Many of us like to be outside as much as we can. When you want to add an outdoor structure to your yard or garden, confusion always arises about what is best in choosing the right outdoor structure between gazebo vs pergola vs pavilion.
A pergola, gazebo, and pavilion are outdoor buildings with different designs and uses. Pergolas are open, arching structures with crossbeams and no walls, used for shade and climbing plants. A gazebo is enclosed with a solid roof and semi-close sides with a floor, While a pavilion is roofed, and all sides open structure with no built-in floor.
Gazebo or pergola or pavilion can keep people from getting too hot in the summer and, based on how it is made, can keep the fall chill away for a few more weeks. It can be hard to decide between a pergola, a gazebo, and a pavilion if you don’t know what each is made of. This article is about them so you can decide which is best for your outdoor space.
What is A Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor building with an open framework of vertical posts and horizontal crossbeams. Climbing plants are often used to support the structure. It provides shade and improves the look of outdoor areas where people can relax and eat. Pergolas can stand alone or be connected to a main building on one or more sides. Most pergolas are built on top of floors or other surfaces that are already there, like a park, a deck, a patio, or pavers in a yard.
What Is A Gazebo?
A gazebo is an outdoor building that stands on its own. It has a solid roof and either partial or full walls. It protects you from the sun, rain, and bugs and makes a clear place in your garden or yard for things like eating, relaxing, or getting together with friends. Most gazebos have flooring, which is usually higher than the ground. These can be made of wood, metal, and composite materials.
What Is A Pavilion?
A pavilion is a roofed structure with open sides that stands alone outdoors, but unlike a gazebo, it doesn’t have any particular floor. It is larger than a gazebo and is best for big gatherings and events. It also protects from weather very well and gives a majestic feel with its bigger size.
When To Choose A Gazebo?
A gazebo is a great option for various situations, particularly in the case of an outdoor space that seamlessly blends design and function. Gazebos are ideal for social gatherings and provide an inviting area for entertaining guests or hosting parties. In addition, they are serene retreats, offering an ideal spot to relax and read or take in the natural surroundings. The gazebo provides visual appeal in yards or gardens and is an attractive focal point for landscaping. Suppose you are looking for a flexible and elegant outdoor structure with practicality. In that case, the gazebo is a viable option that provides shelter and ambiance to enjoy a range of different things to do.
When To Choose a Pavilion?
A pavilion is an intelligent choice when you are looking for a stylish and multi-functional outdoor space. Pavilions are great for accommodating large gatherings and formal occasions, with plenty of shelter and a stylish backdrop for parties. Their expansive design is ideal for receptions, weddings, or corporate events. Furthermore, they offer all-year-round protection from rain, sun, or wind, offering the perfect environment for different activities. The choice of a pavilion is associated with creating a lasting, elegant outdoor space where you can enjoy the natural beauty without sacrificing luxury and comfort. If you want a place to host large events or an idyllic garden oasis, the pavilion provides a timeless and adaptable solution to elevate your outdoor living.
When To Choose Pergola?
Opt for a pergola if you are looking for an open and beautiful extension of an outdoor living space. Pergolas are a great option for an attractive architectural design that creates a defined outdoor space without completely enclosing the area. Perfect for creating a specific space for relaxing, dining, or entertaining. They offer shade with their crossbeam or lattice roof designs. The versatility of pergolas allows customization by incorporating climbing plants or vines, which enhance the natural look. These are a great choice for people who like a balanced mix of sun and shade, providing an open-air retreat that keeps an intimate connection to the surroundings. It is an elegant and practical outdoor space with a hint of natural beauty.
Gazebo vs. Pergola vs. Pavilion: What’s The Difference?
These are outdoor buildings, but with different structural designs, and serve different purposes.
Structure And Roof Difference
Gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions are distinctive outdoor structures with specific functions and displaying distinctive particularities.
Pergola
On the contrary, a pergola is an outdoor structure composed of vertical posts or pillars. They support crossbeams and a strong open lattice, which creates a partially shaded area. Pergolas are renowned for their beauty and their versatility. They function as architectural elements, providing the framework for climbing vines and other plants.
