What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
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
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.
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.).
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.
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