decor or theme, than by analyzing your own daily interests! Use your or your familys favorite sports, past times or talents to plan how you will use your new outdoor pergola.
For instance, if your family enjoys board games, you can incorporate cubbies, storage ottomans and stackable shelves to house all of the best family night classics. Invest in oversized pillows so everyone has a comfortable place on the floor to spread out and get playing!
Whats The Difference Between A Pergola And Gazebo
There are so many options to consider when renovating your outdoor entertainment area. If youre wanting to make a statement, two of your options are installing a pergola or a gazebo. For those that arent experts, knowing the difference between the two can be confusing. After all, they do look very similar, and can often be used for the same thing. Were here to help ease the confusion and establish the difference between pergolas and gazebos.
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Presence Of An Existing Extension
Do you have an existing deck, patio, or veranda and would love to add something to make it more of a cozy oasis? Then a pergola must be your choice.
Pergolas are mostly built on existing structures like decks, patios, and verandas. All you got to do is add an awning, ground two pillars on both sides to form a sitting area. Add decor like plants, seats, or a fireplace, depending on what you want to achieve. Adding a pergola will enhance the existing structure.
Gazebos are free-standing structures, best built in the backyard or garden, forming a places focal point.
What To Consider When Choosing Between A Pergola Or Gazebo
Both pergolas and gazebos can elevate an outdoor space by giving homeowners shelter from the midday sun and providing a flexible space for relaxing and entertaining. They can also potentially increase property values. When built with steel, these durable and easy-to-maintain structures can match nearly any homeowners unique tastes. But what are the differences between pergolas and gazebos and what should homeowners consider before choosing one or the other?
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Pergola Vs Gazebo: Differences Pros And Cons
Designing the perfect backyard comes with a lot of tough decisions. Patio or deck? Open or fenced in? And when it comes to setting up structures, the pergola vs. gazebo discussion.
While there is much to admire about both gazebos and pergolas, the different qualities of each will help you determine which structure is best for your dream yard.
Aluminum Vs Wood Pergola: Which Is Easier To Assemble
An aluminum gazebo is its ease of assembly. Because it is lightweight and can be anchored to a deck, it can be placed without any additional foundation.
Unlike wooden gazebos, an aluminum gazebo will not rot in the weather, which means minimal upkeep and less maintenance. Aside from this, an aluminum awning will not rust or corrode.
Essentially, the metal gazebo will not rot due to exposure to weather.
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What Do You Call A Pergola With A Roof
Some pergola owners have an issue with a lack of coverage. If they want to resolve this, they might want to consider installing their pergola with a solid roof. Such is often referred to as Pavilions.
A pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed roof. Now, to make things further interesting, you can install roofs either fixed or retractable. If you prefer a pergolas aesthetics but also want some roof, you now have another option.
What Is A Pergola
A pergola is a tall yard structure composed of columns or pillars supporting an open crossbeam roof. They can be standalone structures, like on patios, or extend from the side of a home. Like most outdoor structures, they come in varied shapes and sizes. All pergolas have the same general purpose providing shade in what is usually a sitting area.
Pergolas can be made of wood, vinyl, fiberglass and other sturdy materials. Covers also come in a wide range of materials, and more expensive models can be retractable. Pergola kits are one option for pre-made plans that take away a lot of the guesswork. You can also go the DIY route.
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What Is The Purpose Of A Gazebo
Gazebos have been around for centuries, typically functioning as meeting spaces or areas of retreat. Today, gazebos have the same function but are more private, often being built on decks, patios, and in gardens at private residences. Many standard gazebos are octagonal, but gazebos can be built in square or rectangle shapes as well. Another common name for this type of structure is a pavilion. Since gazebos have completely covered roofs, they offer protection from the harsh summer sun and shelter from the elements. The sides of gazebos are often left open, either with railings or screened-in walls to keep insects out. Gazebos are great for homeowners who want to spend time outdoors regardless of the weather.
Differences Between A Gazebo Pergola And Porch
Here at Inspired Living, outdoor living is truly a way of life. Thats why weve equipped each community with beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces with a variety of places and environments to enjoy. Every community features a spacious outdoor courtyard with a gazebo and a pergola, and we also have screened-in porches that are a favorite gathering place for almost all of our residents.
So, exactly what are gazebos, pergolas, and porches? How are they different, and how do they help us keep the sun under control while enhancing our enjoyment of the outdoor spaces?
Lets explore all three and find out!
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Build A Bespoke Wooden Pergola With The Porch Specialist
If youre thinking about building a pergola in your garden, we offer stunning wooden pergola kits that are primed for easy assembly. Our kits are made from high-quality oak to create beautiful pergolas to transform your outside area. Not only this, but you can also customise every element, so you can get a garden structure thats right for you.
Contact our friendly team today to discuss your needs or for a custom quote for a quality garden pergola. Or, read a more detailed explanation of pergolas and how they can enhance your garden.
What Is The Purpose Of A Pergola
Unlike gazebos, pergolas are open air structures with open roofs supported by columns or posts. The main function of a pergola is to provide afternoon relief from the harsh summer sun. Today, many homeowners build pergolas to add architectural interest by breaking up large areas and adding a vertical feature to the landscape.
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Ready For A Pergola Or Gazebo Browse Our Selections
Whether our Traditional, Hearthside, Arcadian, or any of our other styles of pergolas catch your eye, we are confident there is a perfect outdoor structure for you.
If a gazebo is calling you in the other direction, we can help you sort through Dodecagon, Octagon, Oval and Rectangular styles with ease. Get in touch with our expert craftsman today, in a location near you!
Gazebo Vs Pavilion Vs Pergola: Which One Is Right For You
If youre looking to get a new outdoor structure for your yard, you may be wondering what is the difference between pavilions, pergolas and gazebos? In this blog post, we will discuss the unique features of each type of structure so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
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