Pergola vs Gazebo: The Ultimate Guide To Your Backyard Makeover

Whether it’s a sunny day or a breezy evening, stylish and functional gazebos and pergolas are just the addition any garden or backyard needs to create the perfect ambience.

Aside from offering shelter and protection, gazebos and pergolas largely enhance the appeal of your outdoor space. Modern gazebos and pergolas have grown popular over the years as a means of relaxation and entertainment. You can find them in house parties, parks, gardens, and residential backyards.

This video is sourced from YouTube@Design N Living With Chirag

Although similar in some aspects, pergola and gazebo drastically vary in their features and functions. Therefore, you ought to know their individual benefits and drawbacks to be able to choose the right one for your yard.

Table of contents

● Pergolas vs Gazebos: Key Features and Differences

● Features and Functions of a Pergola

● Features and Functions of a Gazebo

● Hybrid gazebo and pergola designs with multiple features

● Tips to Decorate Gazebos and Pergolas

● Gazebo vs Pergola - Buying Price and Maintenance Cost

Pergolas vs Gazebos: Key Features and Differences

The main difference between the two structures is the roof. The outdoor gazebo is freestanding with an enclosed roof and open sides.

Whereas, pergola designs are more versatile and mostly comprise vertical posts that carry an open lattice roof.

Choosing between a pergola and a gazebo can be tricky if you aren’t sure of the purpose you want them to serve.

While one structure is more sturdy and offers better protection, the other is easy to handle and adds an architectural touch to your space.

Here’s a breakdown of all the features and functionalities of the pergola and gazebo, to help you make an informed choice.

Features of a Pergola

Open roof

Maybe you live in a cold region and want to soak up some sun or just aren’t a fan of enclosed structures, pergola is a great addition to your patio or garden.

The slats supported by the crossbeam mean pergola only offer partial shade, which is perfect when the sun isn’t at its peak.

However, they aren’t a great choice for monsoons or regions with extreme weather conditions and other elements, unless you’re going for a pergola with a roof.

Material

The material of the pergola decides its durability and functions. They are usually made of wood, metal, vinyl and fibreglass.

For instance, wooden pergolas in cedar, pine or redwood look classy and natural, while metal is more modern and durable.

Pergolas can also be made of fibreglass, which is lightweight and durable. They are aesthetically appealing and complement contemporary homes more than wood and metal.

Attached or freestanding

Pergolas can either be attached to a building or structure or a standalone structure. However, their functions remain the same.

For example, you would want to go with a freestanding pergola if you tend to move homes often, whereas it’s better attached to a permanent house.

Optional coverings

Pergola can be an interesting DIY project for those who like to keep the appearance of their home and garden versatile.

The roof can either be open or partially covered – the options are plenty. You can cover it with fabric canopies, have climber plants grow in the place of the roof or have retractable shades installed on the top.

Functions of a pergola

1. You can still enjoy the benefit of sunlight and airflow in pergolas while it protects you from heat.

2. You can treat Pergolas like an extension of your outdoor space for other purposes. They are great for dining, small gatherings, and often entertaining.

3. Pergolas with a natural canopy of flowers or creepers can make your garden or patio look magical.

4. You can use it just to store things in your yard, provided it isn’t exposed to too many elements like rain, water or extreme temperatures.

Features of a gazebo

Outdoor gazebos don’t just decorate your space, but they provide shelter, additional storage space and extra protection in comparison to pergolas.

Solid roof

Are you worried your stylish pergola can’t withstand external elements? Consider investing in a gazebo, which comes with as solid roof.

The roof offering full coverage is usually made of wood, metal or canvas. They are also made in various shapes. Peaked, domed and pagoda-style are some of the most popular designs.  

Partially or fully covered sides

The sides of a gazebo can be enclosed or partially open, depending on your preference. Structures with open sides are ideal for ventilation and view.

The sides can be sturdy, made of canvas that provides coverage, or it can be decorated with blinds and curtains for its sides.

Different shapes for each buyer’s taste

Unlike pergolas whose roofs that are usually flat, the gazebo is visually more appealing as its available in various shapes – octagonal, hexagonal, square and rectangular.

The modern-looking gazebos are sleek and ideal for small gatherings. Whereas, more common designs like oval, circle or rectangle are much larger allowing more seating and functionality.

Flooring and platform

Some gazebos comprise solid flooring, often made of wood, stone, concrete or composite materials. The right flooring will provide comfort and protection, aside from making the structure look stylish.

