Pergola vs Gazebo? Which should you Choose?

Introduction

What is a pergola?

A pergola is typically an outdoor structure that will consist of vertical posts, as well as horizontal cross beams for support. You will also usually see an open roof structure or lattice-type option with a slatted roof.

Pergolas can offer sun protection and shade creation and provide a nice, sturdy place for climbing plants and vines.

Pergolas will also allow maximum airflow and circulation while maintaining an open, airy feel.

What is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a stick-built structure typically freestanding with a closed roof and open sides. It is generally hexagonal or octagonal, but can be other shapes. They can be made in various materials, including wood, vinyl, or metal, and can have a decorative touch.

Similar to a pergola, a gazebo can offer protection from sun, rain, and other elements you may experience.

Why are these structures important for your outdoor space?

Do you enjoy hosting friends and family? Are you searching for a place to keep them comfortable and out of the elements? If you answered yes to these questions, you could benefit from a pergola or gazebo.

Either one of these structures will allow you to keep the sun off of your space, as well as any other elements you may run into. You can keep the party going and keep everyone protected.

Understanding Pergolas

What are the benefits of a pergola?

A Motorized pergola offers many benefits. I will talk about a few of them, below.

Shade and Shelter

A pergola can provide shade, thus making them ideal for making a comfortable space. You can relax or entertain without being fully exposed to the harsh afternoon sun but can still allow light to filter in, as you like.

Aesthetic appeal

A pergola can visually stimulate your mind as you lay eyes on it. There is a charm that is associated with a pergola and can add a vibrant, fun aesthetic to your outdoor living space.

The pergola can dramatically change your space and can become the focal point of your Victorian garden, outdoor room, or seating area.

Customization Options

There are a multitude of colors, sizes, and options that are available with a pergola purchase. Whether you are looking at aluminum, wood, or vinyl, there is an option that will work for you. Just make sure you have a close look at your size space and build appropriately for your outdoor oasis.

What to consider before purchasing a Pergola?

Size and Space requirements

A good practice before purchasing a backyard structure would be to stake out your space and measure the exact space you will have available. There is not much worse feeling than purchasing a big, beautiful outdoor structure, only to have it not fit your backyard space. Make sure you are comfortable with the size that the unit will take up

Material Choices

There are (3) pretty common material choices when you are pergola vs gazebo shopping. They are aluminum, vinyl, and wood. Vinyl is typically the weakest of the options and also the most likely to expand and contract. There are many color options, but strength is not an advantage for vinyl

Wood is a much stronger option than most, but has its share of faults. Wood is susceptible to decay, rot, and insect infestation. There are types of wood that you can choose that are better in terms of rot, and those are typically Redwood or Cedar. Gazebos are most commonly built out of wood and can be stained or painted any color you would like.

Aluminum is the strongest, most durable and best, best-around, material that you can pick for your pergola. With a powder-coated paint finish, an aluminum pergola from The Luxury Pergola complements modern architecture with its interlocking beams and complete protection from the elements.

Cost Factors

A gazebo will give more complete shade, all the time, whereas a pergola will allow you to shade your backyard deck or allow as much sunlight as you would like. Gazebos are typically going to be stick-built, out of lumber, while a pergola is most commonly seen in the form of a kit but can also be built out of wood.

The cost will vary, depending on the size, material and other variables. A kit is generally more cost-effective than something that needs cut down in the field.

Let's Explore Gazebos

Advantages of Gazebos

Complete Shelter

Do you have no need for sunlight coming into your outdoor space? Would you rather have a wooden structure, built from raw materials? Perhaps a gazebo is a good option for you.

Privacy

A gazebo and pergola are very similar in this regard. They both have 4 open walls, with a covered roof. With both of these structures, it is possible to affix a slat wall, fence, or other shade/curtain for further privacy.

Design Versatility

Gazebos have a bit more flexibility when it comes to design flexibility. Both the sun can be blocked from the roof down, but so can the rain. You can sit outside under your gazebo all day, and not get wet. There are, however, pergolas with motorized louvers that can open and close depending on the current weather protection desired.

What factors to consider before purchasing a Gazebo?

Size and layout

What size is your backyard space? It is priority number 1 to make sure that your new gazebo or pergola will fit in your space. I highly suggest taking everything out and measuring your space.

Material

A gazebo is almost always made out of wood. Wood tends to rot over time, and can be overcome by insects if not properly maintained. You will typically need to seal, stain, or paint every other year with wood. With an aluminum pergola, powder coated, there is no yearly maintenance needed, and just a simple wash with water and soap will clean your structure.

Maintenance Required

As discussed, freestanding structures made out of wood will need annual maintenance. The rot can be destroyed by insects, if not treated properly. There are types of wood that are better with rot and bug resistance, Redwood and Cedar, being the most common types.

Pergola vs Gazebo - A Comparison

Functionality

A gazebo and pergola offer a bit of difference, in terms of shade creation. Both also will give you overhead coverage but will also allow in breezes, on the open wall sides.

Shade vs Shelter

A pergola kit and a gazebo both can offer shade and shelter. A gazebo will have a fixed roof, and it is most commonly set in an octagon or hexagonal shape. A pergola is ideal if you are seeking sun and shade control, throughout the day. The louvers can be opened up to 135 degrees with a motorized louvered roof structure.

Openness and Airflow

Both a pergola and a gazebo are open on all sides and will allow horizontal airflow. The main difference will be the closed roof on a gazebo vs the open, motorized roof on a pergola. A pergola has maximum updraft and can keep you cool and comfortable on even the warmest of days.

Design

A pergola is generally a square or rectangle while a gazebo is 6-8-sided, but can vary from that, also. Different materials and colors are available for each. Aluminum is generally the best option, but wood is also popular.

Conclusion

A pergola or gazebo is a solid outdoor structure. Depending on what you are after and what your limitations are, will determine what structure you should go with. If you like to adjust the roof, allowing more or less sun, a pergola is the right fit.

If you like a wooden structure, with a fixed roof, then a Gazebo may be the best fit for you.