Pergola vs Gazebo: What’s the difference and how to choose the right option for your garden

Both structures are similar to each other so it can be tricky to know which suits your garden and needs, or even to simply know what the difference between them is. Let’s take a look at what gazebos and pergolas are, their benefits and how you choose the right structure for your garden and needs.

What is a gazebo?

A traditional garden gazebo is a freestanding, open-sided, permanent structure that is found in many gardens and outdoor spaces. They are designed to provide shade, shelter, and a place for relaxation, all while allowing you to enjoy your surroundings.

Gazebos typically feature a solid roof supported by posts or columns, with open sides. Roof designs can be dome shaped, peaked or flat, depending on the style you choose. They are made from a range of materials including wood, metal or composite.

You can usually choose between an open gazebo which is a structure that has a roof supported by pillars, or a gazebo with sides which offers additional protection from the elements.

What can you use a gazebo for?

Gazebos have a range of uses. It’s the perfect way to enhance your garden and can be adapted to suit your needs.

Here’s just a few ways you could use a gazebo in your garden:

• Entertaining: A gazebo is a great addition to your garden if you want to host summer barbecues, enjoy outdoor dining with your family or extend your living space and create seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. You could even install an outdoor kitchen station or a bar area if you want to create a functional outdoor space.

• Relaxing: Adding garden furniture to your gazebo makes it the perfect space for you to relax and unwind while taking shelter from the elements. Adding comfortable seating, a dining table or a coffee table provides you with an additional living space and somewhere to eat, read a book or enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Both large and small gazebos provide a great space that you can customise to meet your needs.

• Dining: A gazebo can provide a great outdoor dining space that’s sheltered from the elements. It provides additional space and allows you to enjoy your dinner outside, with views of your garden and uninterrupted views.

• Hot tub shelter: If you already have a hot tub and are looking for privacy or shelter, a gazebo is a great solution and allows you to use your hot tub all-year round.

• BBQ shelter: A gazebo without sides is perfect for use as a BBQ shelter which will allow air to flow through but provide you with protection from the sun or rain when enjoying outdoor dining.

• Carport: If you’re looking for somewhere to park your car with added protection but you don’t have a garage or want to add a garage, a large gazebo is a perfect alternative.

Benefits of a gazebo

Let’s have a look at the range of benefits a gazebo can offer:

1. Increases outdoor living space - A gazebo is the perfect way to create an outdoor entertaining or relaxing space that provides additional living space. In the warmer months, your gazebo will provide you with a great place to enjoy your garden, relax or entertain. By adding a patio heater or an outdoor fire pit, you can use your gazebo year-round, providing an extra space in your home that you can retreat to after a stressful day.

2. Versatile option - Gazebos are highly versatile and can be used for a range of purposes including outdoor entertaining, relaxing, dining, gardening, or even as a space for exercising or meditation. This makes them a great addition to any outdoor setting.

3. Provides protection from the elements - Gazebos offer protection from the sun, wind and rain, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, regardless of the inclement British weather! It provides a shaded area on hot days and shelter during rain, extending usability of your outdoor space.

4. Increases property value - Any improvements to your garden can boost your home’s value. A gazebo is a great way to extend your living space and create functional outdoor living space which draw buyers in and create a selling point for your home.

5. Enhances outdoor aesthetic - Gazebos add a beautiful focal point to your garden. Depending on the design you choose, it will complement the overall look of the space, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a more inviting environment.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure that is defined by its open roof and airy design. It consists of a framework of vertical posts or pillars supporting an open lattice roof. Pergolas are open on all sides which means they don’t provide full shelter in the same way as a gazebo. Pergolas are commonly used to define outdoor spaces such as patios, walkways or garden areas, and can be enhanced with climbing plants to create a feature. They are made from a range of materials including composite, aluminium and wood.

What can you use a pergola for?

Just like gazebos, a pergola has a range of uses including:

• Dining: A pergola provides the perfect setting for outdoor meals. Whether you want to enjoy family meals outside or entertain outside, a pergola offers partial shade and a sense of enclosed while still allowing you to enjoy the fresh air.

• Relaxation: Adding comfortable seating to your pergola will provide you with a great space to relax, read, or just enjoy a cup of tea and coffee.

• Garden feature: Pergolas can provide a striking focal point in your garden, helping to define specific areas and add visual interest. They’re also the perfect place to grow climbing plants, creating a natural, shaded canopy that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.

• Walkways and pathways: Pergolas are a great way to create a shaded walkway through your garden. The open structure allows light to filter through, creating an inviting pathway.

Benefits of a pergola

1. Provides partial shade - Pergolas are designed to offer shade from direct sunlight while still allowing air to circulate. The structure of the roof will only provide partial shade but you could grow plants across the top to provide additional shade and protection from the sun.

2. Extends outdoor living space - A pergola can be used to create shelter in your garden for outdoor relaxing or dining. They can be either freestanding or connected to your home to shade your patio and provide a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

3. Creates a focal point - If you want to add an additional feature to your garden, a pergola is a great addition. You can use it to grow climbing plants and vines which will enhance a walkway in your garden or provide you with an attractive place to sit and enjoy your garden.

A pergola is an attractive architectural feature that can complement the style of your garden or outdoor area. It adds structure and elegance making the space feel more inviting and visually appealing.

Key differences between a pergolas and gazebos

Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between pergolas and gazebos to help you choose which is the right choice for your garden.

Structure

• Pergola: Open-sided, typically with a slatted or lattice roof.

• Gazebo: Enclosed or partially enclosed with a solid roof.

Function

• Pergola: Provides partial shade and a decorative focal point.

• Gazebo: Provides shelter from sun and rain, more like a shelter.

Size

• Pergola: Typically smaller and more flexible in size and shape.

• Gazebo: Usually larger with a more defined structure.

Privacy

• Pergola: Open on all sides, offering less privacy.

• Gazebo: Can include railings, walls or curtains for additional privacy.

Main uses

• Pergola: Gardening, relaxation, dining or as a walkway.

• Gazebo: Outdoor events, gatherings, relaxation, or as a shelter.

Ideal Placement

• Pergola: Perfect for gardens, patios, and walkways.

• Gazebo: Great for lawns, large gardens, and spaces where shelter is needed.

How do you choose between a pergola or gazebo for your garden?

Choosing between a gazebo or pergola for your garden depending on your needs, the size of your garden, and the type of outdoor space you want to create.

If you’re looking for a more open, airy structure that offers partial shade, a pergola might be the better option. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed outdoor space where you can enjoy dining, gardening, or simply relaxing in the sun. The open design of a pergola allows light to filter through while offering a sense of space, making it ideal for smaller gardens or areas where you want a flexible, less enclosed structure.

On the other hand, if you need a more sheltered, weather-resistant space, a gazebo is likely the better option. Gazebos provide full coverage with a solid roof, making them perfect for all-weather use, from protecting you and your guests from rain to offering shade on the warmer days of the year. The more enclosed design can provide more privacy, which is ideal if you want a space to entertain large groups, host family gatherings, or simply enjoy quiet moments outdoors, protected from the elements.

Think about the climate, the space you have available, and level of shelter or privacy you need when deciding between these two structures.

Browse our full range of gazebos and pergolas and start building your dream garden today! Or if you’d like to talk to us about any of our products, please contact our customer service team on 01508 558308 or info@tuin.co.uk. We have over 50 years’ industry experience so can provide you with advice and guidance on the right products for you.