Gazebo vs Pergola: What’s The Best Option For You?
Spring is here and it’s an exciting time since it gives you the chance to get outside and start planning some work in the yard or garden. It’s time to think about upgrades to make the space even nicer. Pergolas and gazebos are two popular options that help your time outside become even more enjoyable.
However, choosing between them requires understanding their pros and cons. Each structure offers a unique look and serves different purposes. They both seem like they do the same thing, which is to provide shade, but they are different enough that you need to do a deep dive into their features. In this article, we will go over the differences so you can decide.
What’s a pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor garden feature that forms a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars that usually support cross-beams for a pitched roof. Pergolas are usually decorated with climbing plants, adding a touch of nature to the structure, but some people prefer a curtain.
Chillax Patios, a company well-known for their expertise in patios covers and pergolas, usually suggest customizing pergolas to fit individual tastes and functional needs. Pergolas can be designed with a variety of styles and features. Some could have retractable canopies to provide more shade on sunny days, while others are left open to the sky for stargazing at night.
What’s a gazebo?
A gazebo is similar to a pergola in that it is typically built in gardens, parks, and big yards. Unlike pergolas, gazebos have an enclosure which makes them ideal for shade and shelter from the elements. They usually have an octagonal shape, although they can also be found in square or rectangular forms.
Gazebos are made from materials like wood, metal, and vinyl. Wooden gazebos look traditional and blend nicely with nature but they need regular care to maintain their appearance. Metal gazebos are strong and hold up well against weather, while vinyl gazebos are easy to keep up and have a modern look.
Gazebos can be plain or fancy in design to match the outdoor decor. They usually have built-in benches around the inside edges, which makes them a great spot for sitting and enjoying the outdoors with friends or family.
Key factors to consider
When choosing between a pergola and a gazebo for your garden, think about the space you have and your local weather. Those are the key things that will help you separate one from the other and guide you to the right choice.
Gazebos are structures that need a flat area because of their size and shape. If your garden is small, a pergola might be better because it can be made to fit smaller or tighter spaces.
Pergolas are open and don’t fully block the sun or rain, so they’re best in places with mild weather. If you get a lot of rain or need more shade, a gazebo might be better.