We all love our backyard space, and various structures exist to add character and functional space. A pergola and a gazebo are two examples. Both provide a shady sanctuary in a yard or garden, but what’s the difference between a pergola and a gazebo? Understanding what distinguishes them will allow you to make the decision that will best accommodate your outdoor living goals.
This guide will break down the definition, framework, and primary uses of each. You’ll soon have all the info you need to choose between them!
Pergola
Pergolas are garden features that delineate a space and provide dappled shade. You’ll recognize them by the columns standing up to support cross-beams and an open, slatted roof. Pergolas don’t normally have solid roofs, and the sun shines through the roof lattice in a dappled play of light and shade that’s perfect for lounge seating, al fresco dining, or just relaxing in the garden.
We’re normally talking wood, aluminum, or vinyl. But cedar and pressure-treated pine are favorites since they can brave the elements. Contemporary pergolas can even have retractable canopies or vines that weave through the beams, offering privacy and a burst of green. Because they’re open, pergolas seem to integrate themselves into the landscape quite nicely, with the illusion of expansive spaces without actually screening much sunlight.
Gazebos
Gazebos, by contrast, are freestanding, solid-roofed pavilions that offer total shelter from the elements. Octagonal and circular are standard, but square and rectangular gazebos exist. A gazebo is a solid-roof pavilion with two or more posts or columns to hold up the structure. Some have built-in seating or railing and are quite a focal point for gardens or parks.
While wood is the classic material, gazebos also come in steel, aluminum, and vinyl to accommodate traditional and contemporary tastes. The full roof offers protection from rain and sun so that you can take pleasure in the fresh air in any kind of weather in comfort. Gazebos also offer some decoration in the way of cupolas, lattice screens, or curtains for further privacy and aesthetics.
Structural and Functional Comparison
In terms of structure, the most notable difference would be the roof. Pergolas offer open or slatted roofs that let in filtered light, whereas gazebos normally have complete cover roofs for maximum shade and shelter. A pergola would therefore be perfect when you need the structure for climbing vines or a casual, Mediterranean-esque appearance. Gazebos create an enclosed feeling that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing, regardless of the weather.
So, pergola vs. gazebo – which is better? The materials also play a role. Pergolas often use lightweight frames and removable canopies, while gazebos lean towards more substantial year-round structures. Pergolas are perfect extended over patios, walkways, or garden focal points, creating a gentle segue from outside in. Gazebos are striking in the yard, creating a clear destination for entertaining, reading, or quiet time by oneself.
Think of a pergola as an ornamental feature that frames the outdoors. And a gazebo as a useful haven for longer outdoor stays. If you’re still wondering about the difference between a pergola and a gazebo, it ultimately comes down to your outdoor space and how you want to use it.
Arriving at Your Selection of the Perfect Backyard
The choice of a gazebo or a pergola comes down to pairing your outdoor space with the right experience and aesthetic.
If sun and a breezy, open atmosphere are on the agenda, a pergola adds form and function to any area. If an enclosed area in which to sip a cup of coffee regardless of the weather is more your speed, a gazebo adds the same levels of comfort and elegance. Either option is an improvement for a backyard, which is all the more incentive to get outside and take advantage of your piece of the great outdoors.
Explore our products, and decide which suits you best in the pergola vs gazebo debate!