Both pergolas and gazebos are excellent additions to any garden.
These attractive structures offer privacy, shelter, and shade whatever the weather, and help create a stunning focal point that can boost the value of your property.
But what are the differences between these two structures, and which is the best fit for your outdoor space?
Our experts at Pheasant & Co. explore everything you need to know in this article.
What is a gazebo?
A gazebo is, typically, a four-sided structure that features a roof or canopy.
Made from high-quality pressure-treated timber, garden gazebos provide the perfect amount of privacy from nosy neighbours, and protection from the unpredictable UK weather forecast.
Whether you use them to keep garden furniture clean and dry or create a cosy space for hosting friends and family come rain or shine, they’re guaranteed to be a valuable, much-loved addition to your outdoor area.
What is a pergola?
Unlike a gazebo, a pergola doesn’t have a roof or canopy. Instead, open beams with chamfered edges are a common characteristic, with some structures featuring adjustable canopies.
By design, pergolas are much more minimalistic, and they can be used for a number of different things – from creating a shaded area for your hot tub or barbecue, to an intimate dining area for garden parties.
Like gazebos, traditional pergolas are also made using pressure-treated wood, which lasts up to four times longer than untreated alternatives and holds up well in all weathers.
So, how are they different?
Aside from the differing designs we’ve talked about, there are several differences between pergolas and gazebos.
Some of these include:
- Uses – A gazebo acts almost like an outdoor room and can be used to create a sheltered area for dining, entertaining, and relaxing, whilst a pergola can be used to section off a specific area of your garden, where you can still make the most of sunshine and shade.
- Cost – Pergolas are generally less expensive than gazebos, perfect if you’re transforming your garden on a tighter budget.
- Style – Typically, pergolas have open, lattice-style roofs, whilst gazebos have solid, fully enclosed roofs for better protection against the elements.
Which is best for my garden?
Ultimately, the distinction between a gazebo and a pergola is down to your personal preference.
Both offer shade and shelter for you to make use of your garden whatever the weather, and both could potentially meet your practical requirements.
When making your selection, think about what you want from your structure (full shelter, partial shade, etc), the space you have available, whether you prefer the look of a fully enclosed or an open roof, and your budget to help narrow down your options.
For example, if you have a small space you want to fill in your garden, to host summer barbecues or create a relaxing hot-tub escape, that provides just the right amount of privacy whilst allowing you to make the most of the sunshine, a pergola would be perfect.
A gazebo, on the other hand, is ideal if you have a large space available and want to build a more sheltered area, so you can enjoy the outdoors whatever the forecast has in store.
Need expert advice?
Here at Pheasant & Co., we’re proud to supply a range of wooden gazebo and pergola kits that are perfect for your garden renovation project, and perfect for those on the hunt for a speedy, affordable transformation.
We also offer a selection of bespoke kits, including The CUBE bespoke wooden pergola kit and custom-size wooden gazebo kit, so you’re guaranteed to find the solution that ticks all the right boxes.
All our kits are designed and manufactured to the highest standard right here in the UK by our highly-skilled team, and will look great in your garden for decades to come.
Browse and shop our range online for convenient home delivery, or get in touch with our experts today by calling 01280 825 766 or emailing info@dev.pheasantandco.com and we’ll get back to you.
Pheasant & Co… make your garden at home!
