Appearance

Pergolas ¹ were designed as an outdoor structure to define a specific area in the landscaping. For this reason, a pergola ¹ is often rectangular with crossbeams and rafters across the top. It may be covered with fabric to create shade, have vines growing on the top, or it can be left open. Pergolas ¹ may link two structures or create a shady area with no defined or solid floor.

Unlike pergolas ¹, gazebos are stand-alone structures that are round or octagonal. Gazebos have a closed roof and floor and may be open on the sides or have walls with windows. They’re often decorative and elaborate in style, while a pergola ¹ is usually plain.

Installation

At its simplest, a pergola ¹ is four poles with crossbeams and rafters connecting them on the top. The process of building one is simple. Four poles are sunk into the ground and connected with crossbeams. Rafters are notched across the beams horizontally.

Even the most basic gazebo will have a more defined structure and space with a finished floor and roof. The floor requires building a raised structure to keep it off the ground. Walls or beams will be erected to support the roof, which will cover the entire platform and usually has a round shape.

Therefore, a pergola ¹ is going to be easier and less expensive to build. Pergolas ¹ can sometimes be erected by DIY homeowners, but more elaborate versions may require a professional. Unless purchasing a ready-made kit, a gazebo requires professional installation.

Shades

Pergolas ¹ can be constructed to be relatively open on top, merely defining the space. They may also have vines trained to grow across them for shade, or people may put a cloth over the top for a temporary cover. It is possible to increase the amount of roof that a pergola ¹ has by placing the crossbeams closer together. However, this increases the cost by as much as 50%. Newer designs have lattice on top to offer more shade. Still, this allows a lot of sun to shine through.

While pergolas ¹ are open and offer little permanent shade, gazebos have a solid roof. This, in turn, provides not only more shade than a pergola ¹, but it also blocks more of the elements.

Durability

For both pergolas ¹ and gazebos, the durability of the structure is directly tied to the construction material. For example, a pergola ¹ made of teak or other exotic hardwood ⁵ will outperform a pine gazebo. However, a vinyl ⁴ or aluminum gazebo will last twice as long as one constructed of wood. Both structures can be built from different materials that can increase their lifespan. Vinyl ⁴ is the longest-lasting material, while softwoods require the most maintenance and last the least amount of time.

However, if both structures are built from the same material, gazebos may ultimately be more durable. This is because they require significantly more material in their building, which can enhance their strength and longevity. A pergola ¹ built out of hardwood will last approximately 5 to 10 years before needing significant repair, while a gazebo can easily last twice as long before requiring major repairs.

Insects

Gazebos are often screened or have the ability to be closed off from the outdoors, which can protect those inside from insects. Pergolas ¹ are open structures, and therefore do not offer protection from bugs.