There are many features that go into completing a beautiful landscape design, and including an architectural element in an outdoor space can pull everything together to create a place that the homeowner will love.
Two common architectural structures used in landscape design are pergolas and gazebos. Both structures create visual interest while adding shade and shelter to an outdoor area, but what’s the difference between a pergola and a gazebo? There are key differences that set them apart from each other and make pergolas a better choice to include in your next landscape design.
A pergola is an open structure that is normally supported by columns. The roof is a lattice pattern created with beams, rafters, and stringers. Pergolas can be freestanding and placed anywhere in the design or attached to an existing structure to create an outdoor extension of the home or business. Pergolas are constructed from a variety of materials such as: aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, cPVC, and wood.
Generally, a gazebo is a structure that is placed away from the home or on the edge of a deck or patio. Typically constructed from wood, gazebos are also open structures supported by columns, but they normally include a floor and shingled roof in their design.
When considering a pergola or gazebo, it’s important to understand that while they fulfill many of the same functions in a landscape design, pergolas are at a distinct advantage due to their low maintenance materials, customization options, design flexibility, and ease of installation. As a contractor, choosing a pergola allows you to complete the landscape design using a customized, factory built, ready-to-install structure that doesn’t require a large crew to erect. The pergola will then pass on many benefits to the homeowner that allows them to truly enjoy the space you’ve designed without worry or hassle.
Here are 5 things to consider when choosing between a pergola and a gazebo:
1. Low maintenance materials
Gazebos are typically constructed from wood which can fade, warp, splinter, and rot over time, and they are also susceptible to termite damage. Plus, high foot traffic on the floor of the gazebo leads to additional wear and possible vandalism. Coupled with the fact that the wood needs to be painted and sealed repeatedly over the life of the gazebo leads to increased maintenance. This additional maintenance requires both time and money, and reduces the amount of time spent enjoying the outdoor living space.
Pergolas, on the other hand, require virtually no maintenance. Common pergola materials such as aluminum, cPVC, fiberglass, and vinyl are strong and durable and will last a lifetime without concerns of rotting, warping, fading, or splintering. Termite damage is also not a concern. By choosing a pergola, you’re providing the homeowner with a space they can enjoy without worrying about continual maintenance. This means that a greater amount of time can be spent enjoying the landscape structure and outdoor living space for many years.
2. No shingles to replace
The fixed roof on a gazebo provides a high level of sun and rain protection, but a disadvantage of the roof of a gazebo is the need to replace shingles.
Exposure to the elements, rain, wind, snow, hail, ice, and sunlight will cause shingles to loosen, chip, fall off, fade, and otherwise need replacement. Not only does this create the additional work of actually replacing the shingles, but there is the added hassle in matching the original color. Even if the original color is matched, the fading that has occurred over the years can make the new shingles look patched in.
The roof of a pergola creates shade without using shingles and is available with options that will help you create the perfect shaded area. Canopies, both manually retractable and motorized, can be added to a pergola design, not only creating shade, but also adding a lovely design element. Architectural shade panels can also be added to increase shade and provide greater design interest.
3. Design customization
Gazebos have a very recognizable design. Their hexagonal or octagonal shape, raised floor, and peaked roof are standard features that don’t necessarily complement a wide variety of design aesthetics.
Pergolas, on the other hand, are incredibly customizable. Whether choosing beam and rafter end designs, customizing the spacing of the stringers, choosing a unique column style, adding a shade sail or canopy, or all of the above, a pergola will perfectly complement the aesthetic of the overall landscape design.
Another design hallmark of a gazebo is that it is detached. So while it does create an outdoor living space, it doesn’t provide the option of a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
A pergola can be freestanding, allowing it to be placed away from the home anywhere additional shade is needed. But an added benefit of choosing a pergola for a landscape design is its ability to be attached to an existing structure. Attaching a pergola to a home creates a seamless transition from indoor living spaces to outdoor patios, seating areas, bars, kitchens, and much more.
4. Flexibility
While the roof of a pergola is typically open, allowing sun and shade to mix, you can incorporate additional shade features such as canopies, shade sails, or curtains as needed.
By opening these shade features fully or partially, the homeowner is given more control over the level of shade provided by the pergola.
A gazebo’s roof is fixed and therefore doesn’t allow the sun to flood the seating area on a beautiful day. The homeowner is completely at the mercy of the location of the sun which will determine where the shade falls and how much they will receive under the protective roof of the gazebo.
5. Factory manufactured for easy installation
Generally, gazebos are built on site and require a skilled crew to erect it in the desired location. Building a structure on-site frequently incurs extra materials and added labor costs. While some gazebos are factory-built and can be purchased from a home improvement store, these designs are mass produced and don’t allow for customization.
Pergolas today are commonly factory-built, and come in a ready-to-install kit. These structures are highly customizable with options that include custom beam and rafter end styles, a wide choice of column styles, and the capability to add a canopy or shade sail to the structure. Since all of the materials are included, fewer costs are incurred at the time of installation. Having a large crew is unnecessary for a pergola installation, meaning less labor costs passed onto the homeowner. Installation can be completed quickly, allowing the homeowner to enjoy their outdoor space sooner.
Pergolas create peace of mind
Including a pergola in a landscape design will allow peace of mind for both homeowners and contractors. Contractors can rest assured that they have passed on the many advantages of pergolas to the homeowner and designed a customized space that completes the landscape design. And homeowners will have a beautiful, flexible, low maintenance structure to enjoy for years to come.
For help designing the perfect pergola for your next project, contact an expert at Structureworks to get started.
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