Backyard Buying Guide: Pergola vs. Gazebo

Looking to enhance your backyard but unsure of where to begin? A gazebo or pergola is a great place to start! Both fixtures are great for creating an inviting outdoor space – each with its own perks. Check out our pergola vs. gazebo guide to find which outdoor shade structure is best suited for your backyard.

Pergola vs. Gazebo: An Overview

When debating between pergola vs. gazebo for your backyard upgrade, it’s important to familiarize yourself with both structures. Though they share some similarities, they can serve different purposes.

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of four columns and a roof made of rafters and beams. The slatted or latticed roof creates an open-air feel, though many pergolas can be equipped with fabric canopies, permanent roofs, or retractable roofs for more shade and protection from the elements.

Tip!

To learn more about pergolas and how to choose the right one, read our guides: What Is a Pergola? and Types of Pergolas: How to Choose a Pergola for Your Patio.

What Is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a semi-enclosed structure with four columns and a roof. The frame is typically constructed from durable wood or heavy-duty steel, while the roof comes in either hard-top or soft-top options. Many gazebos include screens, curtains, or walls for more weather-protection and privacy.

Tip!

Check out our guide Types of Gazebos: How to Choose the Best Gazebo Design for tips on finding a gazebo to complete your outdoor space.

What's the Difference Between Pergolas & Gazebos?

When comparing pergolas vs. gazebos, here are some key differences so you can see how they stack up.

Roof

The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof. A gazebo provides full coverage from the sun, while a pergola allows for sunlight to shine through its slatted roof. Typically, a pergola provides partial shelter and shade over a garden, pathway, or patio. The criss-crossed wooden roof is an optimal space for plants and vines to climb. Meanwhile, a gazebo provides a covered, designated seating area in the yard that offers more protection from the elements.

Placement

Though both pergolas and gazebos can be installed as freestanding or anchored structures, pergolas are often attached to the exterior of a house with a secure wall-mounted locking mechanism. These wall-mounted pergolas are placed on decks and patios to feel like an extension of indoor living spaces.

Durability

Though both are made from durable materials, gazebos tend to last longer due to the fully covered roof. Because pergolas don’t necessarily include a permanent roof, the wood is constantly exposed to the elements and can be prone to deterioration if not properly maintained.

Cost

Typically, pergolas cost less than gazebos. With a simple open-air frame, pergolas require fewer materials and have a lower price point. However, both pergolas and gazebos can have a positive impact on your curb appeal and add value to your home.

Privacy

Gazebos are often equipped with screens, walls, or curtains, offering more privacy for your outdoor space. Though pergolas have a more open-air design, you can pair them with curtains or screens for added privacy and protection from insects or the elements.

Which Is Better?

Both pergolas and gazebos are excellent additions to your outdoor space, so the question of which one is better depends on your personal preferences. Here are some questions that can help you decide:

• What are you using this space for? Will you be adding a patio conversation set, a dining set, an outdoor kitchen, or a hot tub?
• Do you live in a climate where you’d need extra protection from sun or rain?
• Where do you plan on placing a pergola or gazebo? Do you want to incorporate this structure into your garden or on your patio?
• Do you want to add privacy to your backyard? Would you prefer a fixture with curtains or mesh screens for an enclosed feel?

Tip!

Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll need to determine the correct size for your new fixture. Read our guide How to Pick the Right Size Pergola or Gazebo for key sizing info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which structure costs less?

Pergolas typically cost less than gazebos because they have a simpler open-air frame that requires fewer materials.

Which lasts longer, a pergola or a gazebo?

Gazebos tend to last longer due to their fully covered roof, while pergolas can be prone to deterioration if not properly maintained since the wood is constantly exposed to the elements.

Are pergolas good for growing plants?

Yes, the criss-crossed wooden roof of a pergola is an optimal space for plants and vines to climb.

Do gazebos provide more privacy than pergolas?

Yes, many gazebos include screens, curtains, or walls for more weather-protection and privacy, while pergolas have an open-air design.

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