Meanwhile, raised platforms ensure the gazebos are more durable, by keeping them from coming in direct contact with the ground or soil.

Functions of a gazebo

1. You don’t have to worry about spending the day under the hot sun as the gazebo’s solid roof offers full protection and shelter. These are recommended for regions with harsh or unpredictable weather.

2. Gazebos are perfect for small gatherings, parties and other outdoor events. They are great for dining and relaxing.

3. Gazebos offer better privacy than pergola. So you can enjoy a relaxing session of spa or some me time in the hot tub in your outdoor space without having to worry about the external elements.

4. Gazebos are perfect for weddings or small ceremonies. The stylish structures can bring charm and elegance to special events.

5. They are also safer for children and pets to play or rest in, unlike pergolas which are more susceptible to external factors.

Hybrid gazebo and pergola designs with multiple features

Thanks to modern designs and innovations, gazebos and pergolas are more stylish and functional than ever.

The hybrid versions of these structures boast multiple features and functions, without being limited to style, space and protection.

Furthermore, some of them combine features of a gazebo and pergola – sturdy like the former and airy like the latter.

For instance, the outdoor aluminium pergola by GARVEE is not just functional, but it adds great aesthetic value to your space.

The 10x10 feet outdoor shelter is the best addition to your garden, backyard, lawn or deck if you’re looking for style and efficiency.

The sturdy structure with a canopy roof can seat multiple people. The freestanding structure is a reasonable alternative to gazebos.

For those looking for a rustic look, we recommend the 10x12-foot wood pergola by GARVEE. It is stylish and highly functional.

The structure is more durable and comes with an adjustable canopy for perfect shade. The protective coating ensures wood’s safety and durability, while the waterproof roof protects you from, sun, rain, wind and more elements.

GARVEE’s 10x12 feet lean to gazebo is suitable for your yard or as a patio gazebo. The aluminium structure requires to be mounted to the floor, while its sides remain open for ventilation and view. The sturdy roof protects you from different elements and the stylish designs enhance the appeal of your home.

If you love hosting garden parties, the backyard gazebo with curtains is just the thing your outdoor space needs. The 12x12 feet structure is sleek, modern and very convenient to set up, requiring no more than two people.

The waterproof canopy ensures you are protected from sun and rain. Its interior can be decorated to suit each occasion, or the curtains can be adjusted for better airflow.

Tips to Decorate Gazebos and Pergolas

There is an array of ways to decorate pergolas and gazebos to enhance their look as well as create the perfect ambience for each occasion.

Lighting – As with all the structures, the right lighting instantly boosts the aesthetic value of these outdoor structures.

You can either go with string lights for warm glow or light up lanterns and candles to add a romantic touch to it.

Drapery – Don’t overlook the importance of curtains and shades in these outdoor structures. While flowy curtains create a breezy and luxurious feel, canopy coverings are known for their boho vibes.

Seasonal decor – Unlike other permanent structures which can’t be reworked, gazebos and pergolas can be season specific.

For instance, you can use light fabrics and bright-coloured canopies in summer and line the insides with lanterns and warm blankets in fall.

Plants and flowers – The eco-friendly decorations for your outdoor structures are also refreshing to be surrounded by.

Climbing plants like ivy roses, jasmine and wisteria growing along the frames of your gazebo or pergola will create a lush effect.

Whereas, hanging baskets filled with flowers in your outdoor structure will perfectly compliment your garden.

Functional additions – For increased functionality, you can always consider a fire pit or heater, as long as they adhere to safety rules and regulations.

To make outdoor meals more entertaining, you can throw in a dining table and pair it with a bar cart filled with refreshing drinks and snacks.

Gazebo vs Pergola - Buying Price and Maintenance Cost

Gazebos and pergolas require regular maintenance for better functionality and durability. Each of them needs to be handled differently depending on their size, features the material they are made of.

Choosing between pergolas and gazebos will become easier when you are sure of the specifics you’re looking for. Pergolas are stylish, and budget-friendly and enhance the aesthetics of your home and surroundings.

However, a gazebo typically lasts longer provided it’s well-maintained. The structure offers better protection and serves as a fully functional space. With creative decorations and DIY ideas, you can further enhance the appeal of gazebos and pergolas within a budget. 






More to read

Gazebo Installation 101: Comparing Models, Features, and Assembly Processes