Gazebos And Pergolas: A Quick Buying Guide
When choosing a gazebo or a pergola for your garden, it is necessary to consider some factors such as the construction material, the available space that the structure will occupy, the installation position .
The material of a gazebo or pergola can also influence the removability of the structure for example, a seasonal metal gazebo is more suited to being set up quickly when needed, for seasonal use or particular occasions, and dismantled when not needed, typically during cold periods of the year, while fixed gazebos, generally made of masonry or wood, can be used throughout the year.
Among furnishing fixed structures for outdoor spaces, there are also pergolas which can be leaned against the house, connecting to the façade with the function of a patio porch, or self-supporting, i.e. not tied to the house but installed anywhere in the garden.
Creative Ways To Add Shade To Your Pergolas
Pergolas are unique structures that have been in use for hundreds of years. They were originally used to train vines to grow over the top, which created a type of canopy and shade for the user.
Today, pergolas are often left open to add definition to an area. They may also have covers, canopies, or other types of top added that can provide shade.
Pergola tops come in a wide range of styles both permanent and temporary, and can add a lot of style, interest, and function to your outdoor design. If youre wondering how to incorporate shade into the pergola that youre building, check out these 11 pergola sun shade ideas:
Pergola Canopies That Bring The Mediterranean Vibe Into Your Garden
On a bright August day, hiding under pergola canopies with a book and a cold drink in hand, you might mistake yourself for being in the charming Italian countryside. Pergolas, unlike gazebos and pavilions that provide complete shade, are covered with an open framework of wooden or steel beams. Because of their adaptability, they are popular among sun seekers. A shade sail can be pushed back for optimal sunlight or drawn overhead to create an awning.
Pergolas are available in a variety of styles, including canopies and gazebos, at vidaXL.
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Diy Retractable Pergola Canopy
What we’ll need to do first is source a track runner system to fit underneath or inside both sides of the support rafters, so you’ll need two.
It’s important that we’re able to attach rigid tubing, rods or strengthening supports securely to the sliding mechanism carriers that hang below the track from one side to the other .
Here are some examples to give you ideas.
For our canopy, we will attach the material to tubing to give it rigidity across the canopy width and then attach these tubes, at right angles, to the tracks by hooking them through the eyes of the button carriers on one side of the pergola to the button carriers on the opposite side. They can also be attached with some sort of hoop or hook if the tube is too big for the carrier.
Alternatively, Simply use a wire as shown in the pre-made version, simply running the shades along the wires to extend the shade or retract it.
Either use shower-proof material, like the ones used in the pergola kits, or go for a water-proof fabric .
However, these canopies are only intended to be a protection against sun and light showers. The channels that the drooping fabric creates help to prevent water gathering on the canvas.
Can I Make An Attractive Pergola Canopy As Shelter From Sun And Showers
Question 1:
Hello, neat site you got there and very helpful!
Im trying to create a pergola for my balcony. It will mostly be used as a roof/shelter from the sun and rain but I want the roof to be detachable, so I can have it and not when I desire. I guess in order for this to happen, the roof should be created by some kind of cloth that would be able to roll in a coil or something and hide away or roll out and be as a roof.
Can u please help me on this? I have no plans, nor do I have the knowledge to build it! Ill need some help on this.
Question 2:
My husband and I are buying a house with a pergola type deck. We are thinking a retracting canvas roof/sides would be awesome. Do you have any plans or know of some we could use for the roof?
Question 3:
I am trying to build a pergola with retractablecanopy but have problems sourcing a track runner system. Can you help?
The existing kits don’t quite fit the space so I am trying to have itbuilt fitting our measurements. Thank you.
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Make The Most Of Your Garden Or Outdoor Space With A Cunningham Side Panels
Enjoy your outdoor space or garden whatever the weather with our outdoor side panels which are designed to last. Cunninghams panels are UV protected and made from waterproof material so they are ideal to provide protection from rain and sun.
We make your panels bespoke to your needs and can be designed to match any existing structure. Our panels are easily and securely fastened to using marine turn-buttons and stainless eyelets. We can also include a pocket along the bottom edge of your panel to allow pole or bar to be inserted for ease when rolling it.
All seams are double weld or sown. All pressure points such as corners have double material and re-enforced welds to cope in high winds with any rubbing on the frame.
