Pergola vs Canopy - What is the Right Outdoor Structure for you?

Introduction

Introduction

Are you planning an outdoor structure project for this Spring or Summer? If so, you have come to the right place! Below, I will speak to outdoor spaces, and structures and give you some solid ideas to help compliment your outdoor living space.

Brief Overview of Outdoor Structures

What type of structure are you looking at? Dozens of structures would be perfect for your outdoor space. A few of the most popular or common are: Pergolas, Canopies, Gazebos, and Pavilions - We will focus on Pergolas and Canopies as a comparison, as we read below.

Pergolas and Canopies are popular outdoor Structures.

A pergola will provide shade as well as define your outdoor living spaces. Are you a person who likes greenery, flowers, or shrubbery? A pergola can support vines, plants, and other shrubbery with its open roof construction.

A canopy is often a temporary or semi-permanent structure with a metal or fabric cover supported by a frame. They can come in various styles and shapes and can be pop-up or fixed in construction.

A canopy will protect from rain, provide shade, and can also create a temporary space for events. Below, we will go over in a bit more detail, the differences between pergolas and canopies.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of typically 4 or 6 posts with horizontal cross beams and open rafters or potentially a louvered roof system. It is frequently free-standing or can also be attached to your home.

Pergolas can vary greatly in design from very simple and basic to much more elaborate; it all depends upon what your main goal for your outdoor area is.

Common Pergola materials

There are some very common building materials that pergolas are built out of. They are usually Aluminum, Wood, Vinyl, and Steel.

The most common are aluminum and wood. Wood is a traditional option and is far and away the most popular style of pergola currently found on the market.

Wood tends to rot and deteriorate over time and can easily be overrun with insects.

Aluminum gives a much more modern aesthetic and can provide a beautiful touch to your space.

Vinyl as a material is commonly the more "inexpensive" option when comparing materials. Vinyl tends to warp, expand, and contract with the changing seasons and temperatures.

Types of Pergolas

Freestanding vs attached - Traditional vs Modern designs

When talking about pergolas, there are a few different types available. Two of the most common types of installation styles would be "free-standing" or Attached. With a free-standing style, it can be placed anywhere in your backyard or garden.

A pergola attached to your home is also another very popular style of pergola and installation type. This type of installation offers a clean, seamless transition between your interior and exterior living spaces.

As we discussed a bit earlier, there are more modern pergolas and much more traditional styles, as well. A modern pergola is generally made out of heavy-duty, extruded aluminum. Generally speaking, wooden pergolas tend to be more traditional and offer a stark contrast.

Durable materials will offer shade and rain protection as well as overall weather protection and aluminum tends to be the strongest, longest-lasting, and most durable material you can use.

The Benefits of Pergolas

Pergolas are a great structure to create shade and to shield yourself from the elements. You can add screens, shades or even climbing plants. Pergolas are an easy way to expand your living area and begin to enjoy dining areas, carports, and even lounging spaces.

Aesthetic appeal/Durability and longevity/customization options

A pergola can add an elegant architectural element to any outdoor space. They can often be a central point for your backyard.

Aluminum pergolas are typically more durable and will require much less maintenance than wood. They are often powder-coated to resist rust.

Wooden pergolas require maintenance on an annual basis - this includes staining, sealing, and perhaps even painting. Wood offers a traditional, classic look but will require much maintenance.

What is a Canopy?

Canopy definition

A canopy is a temporary or semi-permanent outdoor structure with a fabric covered by a frame. A canopy can provide shade, and protection from rain and create a temporary covered space for events and your outdoor space.

Commonly used canopy materials

There are a few quite common materials that an outdoor canopy is made from. These would be aluminum, steel, polyester, canvas, and Vinyl.

Polyester seems to be a nice option for a canopy. They are lightweight and easy to move and adjust; they are very resistant to stretching and shrinking. There are also certain types of treatments added that can help with sun resistance.

Aluminum is also a popular canopy material. It is strong and durable but does tend to rust if not treated correctly. Metal will also get hot in the sun and can make the structure uncomfortable on hot days.

Types of Canopies

Pop-up vs Fixed - Retractable vs Non-Retractable

Two of the most popular types of canopies are Pop-up and Fixed. Pop-up canopies are lightweight and portable and are often inexpensive. They are easy to set up and also take down and are ideal for temporary shade at parties, fairs, picnics, etc.

Fixed patios are a more permanent structure and can be attached to a home or building. They can enhance your living space and also add some light protection from rain.

Retractable vs Non-Retractable canopies are also another big choice when it comes to selecting your canopy. Do you want a more fixed shade option or would you like the option to adjust the canopy to best suit your outdoor space?

Benefits of Canopies

Canopies are a much more inexpensive option when looking at structures to update your backyard. They are also much easier to install than a pergola and are certainly suited more for a DIY-type project.

Pergolas vs Canopies - A Comparison

A pergola and canopy are both structures that will provide shade and offer a bit of rain protection. They have some similar materials they are made from, as well. Many can offer an aluminum frame and a retractable option.

Design and appearance

A pergola is often more architectural and decorative and is available in many styles and sizes. A canopy is more functional - It focuses on creating shade and keeping out soft falling rain.

Functionality and use

Pergolas and canopies can both be used in many instances; typically with shade creation or keeping out elements. Outdoor dining, parties, and other outdoor events can be shaded with a canopy or pergola.

A nice perk of a backyard canopy would be the ease of installation and the simplicity of taking it down. It is on-demand shade creation whenever you need it.

Cost Considerations

Pergolas tend to be quite a bit more money than their canopy counterparts. A pergola is stronger, offers better protection, and can even offer more shade than a canopy can. With a canopy that is a fixed structure, you will save quite a bit of money.

Maintenance considerations?

Both of these structures require very little maintenance. The fabric involved with a canopy has a tendency to wear out in the Sun and the elements, depending on where you reside.

Heavy-duty extruded aluminum pergolas are going to hold up to these same elements and harsh sun much better than most other structures. Extreme weather in certain regions can make the decision easy for many homeowners regarding choosing a pergola vs canopy.

If you choose a wood material pergola, you will need to stain, seal, or paint your pergola on an annual basis.

Choosing the Right Option

Assessing your needs

It is important to have a feel of what you are trying to "get out of" your structure. Are you looking at something a bit more architectural, more durable, and a cleaner aesthetic? If so, a pergola is the right pick for you.

If you are strictly looking at functionality, cost savings, and something you can set up and take down, easily, perhaps a canopy is the right choice for you.

Climate and Weather Considerations

With the many materials that are available to manufacture a pergola or canopy, you can get exactly what you want, depending on where you reside.

You can avoid wood if you are in wet, humid areas and go with something more durable like aluminum. This will give you the functionality you are after, as well as the look you like.

Conclusion

Pergolas and Canopies are both very popular outdoor structures that can assist with sun protection and can create shade. They are both viable options, depending on what your budget and outdoor space require.