It may be that time of the year when you look at your outdoor living space and know it needs a few touch-ups. So you’re looking at both pergolas and gazebos, but which one works for you?
That is entirely dependent on you, your home, and your needs. Of course, taste plays a big role in it, but practically also presents itself.
But before we get carried away, let’s start at the beginning. What is the difference between pergolas and a gazebos?
Pergola Vs Gazebo: What’s The Difference?
To be quite honest, no one would blame you for confusing pergolas and gazebos.
At the end of the day, both these structures are built to provide shade. However, the biggest difference between pergolas and gazebos is how they provide shade.
Pergolas make use of crisscrossed wooden roofing, offering dappled sunlight shade. On the other hand, gazebos are often elaborately designed, with a closed roof to provide full protection.
Pergolas can be built as an extension of a wall or a roof, adding a visual character to your garden. Gazebos are free-standing and make a statement wherever they are. They are meant to be a focal point or a visual sort of centerpiece.
Everything To Know About Pergolas
Simply put, a pergola is a framework created to provide shade. But they are so much more than that and can add great value to your home.
Pergolas are an extension of your home to create an ideal area for entertaining – especially in the summer months. They use a much more elegant and simplistic design than gazebos to add some visual interest to your garden.
The latticed structure of pergolas offers an opportunity for you to spruce up your outdoor living space. This can be done by letting vined plants run up the beams or hanging plants from the roof.
Plus, your pergola can even become a fantastic entertaining area in the evenings. You can hang lanterns from the roof, creating a beautiful area for entertaining.
The beauty of a pergola is that its build is not set in stone. In fact, some of the more modern pergolas make use of retractable roofs. This means you can build and create a pergola that perfectly suits your home and outdoor living space.
All About Gazebos
Gazebos have been around a lot longer than pergolas. Some of the earliest gazebos have been found in Egypt in 1400 BC. However, it was really the Victorian age that popularized these structures.
Gazebos are freestanding structures that offer protection against the sun, wind, rain, and any other elements. Usually circular or a polygon, these structures make a statement in an outdoor living space.
Depending on the size of your gazebo it can host any number of people – not to mention an elegant dance number or two (who can forget the iconic scene from Sound of Music).
Gazebos can be built in any number of designs and styles – from simple and modern to more detailed and extravagant. So, you’re bound to find one that complements your outdoor living space well.
Gazebo Vs Pergola – Which Is Right For You?
You may still be wondering, which is the one for your home.
Well, perhaps it is best to start with the size of your garden. Even a small gazebo may look out of place in a smaller outdoor living space. In this case, consider making use of a pergola. The flexibility of design allows you to link the pergola to your house. Or, perhaps consider building it into a nook in your garden to create a unique entertaining area.
If you would like to create a sheltered area in your backyard, away from the house, then a gazebo is a great option. You could even install a walkway or stepping stone path leading up to it.
Consider the design of your home. Is it more traditional? Is it more modern? Do you mainly make use of straight lines and minimalist shapes? Or do you opt for elaborate architectural points? Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home. When incorporating visual elements into your outdoor living space, make sure it complements your home.
You may even want to keep the weather in mind. Gazebos are better protected from the elements than a pergola as they have a solid roof. However, if you would love to enjoy the warm weather with dappled sunlight on your patio, then a pergola is your best bet.
Conclusion
Creating a visually interesting outdoor living space is such a big adventure. However, it may be daunting as well.
You may find your garden is small but your home makes use of traditional architecture. Or, maybe you’re simply stuck on deciding between a pergola and gazebo.
The best is to get a professional opinion on the matter. At Seattle Outdoor Spaces, we can help you decide as well as give you tips on how to increase your home value.