We can also offer the option of including windows and doors on your panel. This can be up to a maximum height or width of 1300mm without a join due to the width of the roll.
- We can make the panels for your existing framework
- All are custom made to your measurements
- Choice of colours
- Industrial brass or stainless steel eyelets
- UV protected and waterproof material
- Optional choice of fire retardancy material
- Perfect for hot climates – we ship worldwide
Entertaining Guests Under Pergolas With Canopies
Add several pergolas with canopies to your garden lounge area to make it more elegant. You may bring a touch of luxury and visual appeal to your garden landscape by installing retractable gazebos. These are ideal for covering an outdoor bonfire or BBQ because of the open roof. You’ll dazzle your summer dinner guests if you surround a backyard cooking area with a pergola. The structure will give your patio or terrace more height and define your relaxing area, making it feel like an outdoor room.
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Outdoor Patios And Gazebos: Smart Solutions For Your Garden And Terrace
To fully enjoy your garden or terrace, it is essential to have protection from your neighbours prying eyes as well as from wind and weather. When you purchase a terrace covering or a garden privacy screen, you get the ideal garden accessories to make you feel even more comfortable in your outdoor area. Our assortment from blumfeldt offers many solutions from a stylish garden pergola to a spacious waterproof gazebo and party tent, which can be used as a privacy screen or as a canopy to enhance your outdoor area.
Pergola With Retractable Canopy
There are also pergolas with retractable canopies. These types allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight passing through, pr simply allow you to stow or remove the canopy in case of extreme weather conditions like rains and strong winds.
Metal pergola with retractable canopy See at
This is a small DIY metal pergola that comes with a canopy, making it a great value for money. It is hooked on the ground to give it more stability.
Freestanding pergola with canopy See at
This freestanding DIY pergola uses slimmer columns, beams and rafters, making it look light and very open. The yellow canopy gives this small pergola a bolder appeal. For more modern pergola designs visit this gallery page.
See more
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Why Buy A Gazebo Or A Garden Pergola
The main benefit of owning a Gazebo or Pergola is that they allow you to enjoy your garden whatever the weather. Ensuring you have the right Gazebo or Pergola to suit your outdoor space means you can enjoy time with your family, BBQ with friends or simply sit outside and enjoy the birdsong whilst escaping the heat of the sun or a brief summer drizzle.
Gorgeous Pergola Canopy Ideas
Welcome to our gallery of pergola canopy ideas for the backyard.Pergolas are one of many architectural features that exists for both its function and its aesthetic. Functionally-speaking, they help create an additional space or extend your space outdoors, allowing you to have an additional area to your home that is directly connected to your garden/yard/outdoors. Depending on the type of pergola, it can also help provide shelter from the weather.
Aesthetically-speaking, pergolas simply visually improve the overall look of your home. It can be made to match the architectural style of the house, or it can also be completely different, depending on the look you are going for. Check out our gallery of pergola ideas for even more designs.
In the picture above solid wood posts and beams make up the main structure of this pergola, complementing the wood decking of the area it covers. The simple square silhouette gives it a contemporary appeal that would easily look good together with any architectural style. A retractable canopy of white sun screen fabric and side curtains has also been added for extra weather protection.
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Wooden Pergola With Canopy
Wooden framing is often favored for its very natural look, making it easily blend in with the outdoors/nature. Depending on the wood specie used, it can also be expensive or affordable. Using the appropriate wood specie according to the use/application and climate would be a great contributing factor in its longevity. The charm of wood-framed pergolas, however, would be the naturally-rustic vibe it achieves through normal wear and tear.
If you would like a bigger pergola, consider the limitations of your chosen material when designing. This example uses wood for the pergola structure, but because wood spans are limited in length, additional columns were needed to support the beams. To compensate for the bulky base support, the top of the pergola only used a minimum amount of rafters. Retractable fabric canopies were installed to soften the big & bulky wood used.
This attractive backyard patio features a large white pergola with garden lattice to help provide additional shade.
Another look at this backyard pergola with white lattice canopy to provide shade for outdoor dining.
This large backyard pergola is constructed with cement pillar supports with a wood structure with additional cross beams for added shade.
