A pergola and a gazebo are two popular outdoor structures that provide shade and an inviting space for relaxation or entertaining. Though they share some similarities, there are important differences between pergolas and gazebos to consider when deciding which to add to your backyard. This comprehensive guide examines the key distinctions between pergolas and gazebos, including their construction, materials, uses, styling, and costs.
What is a Pergola?
A pergola is an open-air structure consisting of vertical posts or pillars that support horizontal beams overhead. The beams create an open, slatted roof without a solid covering. The roof allows filtered sunlight to pass through, providing both sunlight and shade. Pergolas are usually square or rectangular in shape.
Some of the defining features of pergolas include:
- Open roof – Pergolas have an open, slatted roof made of crisscrossing beams that allow light through. The roof is often made of wood or vinyl.
- Minimal foundation – Pergolas typically have posts sunk into the ground rather than a solid concrete foundation. Some freestanding versions don’t require anchoring to the ground at all.
- Shade and airflow – With their open roof, pergolas provide a balance of sunlight and shade during the day. Their openness also allows for airflow, preventing the structure from getting too hot.
- Customizable design – Pergolas can be designed and built in nearly limitless shapes and sizes to suit the architecture and layout of a home. They can have elaborate decorative elements or a simple utilitarian style.
- Outdoor living space – A key purpose of pergolas is creating an outdoor living area for relaxing, dining, or socializing. They often cover and connect to a patio or deck.
Overall, pergolas provide shade and definition to an outdoor space while leaving the area open and accessible. The flexibility of their design makes pergolas a popular choice for backyards, patios, gardens, walkways, and entryways.
What is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is an ornamental freestanding pavilion or summerhouse, typically round, oval, or polygonal in shape. Gazebos have solid roofs, full railings, and can provide a higher degree of privacy and protection from the elements compared to pergolas.
Some defining features of gazebos include:
- Solid roof – Gazebos have solid roofs made of shingles, metal, tiles, or other waterproof materials that offer full overhead coverage. This provides complete shade and shelter.
- Enclosed design – Gazebos are enclosed pavilions with railings, screens, windows, or privacy walls around the full perimeter of the structure. This provides a more private, intimate setting.
- More permanent – Gazebos are more permanent standalone structures, often built on a concrete foundation or slab with permanent roofing materials. Pergolas are generally considered more temporary or removable.
- Full coverage – The solid roof and perimeter of a gazebo provide complete overhead and lateral coverage, protecting against sun, rain, wind, and other elements.
- Decorative style – Gazebos are often highly decorative, with ornate details, curtains, and furnishings to create an eye-catching focal point in a garden.
Overall, gazebos provide an immersive outdoor room-like experience and full protection against the elements. They are freestanding structures built for beauty, privacy, and versatility of use.
Key Differences Between Pergolas and Gazebos
While pergolas and gazebos both enhance outdoor living spaces, there are several notable ways they differ:
Roof
The most significant difference between pergolas and gazebos is the roof:
- Pergolas have an open, slatted roof that allows filtered sunlight to pass through. This creates both sunlight and shade.
- Gazebos have a solid, waterproof roof that offers complete overhead coverage and total shade or shelter from the rain.
Structure
Pergolas and gazebos have different structural designs:
- Pergolas consist of vertical posts and horizontal overhead beams that form an open-air slatted roof. They are not fully enclosed spaces.
- Gazebos are enclosed standalone pavilions with full perimeter railings, screens, curtains, or walls. This provides a more private, intimate space.
Foundation
The foundations differ between pergolas and gazebos:
- Pergolas often have simple posts sunk into the ground rather than a full concrete foundation. This allows more versatility or removability.
- Gazebos are generally permanent structures built on solid concrete foundation slabs or footings. This provides sturdiness for the solid roof and walls.
Uses
Pergolas and gazebos lend themselves to different primary uses:
- Pergolas are used as shaded overhangs for outdoor living areas like patios and decks. They help define an outdoor space without fully enclosing it.
- Gazebos create an immersive, standalone outdoor room, ideal for entertaining, dining, or relaxation in a more private garden setting.
Style
Pergolas and gazebos have distinct styles:
- Pergolas often have a simpler, more utilitarian design focused on providing shade. They can also be customized with decorative details to match a home.
- Gazebos tend to feature more ornate decorative elements, lavish details, furniture, and embellishments to create an eye-catching garden focal point.
