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Often confused with each other, the gazebo and the pergola both make their home in your garden. Both offer shelter from the sun and the elements. They can also be a delightful way of decorating your exterior, while providing extra space. It's hard to choose! To help you with this dilemma, here are the main differences between a gazebo and a pergola.

The differences between a pergola and a gazebo

Akena Pergola Bioclimatique - Réguler la luminosité

The pergola: a convivial space

A pergola is a sheltered, convivial space. It can be an island or leaning against the house. There are traditional pergolas, to which you can add optional equipment, and bioclimatic pergolas. Bioclimatic pergolas have a roof with adjustable slats that allow the space to be ventilated naturally. Thanks to these slats, you can control the wind and protect yourself from the sun's rays and bad weather. More akin to a conservatory than a simple shelter, a pergola is a solid, fixed structure. A real living space, it can rarely be dismantled or moved. It is fixed to two or four pillars, depending on whether it is lean-to or freestanding. A pergola can be converted into a conservatory in the future.

Akena Pergola - Pergola toile

The gazebo: temporary shelter for your garden

A gazebo is perfectly suited to one-off or seasonal events. Its lightweight, removable structure makes it easy to set up and take down. Circular or rectangular in shape, it has an arched roof. The structure is often made of aluminium or PVC, with a canvas roof. Although more user-friendly than a simple parasol, the gazebo keeps out too much sun, but offers no protection from the wind or rain. You can find water-repellent canvas, which is waterproof, but it remains a summer shelter.

The advantages of a traditional or bioclimatic pergola

A pergola offers a host of benefits, including

  • it protects against UV rays ;
  • depending on the roof you choose, it also protects you from the elements;
  • a host of options can be added;
  • It adds character to your home;
  • It costs less than a conservatory;
  • can be transformed into a Conservatory;
  • It's welcoming and can be customised;
  • the retractable slats of bioclimatic pergolas mean they can be enjoyed all year round;
  • there's a wide choice of materials (aluminium, PVC, wood, wrought iron, etc.).
Akena Pergola - Lames perpendiculaires - Moderne

The benefits of a garden gazebo

Just like its big sister, the gazebo has a number of advantages worth mentioning:

  • it provides effective protection from the sun ;
  • they're easy to transport;
  • there are folding models;
  • They can be taken down quickly;
  • It's less expensive than a pergola;
  • looks great for an occasional event;
  • Lightweight structure;
  • Curtains and mosquito nets can be added.
Akena Pergola - Végétaliser sa pergola

See the inspirations

Pergola and deckchair, the perfect combination for a day in the sun

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Véranda - Pergola Bioclimatique - Lames orientables motorisées

The pergola, a charming addition to your garden

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Pergola Bioclimatique - Lames orientables

Innovative design: bioclimatic pergola with offset post

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena - Pergola bioclimatique Nantes - Jardin

The pergola that blends in perfectly with your surroundings

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Pergola - Bioclimatique sur mesure - Vue sur piscine

Pergola with opening roof: let the sun shine in!

Pergola with retractable roof
Akena Pergola - Vue panneaux occultants

A pergola that keeps the light in your house

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Pergola - Bioclimatique - Vitrage toit

A practical and elegant pergola with a motorised awning

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Pergola Bioclimatique - Bandeaux RGB - Stores screen motorisés

Design pergola: the originality of offset posts

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena Pergola - Sur mesure - Salle à manger

The bioclimatic pergola: an essential accessory for your pool

Bioclimatic pergola
Akena - Pergola bioclimatique - Aménager sa terrasse

Peace and quiet by the water: flat roof pergola

Flat-roof pergola
Akena - Pergola toit plat - Embellir son jardin

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