Looking to enhance your backyard but unsure of where to start? A gazebo or pergola is a great place to start! Check out our pergola vs. gazebo guide to learn how to choose the perfect backyard structure for your home.

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Definitions: Pergola vs. Gazebo
How to Choose a Gazebo
Where to Install Your Gazebo
Gazebo Installation Tips
How to Choose a Pergola
Pergola Installation Tips
Pergola and Gazebo Material

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Definitions: Pergola vs. Gazebo

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 is a covered, designated seating area in the yard, perfect for hosting dinner parties, yoga, or relaxing with a book.

How to Choose a Gazebo

Design

Patio: The most popular type of gazebo, these are a permanent fixture on your patio or yard. They can be made from metal, wood, plastic, or vinyl.
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Pop-Up: As the name states, this portable gazebo can be easily moved and assembled. It is great for a tailgate party, summer barbeque, or sports game.
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Grill: This is placed over your grill to shield it from snow and rain. It also covers you, if you are grilling in bad weather, or need some shade from the sun.
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Party Tent: Party tents are great for backyard parties and celebrations. This is the most stable and durable type of gazebo. Typically made with an aluminum frame and covered with weather-resistant material, some even come with mesh walls for protection against the insects.
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Installation Type

Permanent: These often include a floor, or are anchored to the ground so they can withstand extreme weather. Permanent gazebos should be built on a flat surface, such as an existing patio, pavers, or a concrete pad. To avoid standing water – which leads to rot – you will need to make sure it is placed in an area that has adequate drainage.
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Portable: These typically do not include a floor – only four legs and a roof – so they can be taken on the go or moved easily.
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Wall-Mounted: Designed to be installed against your home’s exterior wall, these gazebos usually cover a patio and are perfect for creating a shady or bug-free place to relax outside.
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Features

Weather-Resistant: These gazebos are made from a weather-resistant material to reduce rot and rust. It will also keep you dry in rain or snow.
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No-Foundation-Needed: A concrete pad or pavers are not required for set up for this type of gazebos. Stakes or weights are used to secure the legs to the ground.
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Screens-Included: With this type of gazebo, mesh screens are provided to keep bugs out.
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Enclosed: Built for more privacy, these come with mesh screen windows and walls to keep the space bug-free.
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Double-Roof: As the name states, these have a second roof that can be used as decoration or function as a vent for grills or fire pits.
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Assembled: These arrive at your door assembled and do not need to be put together.
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Where to Install Your Gazebo

Before buying a gazebo, measure your yard and jot the measurements down on a piece of paper. Make sure to mark where there are young trees that could grow and affect your gazebo, where the rain pools in your yard, where your gutter downspouts empty, the sun and shade patterns, and the path you would take to get to your gazebo. You don't want to be cutting through a garden to get to your place. Also consider how you want to use your gazebo. Do you want to host? Place it closer to your home to easily carry food and drinks there and back. Want some privacy? Place it near some trees or a fence. However, speak to your neighbors to ensure that you aren't encroaching too much on their property line.

Gazebo Installation Tips

Check with your local building codes to see if the size of the structure you are looking at is okay to place in your yard. In most cases, if the gazebo is less than 100 square feet you will not need special permissions, however, it is always better to double check. Some towns require a certain distance between the structure and the road or utility poles, etc. If you are digging to install your foundation, call your local utility company to ensure that you can dig without hitting a water, sewer, or electrical line.

Any permanent gazebo structure must have a foundation that has proper water drainage and it must be anchored to concrete footers. When bolting it to your deck, use metal strapping to secure it to the beams of the deck. Since gazebos vary so much in size, design, and assembly, it is best to follow manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and installation requirements. Professional installation may be required as digging, pouring concrete, laying paving stones, or building a lumber foundation is typically necessary.

How to Choose a Pergola

Installation Type

Anchored: This type of pergola must be anchored into the ground with stakes or cement.
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Freestanding: These are not anchored into the ground, so you can place them anywhere. We recommend placing them in an area that is sheltered from high winds.
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Wall-Mounted: One side of the pergola is mounted to your home’s exterior wall, the slats extend over the patio, and the other legs rest on the patio.
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Features

Weather-Resistant: A weather-resistant material is used to avoid rust and rot.
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Canopy-Included: A piece of weather-resistant fabric is included to provide shade. It is typically hung over the top slats, but some canopies extend down the sides as well.
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Arched-Roof: Instead of a flat roof, these pergolas have arched roofs for a less-traditional aesthetic.
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Built-In-Seating: A seat is built into the leg posts, or a swing is included.
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Planter-Included: These pergolas include planters at the base, and are a perfect addition to your garden.
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Pergola Installation Tips

Before choosing a pergola, make sure to measure the area you plan on placing it to ensure it fits. Don't forget to also measure your gate to ensure your pergola can fit through it. The location you choose should be level, an area where rain will not pool, and not where your gutter downspouts empty. Before you dig post holes, contact your local town authorities to make sure you won't hit water, sewer, or utility lines.

Since pergolas vary so much in size, design, and assembly, it is best to follow manufacturer's directions regarding assembly and installation requirements. Two people are often required for assembly and installation. Generally, pergolas can be anchored to your deck with 90 degree strap brackets. It is best to screw into the deck's beams not the floor boards. If you cannot place it over a beam, place a 2" x 6" board perpendicularly under the deck boards and screw the brackets into that. They should be anchored into the ground by digging 6" deep post holes, filling it with concrete, and then using hammer set fasteners to keep in in place and connect it to the concrete. If you do not feel comfortable pouring concrete, it is best to contact a professional.

Pergola and Gazebo Materials

Wood: As the most traditional material choice, wood offers a rustic and classic look. Cedar wood, which is commonly used, is a natural, weather-resistant, and insect-resistant option. Make sure to reseal or stain the structure every year to avoid rot or insect damage.
Metal: Metal frames are durable and offer an easy-to-assemble structure with their click-together frames. However, they may rust over time if not properly taken care of.
Vinyl: Easily cleaned off with a hose, vinyl gazebos are a low-maintenance option as they won’t rot or warp. If your home has vinyl siding, the gazebo can easily match.
Plastic: Resin plastic will not rust, rot, or splinter. Consider plastic for a durable and more affordable option compared to manufactured wood.

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