You have a lot of options when choosing an outdoor shade structure that also adds beauty to your backyard. Homeowners often confuse similar outdoor structures, so use these clues to help you tell the difference between arbors, pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos.
What is the Difference Between an Arbor and a Pergola?
An arbor and a pergola are not the same structure. They are similar and can be mistaken for each other because they both are designed with a lattice framework (wood or vinyl strips that create a grid with a square or diamond pattern). But there are also some key differences, mainly in how they are used in your yard.
Arbors
Arbors are designed with sides formed from lattice and often have an arched top. Arbors are often used to add shade or decor along walkways or paths or to designate the entry point into a garden or backyard. They are also very popular at outdoor wedding venues because their lattice framework is perfect for decorating with climbing plants or vines.
What is the Purpose of an Arbor?
Arbors can help lead people down a specific path. They can be used at weddings or other backyard events, but can also be year-round fixtures to discourage guests and children from trampling garden beds.
Pergolas
While an arbor is a smaller structure, pergolas tend to be much larger outdoor shade structures. They include a lattice-style roof that is supported by posts and are used to cover and define larger areas, including entire patios or outdoor seating areas. They provide sun protection through the roof grid and through the addition of shades or canopies.
What is the Purpose of a Pergola?
Pergolas are great for separating outdoor spaces and creating a shady area to sit. Their posts also enable you to hang plants, lights, and decorations. Additionally, you can create unique outdoor spaces including kitchen pergolas.
What’s the Difference Between Gazebos and Pavilions?
Gazebos and pavilions are commonly mistaken for each other because they have similar designs with solid roofs. However, they do have a few notable differences, read below to see the pavilion vs gazebo differences to consider before purchasing.
Gazebos are outdoor shade structures with a solid roof and partially open sides, that can even be screened in. A gazebo can have a built-in floor or can be placed on a concrete base. The most telling feature of gazebos is their shape. They are typically shaped as an octagon or oval, but there are some rectangular designs as well.
What is the Purpose of a Gazebo?
Gazebos are backyard centerpiece that can be decorated for outdoor celebrations like reunions and weddings. They can provide a great deal of shade in a sunny yard. They also can fill in an empty landscape from an architectural perspective.
Pavilions
Unlike a gazebo, a pavilion is a roofed structure with completely open sides and no built-in floor. The roof is typically supported by 4-6 posts or more, depending on the size, and they are most commonly attached to a deck, paver patio, or concrete base. While many gazebos are octagonal or oval, most pavilions are designed to be long and rectangular. Additionally, while a gazebo is more of a self-contained structure, pavilions are commonly used to provide a roof for a patio or seating area below.
Pavilions can also be confused with pergolas. When comparing these two structures, the roof is key to identifying the right structures. Pavilions feature a completely closed roof while a pergola’s roof is constructed of open slats.
What is the Purpose of a Pavilion?
Pavilions offer many of the same benefits as gazebos but are less visually intrusive. They are a good option if you want to keep the eye line clear across your landscape.
Ready to Add An Outdoor Shade Structure
Penn Dutch Structures offers a wide variety of Amish-built outdoor shade structures perfect for any backyard. Explore our gazebos, pavilions, gazebos & more below.
The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof. A gazebo and a pavilion provide 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.
A pergola is traditionally made with vertical posts and horizontal beams, with many connected to form a tunnel over a pathway whilst an arbor would often be made with latticework or trellis, and often created an archway or arched tunnel.
You've decided on either a Gazebo, or an Arbour, but what is the difference between the two? Aesthetically, the primary difference is that Arbours are 'bridges' that you would place over a pathway rather than a solid roofed structure like a Gazebo.
Both are designed to provide additional shade for outdoor spaces and both can be used to create wonderful focal points in the garden. The key difference between a pergola and a pergoda is that the latter has a solid roof made of slats.
An arbor is a visual enhancement but also serves a purpose in your outdoor space. It provides shelter and shade, support for climbing vines including fruits and vegetables, and increases the privacy in your garden or yard.
Pergolas with a cover are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed, stationary cover that generally completely covers the pergola.
What is the point of a pergola without a roof? A pergola without a roof helps define a space and create a focal point in your garden, without creating a fully enclosed area. It's perfect if you're looking for a space to relax while maintaining an open-air feel.
The earliest use of arbors was in Egyptian gardens. Arbors were also used by the Romans, and by the late sixteenth century, they were used throughout Europe. The term arbor, an English word, is believed to be derived from the Old French herbere or Anglo-French herbe, meaning herb or grass.
A pergola is a gazebo that does not have a roof. A gazebo mostly is an outdoor building with no walls and a solid roof supported by vertical columns. A pergola, on the other hand, is an open-air, outdoor structure supported by columns that support a latticed or beamed roof.
Gazebos are more robust constructions than pergolas. Pergolas tend to be less expensive and easier to build. Both pergolas and gazebos add shade and flair to your yard. Both structures can increase your home's value.
Cupola: – Standard on all octagon and square gazebos, cupolas will match your gazebo in materials and shingles. The roof is open to the cupola allowing ventilation. Rectangular and Oval Gazebos do not come with cupolas as a standard feature, but can be added as an option.
While many gazebos are octagonal or oval, most pavilions are designed to be long and rectangular. Additionally, while a gazebo is more of a self-contained structure, pavilions are commonly used to provide a roof for a patio or seating area below. Pavilions have completely open sides and no-built in floor like a gazebo.
Pergolas, with adjustable louvered roofs, provide a perfect shade solution. You can enjoy either partial shade or more complete shade depending on your needs and the time of day. In contrast, gazebos often offer fixed shade with their solid roof structure.
Unlike the pergola, a garden pagoda is similar to a pavilion in that it has a dedicated roof that protects from direct sunlight and rainfall. Where the pagoda differs from a pavilion is in the roof, featuring tiered upward curved roof eaves. Pagodas are square, hexagonal, or octagonal, in a plan.
Pavilion is an umbrella term encompassing both gazebos and pergolas but it's also a more general term for a larger gazebo, often in a public or event space. “Pavilion” can include a variety of other structure types, it's typically signifies a shared space for events rather than a specific building style.
Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