A basic garden pergola with plants used as canopy. The use of plants helps block the sun from directly hitting you and at the same time, it instantly adds more personality to your yard.
Overview Of The Different Varieties Of Outdoor Patios And Gazebos
Which covering you purchase and wish to integrate into your garden depends on the use of your chosen protection. Our most popular variants and products include:
- Pergolas: This compact shelter can be set up independently in your garden and offers reliable protection against sunlight and rain. The dimensions of a pergola are quite compact and allow you to set up an attractive seating area in your garden landscape.
- Party Tents: If you regularly celebrate in your garden with friends or family, our tents are the ideal protective items. With their large dimensions, they offer space for many people and provide ideal shelter from the rain when partying, eating and socialising.
- Pavilions: With a pavilion you can choose a compact privacy shield and sun protection in attractive designs, such as a pergola. There is space for one or more people in your garden under a pavilion, and with different covering materials, you can adjust the amount of light and weather protection.
- Canopies and Awnings: This privacy screen for the patio or balcony is specially designed to be attached to your home. You can purchase special covering to expand your living area for example, in the summer you would be able to step outside directly from the kitchen or dining room.
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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. |
Pergola Vs Gazebo: The Differences
Whats the difference between a pergola and a gazebo? A pergola with a roof is quite similar to that of a gazebo but there are differences between these two that can help you decide which one to buy. The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof, however, to properly understand these two shelters, we have listed the notable differences between them.
| Pergola | |
|---|---|
| They offer a great location for photographers. | |
| They dont take too much space. | You can run electricity to a gazebo. |
| Pergola looks really great as a way to anchor a living space or an outdoor kitchen. | They are versatile and functional. |
| You can choose between a larger and a smaller pergola. | They do not need much maintenance and a well-built gazebo has minimal risk. |
| Pergolas add value to your home and property. |
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Pergola Vs Gazebo Vs Canopies: The Differences
Choosing between a pergola, gazebo, and canopy is not complicated, you just need to choose the right style that best suits your home and what you need. Landscaping adds significant value to your home however the kind of roof you use can further heighten the value.
When choosing between these three outdoor structures, you need to consider what the intended use of the backyard structure is and where you want to have it located. Here are some of the highlighted differences between these three.
A pergola is suitable if you are not into shades and just need an outdoor structure to add value to your home.
A gazebo is a well-built structure that will offer you plenty of shade but its expensive. Canopies are the least expensive style of outdoor shelter but most are not sturdy enough to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
No matter what structure you choose, having any of the outdoor structures is sure to add a decorative touch to your garden and backyard.
Final Thoughts
Pergola, gazebo, and canopy are all outdoor structures that are defined to add a decorative touch to your home. These shades will offer you elegance but each has its own advantage and disadvantages. With the differences and limitations of each of these outdoor shades listed above, you can easily choose one that adds value to your home.
Understanding that each of these structures has its differences and what they are best suited for is sure to make your choice an easier one.
Discover next:
Pergola With Retractable Fabric Roof
You can enjoy shade on your patio at the touch of a button. The sun-resistant and rain-proof fabric folds out of the closed cassette on the facade, while the aluminium structure provides strength and extra options.
Personalise your fabric patio cover with built-in LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, power sockets, USB charging points, heating and partitions.
And how do you operate it all? With the smartphone app or the handy design push buttons in the leg pole..
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What Is A Pergola & What Are They Used For
Pergolas, much like Gazebos, provide shade and shelter to your outdoor space. Normally built using wooden beams, they differ in the fact that they traditionally offer a longer-term addition to your garden and rather than being freestanding, pergolas normally extend out from a building as an extension.
Pergolas can be used for multiple activities. Perfect for casting a shadow over a hot summers day or keeping the rain off for a relaxing afternoon of reading, pergolas can create space for cooking with friends, playing with kids, or simply providing a focal point in your own piece of paradise right outside your own home.
What Is A Gazebo & What Are They Used For
A Gazebo is a freestanding garden structure that provides shelter from the elements, whether it be the beating rays of the sun or a Great British afternoon downpour.
In terms of uses, the possibilities are endless! From Yoga or relaxing with a good book, to family parties and BBQs, depending on the size of your gazebo you can use your space for a variety of activities. It also allows space for other garden products such as swing chairs, sun loungers or even a hot tub!
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