They are usually attached to the building and are often used to create extended outdoor spaces or paths. Pergolas are known for how open and airy they are.
Gazebos
Gazebos have a frame that is more closed and solid. They have a full roof, often shaped like a dome or pyramid, and partially covered walls. It gives you more protection from the weather. A gazebo is a building that stands on its own with a slightly uplifted floor. Even though it can be close to other buildings, it doesn’t need them to stay up. Gazebos are intended for decorative and recreational use, offering an area of shelter for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. They usually have a full roof, which differentiates them from pergolas.
Pavillion
A pavilion is a larger, open-sided outdoor structure with a solid roof supported by pillars or columns. Pavilions are bigger and more formal than pergolas and gazebos. They are usually used to host events as well as outdoor dining. Moreover, it is also used for offering shelter in public areas and parks. Pavilions can be constructed as standalone structures or are attached to a structure.
Purpose And Durability
Pergola
The main purpose of a pergola is to create a partially shaded place outside. They are used as decorations, making the area look nice and giving growing plants like vines and flowers a place to grow. Pergolas are great for making a cozy place to sit or eat outside that gets some shade.
Pergolas can be constructed of durable materials like metal, wood, or vinyl. Their open-style design provides less protection against the elements, reducing their lifespan.
Gazebo
A gazebo is meant to be a completely covered place that protects people from rain, sun, and even bugs. They are more useful and flexible and can be used as outdoor rooms for eating, relaxing, and holding events. Gazebos usually have places to sit; some even have seats or furniture built in.
Gazebos may vary in their durability based on the materials employed. They are generally smaller than pavilions but can be built with high-quality construction materials.
Pavilion
Pavilions can be described as larger formal structures designed to host events, for outdoor dining, or to provide substantial shelter. They are typically found in parks, public areas, or for large gatherings.
Pavillions are designed to be robust and durable. They usually have solid roofs and building materials, which provide more protection from the elements.
The durability of a structure is dependent on the construction components, but pavilions typically being more durable than pergolas and gazebos.
Cost
The cost of gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions may vary widely based on size, materials, complexity, and construction. It is essential to consider the budget you have set, the use of the structure, and the features you want to include before making a final decision. Also, the costs of labor to construct the structure should be incorporated within the budget of any outdoor structures.
Pergola
You can save money by building a pergola in place of a gazebo. The main reason is that pergolas are easier to build and use less material than gazebos. But building yourself is one of the best ways to save money.
The type of material (wood, vinyl, metal), dimensions, size, complexity, and adding other features, such as climbing plants or integrated lighting, affect the total cost. Since it can be placed anywhere outdoors and can even be attached to the building, therefore it is cheaper than gazebos.
Gazebo
Gazebos are usually more expensive to build than pergolas because they are more complicated and need more supplies. Also, many gazebos have more features than pergolas, like floors, railings, and built-in seating, which take more materials and work.
Because a gazebo is often an independent structure, you must prepare the ground before building it. It will take more work and might require things. The cost depends on the type of material employed (wood or metal vinyl) and size, intricacy, and other features like built-in screens or benches. But it is less expensive than a pavilion.
Pavilions
Pavilions are typically the most costly due to the greater dimensions, sturdy roofs, and more robust construction. The quality of the material wood, steel, or any other), the level of complexity in the structure, and other elements like flooring, electrical wiring, or other decorative elements also make it expensive.
How Do You Know Which One is Best?
With outdoor living still being a popular home trend, adding a pergola vs gazebo vs pavilion is a great way to give your family more space and could even raise the value of your house.
If you live in a rainy area, you can stay dry in a gazebo and pavilion because they have closed roofs. Pergolas let in more light, which may be better in warmer parts of the country than others. Think about which option would be more fun for you and your family. If you like the idea of a gazebo or pavilion, consider how big your space is. Make sure it’s far enough away from your house that you retain valuable yard room.
Before buying or building one of these outdoor structures, consider which would look best in your area. What your neighbors have more in their outdoors is a good sign of which choice is more popular where you live. It could give you a better idea of pergola vs gazebo vs pavilion, choosing the right outdoor structure.