Cost
There is often a significant cost difference between pergolas and gazebos:
- Pergolas are generally less expensive since they use less material and have simpler construction without a solid roof or full enclosure.
- Gazebos often have a higher cost because of the fully enclosed design, permanent foundation, decorative details, and more robust roofing required.
Pergola vs. Gazebo: Direct Comparison Chart
| Feature | Pergola | Gazebo |
|-|-|-|
| Roof | Open, slatted | Solid, waterproof |
| Structure | Vertical posts, horizontal beams | Fully enclosed pavilion |
| Foundation | Minimal, posts in ground | Permanent, concrete slab |
| Uses | Shaded outdoor living space | Standalone outdoor room |
| Style | Often simple, utilitarian | Highly decorative |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Pergola vs. Gazebo: Pros and Cons Comparison
| Pergola | Gazebo |
|-|-|
| Pros | Pros |
| – Provides both sun and shade | – Complete overhead shelter from sun, rain |
| – Allows airflow to prevent overheating | – More privacy and intimate setting |
| – Highly customizable design | – Standalone, permanent structure |
| – Easy installation, less maintenance | – Versatile, decorative focal point |
| – Lower cost structure | – Fully protected outdoor room |
| Cons | Cons |
| – Less privacy and shelter from rain | – Often higher cost to build |
| – Not standalone, anchors to house | – Can block views or overwhelm yard |
| – Less ornamental design | – Less airflow leading to hot interior |
| – Limited weather protection | – Permanent so harder to modify or remove |
Ideal Uses for Pergolas vs. Gazebos
Best Uses for Pergolas
- Shading a patio or deck
- Defining an outdoor living space
- Covering a walkway or entryway
- Partially covering a garden sitting area
- Providing a grapevine trellis
- Architectural design element
- Cost-effective outdoor structure
Best Uses for Gazebos
- Backyard entertaining space
- Secluded outdoor dining room
- Garden relaxation retreat or reading nook
- Whimsical garden focal point
- Standalone structure in a landscape
- Guesthouse, pool house, or garden office
- Protective shelter in rainy climates
Design and Styling Considerations
Pergolas and gazebos both provide attractive additions to yards, but their differing designs lend themselves to particular styling choices.
Pergola Design Options
- Size and shape – square, rectangle, circle, custom
- Roof design – crisscross beams, angled, curved, tiered
- Wood tone – natural, stained, painted, pressure-treated
- Pillar style – square, round, stone, brick, metal
- Added features – hanging lights, ceiling fans
- Decorative touches – trimwork, lattice, live vines
Gazebo Design Possibilities
- Shape – square, octagon, oval, round, polygonal
- Roof style – pitched, domed, turreted, pagoda
- Roofing material – shingles, metal, tile, glass paneled
- Size – intimate to palatial proportions
- Architectural style – Victorian, Tuscan, Asian, contemporary
- Furnishings – chairs, couches, dining sets, chandeliers
- Accent features – ceiling medallions, sconces, spires
Ideas for Customizing Pergolas and Gazebos
Part of the appeal of pergolas and gazebos is the ability to customize them to match your personal style and needs. Here are some ideas for making them your own:
For pergolas:
- Incorporate lighting like hanging pendant lights or recessed spot lighting
- Add fabric shades, curtains, or rollout canopies for seasonal shade control
- Use special cutout patterns or stained glass in the roof for dappled light effects
- Grow vining plants over the structure for added greenery and ornamentation
- Attach swings, hammock chairs, or other hangout spaces beneath
- Extend length to cover multiple spaces like a patio, firepit, and walkway
For gazebos:
- Select a distinctive architectural style – Victorian, Tuscan, Coastal, Modern
- Incorporate wall sconces, chandeliers, and other decorative lighting
- Add ornamental shutters, domed windows, or flower boxes
- Paint or finish the gazebo in a vibrant accent color to stand out
- Furnish the interior with comfortable seating arrangements, tables, rugs
- Install ceiling fans, speakers, and TVs to use the gazebo for entertaining
- Deck out with curtains, sun screening, glass wall panels or skylights
Construction and Foundations
Pergolas and gazebos require different construction techniques and foundation work:
Building a Pergola
- Set vertical 4×4 or 6×6 posts into the ground or use metal anchors for freestanding versions
- Add horizontal cross beams of 2×6 or 2x8s secured at the tops of posts
- Use additional vertical posts every 6-8 feet for structural support
- Anchor diagonal brace beams at corners and sides for stability
- Attach open slatted roof grid using 2x2s or 2x4s spaced as desired
- Allow for roof overhang beyond posts of 12 to 24 inches for water runoff
Building a Gazebo
- Pour isolated concrete footings for each post, at least 2 feet deep
- Secure 6×6 or 8×8 vertical posts into footings, brace until set
- Attach headers, roof rafters, and deck framing using bolts and brackets
- Add lateral bracing, hurricane straps, collar ties, and blocking
- Install solid roof decking and shingles, siding, railings, stairs
- Consider removable screened panels vs. permanent windows and doors
- Include sufficient electrical and outlets if adding lights, fans, etc.
