The past few years have seen a rapid increase in the amount of time families are spending at home, and especially in their backyards! If yours is a family that loves to be together outside, you may be considering new ways to spruce up your outdoor space.
If you have a backyard with lots of sunshine and not as much shade, a pergola or gazebo might be the perfect solution to make your evenings more enjoyable. What are the differences between a pergola and a gazebo? Which one is right for you?
Pergola
A pergola is an open crisscrossed roof system supported by four columns. While they are generally made with wood, they can also be made of vinyl, fiberglass, or other outdoor materials. Pergolas are relatively simple to build according to the design of your deck or patio.
A pergola’s open crisscrossed roof provides shade but doesn’t completely block the sun. A pergola adds a lot of beauty to your space as well! I
Here are some pros and cons to installing a pergola:
Pros-
Lower cost option for updates on a budget
Durable
Can easily have fabric attached for additional privacy, shade, or protection from the weather
Cons-
Do not add value to your home
May require some maintenance depending on which material you choose
Gazebo
A gazebo is an outdoor structure that has a closed roof rather than an open one. A gazebo often has a floor that is raised by a few steps and may feature built-in bench seating, a bar, or even curtains. It can be built with wood, vinyl, composite, or other durable outdoor materials.
Some pros and cons of a gazebo are:
Pros-
Completely covered roof offers plenty of shade and weather protection
Comfortable and spacious for entertaining
Beautiful
Attractive for potential homebuyers
Cons-
Typically higher cost to install
May need to have the roof system replaced over time
When deciding whether a pergola or gazebo is best for you, the biggest difference is probably the amount of shade you desire. If you only want partial shade and your yard isn’t in full sun, a pergola may be best! If you are desiring more constant shade, a gazebo may be a better fit.
Regardless of your chosen method of shade, we can help! Give us a call; we’d love to help you design your perfect backyard project!
