Gazebos vs. Pergolas: Which Is Best For You?
Adding an outdoor shade structure to your backyard is a big commitment with a great payoff. Like pools, when it comes to backyard shade structures, you have multiple options from pavilions and canopies to the topic of this article: gazebos and pergolas.
Gazebos and pergolas are classic additions to any backyard space. What sets the two structures apart are some key design elements, cost, and ultimately the functionality they serve. It may be easy to confuse a pergola for a gazebo, and vice versa, but understanding the differences between the two structures will help you determine which type you want to add to your backyard!
Pergolas and gazebos are some of the things we here at Royal Pools G2 Outdoor Designs specialize in, but we also love educating our clients on their best-fit options for pools, shade structures, patios, landscaping, and much more. So what’s the difference between a pergola and a gazebo? Is one better than the other? Let’s find out.
Gazebo
Pergola
Design
The primary differences between gazebos and pergolas come down to design and functionality. Pergolas are generally built in conjunction with the home, typically over a back patio area, with a partially open rectangular roof, although they can be freestanding. Whereas gazebos stand alone and feature closed octagonal or square roofs. Both structures are supported by pillars built to offer maximum durability.
Function
Gazebos and pergolas essentially serve the same function, to provide a shaded, or partially-shaded, patio area for outdoor relaxation and comfort. Pergolas, however, due to their open-roof design do not offer much protection from rain, wind, or other natural elements, making it harder to lounge in different weather conditions the way you can under a gazebo.
Pergolas can be covered, however, with a tarp, UV-resistant glass, or even a retractable roof. But these add-ons will of course incur a higher overall cost.
Value
In terms of cost, pergolas tend to cost less than gazebos because pergolas require less material and planning to build. Gazebos are generally freestanding structures with built-in decking, which requires yard and dig preparation, in addition to the amount of material already needed to build the structure.
Value added to the property will vary, but typically the smaller investment of a pergola leads to a greater ROI if you end up selling your property down the line. Gazebos and pergolas will both ultimately add cosmetic and financial value to the property if they are maintained well.
Gazebo Pros
- Fully shaded area
- Can stand alone
- Comes in a variety of shapes, designs, and materials
- Can cover electronics
- Adds value to home
Gazebo Cons
- Higher cost
- Takes up more space
- More difficult to build
Pergola Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Adds value to home
- Easy to build
- Can be a DIY project
Pergola Cons
- Not durable and protected against the elements
- Offers minimal shade
- Cover materials drive up the price
As you can see, these two shade structure options are highly comparable to one another, but some key differences set them apart, primarily regarding design and cost. Choosing between the two will ultimately fall on you. If you want full protection from the elements, you may want to spend a little bit more on a gazebo. If you want a smaller structure that you could even build yourself, you may want a pergola, and remember pergolas can be modified to include roofing as well. For more educational pool and landscaping content, check out our learning center.
Written By Logan Edgemon
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