Foundations
- Pergolas: Posts sunk into ground, gravel beds, or anchored to concrete pads
- Gazebos: Permanent isolated concrete footings for stability
For both structures, check local codes for any requirements in your area. Homeowners insurance may also require gazebos be anchored to foundations.
Cost Differences Between Pergolas and Gazebos
Pergolas provide an affordable shaded structure compared to more expensive fully-enclosed gazebos.
Pergola Cost Factors:
- Size – ranging from 10×10 to 20×20 feet or larger
- Materials – pressure-treated wood, cedar, vinyl, aluminum
- Roofing – open wood slats or polycarbonate roof panels
- Accessories – lighting, curtains, furniture
Typical price range: $2,500 – $5,000+
Gazebo Cost Considerations:
- Size – intimate to large scale structures up to 20 feet across
- Roofing – asphalt, metal, tile, glass, aluminum panels
- Materials – pressure-treated pine, cedar, composite lumber, aluminum
- Accessories – lighting, power, screens, glass walls, fans, furniture
- Labor for electrical, foundations, trimwork
Typical price range: $5,000 – $15,000+
Get quotes from multiple contractors. Custom ornate details, hardscape access, and service connections can increase costs. DIY kits are cheaper but require heavy labor.
Maintenance Tips for Both Structures
Follow these recommendations to keep your pergola or gazebo looking its best:
- Inspect regularly for damage, leaks, or decayed wood
- Clean out gutters and ensure proper drainage from roof
- Re-stain or re-paint every 1-2 years to maintain appearance
- Watch for termites, carpenter ants, mold or mildew
- Remove debris and clear plants/vines from overtaking structure
- Check for loose railings, hardware, fasteners, lighting fixtures
- Re-seal or re-coat any weather stripping around gazebo windows
- Consider removable canopy covers in off seasons
- Check anchoring and secure footings before severe storms
Proper routine maintenance will extend the lifespan and functionality of your pergola or gazebo for many years of enjoyable outdoor living.
Pergola vs Gazebo: Which is Right for Your Yard?
When deciding between a pergola or gazebo, consider:
- How will you use the space? Pergolas for uncovered patios, gazebos for protected retreats.
- What’s your climate? Open pergolas work better in milder climates, gazebos provide more shelter.
- What’s your budget? Pergolas are generally less expensive to build.
- What’s your style? Gazebos tend to offer more decorative embellishments.
- How permanent? Pergolas are more flexible. Gazebos are fixed structures.
- What are your size and space constraints? Footprint and proportions matter.
Ideally, visit examples or layout mockups to envision the design in your yard. This will help determine if a pergola or gazebo better suits your needs.
Gazebo and Pergola Inspiration
Need some visual inspiration for how to incorporate a pergola or gazebo into your landscape? Here are some gorgeous ideas and images illustrating how each structure makes a dramatic design statement:
Elegant Pergola Ideas
- A long cedar pergola extends from a patio over a stone walkway winding through an idyllic garden.
- A round pergola with a conical roof adds architectural interest next to a rectangular patio and pool.
- An expansive rectangular cedar pergola covers multiple seating areas, providing both shade and openness.
- A minimalist freestanding pergola uses crisscrossing black metal beams for an industrial chic look.
Beautiful Gazebo Designs
- An ornate Victorian gazebo with turned posts, decorative trim, and curtained windows creates an iconic focal point.
- A Mediterranean style gazebo uses stucco walls, arched openings, a red tile roof, and wrought iron accents for standout style.
- A spacious hexagonal gazebo features glass paneled walls, vaulted ceilings, and ample furnishings for elegance and comfort.
- This contemporary octagonal gazebo has a metal roof, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and floor-to-ceiling screens to admire the outdoors.
Whether you prefer the breezy simplicity of a