Gazebos and pergolas are two types of sheltered structures commonly found in gardens around the UK. But what’s the difference between them? Are they just two words for the same thing? This post compares the two; gazebos vs pergolas.
What’s a gazebo?
Gazebos can come in many different forms. Some are fixed structures that are built into the ground. Others are pop-up structures that can be easily moved or disassembled if need be.
What makes a gazebo a gazebo is the fact that it has a solid roof. This is designed primarily to provide shade in the summer. Gazebos can also provide shelter from the rain or direct sun, however usually fabric walls are needed to provide extra shelter from these elements.
Gazebos can be constructed out of various materials. Some are constructed entirely from wood. Others are made from metal with a wooden or tile roof. Others are more like tents and are made from metal or plastic with a fabric roof.
A marquee may be referred to as a gazebo in some cases, although generally marquees are for commercial pop-up purposes and always come with fabric walls to give them more of a tent-like appearance.
What’s a pergola?
Like gazebos, pergolas can come in many different forms. Some are attached to the ground, while others are freestanding. Pergolas can also take the form of awnings attached to walls.
Unlike gazebos, pergolas don’t have a permanent, solid roof. They instead have a wooden or metal latticed/slatted roof that offers partial shade from the sun. These slats can also be used to grow climbing plants around or wrap lighting around. You can also position fire pits or barbecues under them (depending on the slat materials and height).
Some pergolas have the option of closing slats or a full retractable roof. This can help to give them the full coverage of a gazebo. In some cases, retractable roofs may be made from clear, toughened glass to allow light through while providing shelter from rain. In other cases, the retractable roof may be opaque.
These opening slats and retractable roofs were, once upon a time, manually operated. However, in recent years, the motorised pergola has become a very popular option. These are activated by a button or switch. Some can even be controlled using a remote control pad or via an app on a smartphone.
Which is right for your home?
Gazebos are the better option if you’re looking for permanent shelter from the sun and rain. A pergola is the preferred choice if you still want to let some sun through, or if you like the idea of being able to adorn overhead slats with plants or lighting. Both can otherwise be attractive features and could add value to your home (if they’re permanent).
A basic pergola will usually cost less to buy and install than a basic gazebo because it’s the simpler structure. That said, if you want to buy a pergola with a retractable mechanised roof or slats, this will cost more than any gazebo. This is something to consider if you only have a modest budget.
