Modifying your landscape including building structure on your property will add to your home’s value. If you’re fond of outdoor living and spend most of your time on your loan, you might want to consider having a gazebo or pergola to create more accents and have a place to relax. These two could enhance your backyard, and they are very attractive at the same time could help you unwind from a busy day. However, you have to consider a few factors before choosing between the two that will perfectly suit your backyard.
Indicated below are the differences of each structure for you to help you choose the best pergola and best hardtop gazebo.
Difference between Pergola and Gazebo
Pergolas
Contents
Since pergolas were designed to be an outdoor structure to modify an area in your backyard for landscaping, it is usually rectangular with pillars supporting the crossbeams and an open rafter across the top forming a shade to cover the walkway and sitting area.
Its main purpose is to define a space in your backyard. They are considered garden structures and are very popular in countries with a warm climate. Since the rafter is open, they use vine or any cloth to close and provide a shaded area. It is also used to connect two different buildings and used as a walkway to transfer from one building to another with shade.
Types of Pergolas
- Anchored
From its name, this pergola needs to be anchored to the ground using cement or stakes.
- Freestanding
This type of pergola is anchored to the ground or mounted to the wall, it can be placed on any ground level or patio area. It is recommended to build them in a sheltered place from high and strong winds.
- Wall-Mounted
Another type is mounted to the wall outside your home and the posts rest on the patio area.
Features
- Weather-Resistant
It is made from weather-resistant material to avoid rusting and rotting.
- Canopy-Included
To provide shade, a weather-resistant fabric is added. It is hung over the rafter and sometimes extended from the sides.
- Louvers-included
As an alternative to the canopy, louvers are used. They look like blinds that are angled to allow direct sunlight and keep out the rain.
- Arched-Roof
For a more modern aesthetic, the pergola has an arched roof instead of a flat.
Installation Tips
Beforehavinga Pergola you’re interested in, measure first the area on where you are placing it to make sure it fits. Choose also space with a level ground where water from rain won’t overflow. Also, contact your local town authorities first to ensure safety and to avoid hitting any utility lines such as water and sewer before digging holes for the posts.
It is also better to follow the manufacturer’s directions with regards to the installation. Since this structure is quite big, it usually requires people to assemble and install the parts. They are anchored to the ground through digging post holes around 6 inches deep. Concrete is poured to fill the holes and use a hammer to keep the fastener connected to the concrete keeping it in place.
Gazebo
Gazebos were designed to have an octagonal or round shape. It is a stand-alone structure with a closed floor and roof, and it has open sides or open windows. Its style is more elaborate than a pergola; pergolas, on the other hand, are plain while Gazebos are decorative. Gazebos are also created to cater to gathering such as dining and relaxation. Large Gazebos are used as a stage for outdoor performances or bands.
Years ago, gazebos were built along hillsides to highlight the view from the hills and were also used to look over intruders. Through the years, they were modified; screens and walls were made for protection.
Types of Gazebo
- Patio
A patio is considered as the most popular gazebo nowadays. They are usually made from wood, plastic, vinyl, or metal, and they are permanent structures in your backyard.
This gazebo is portable, you can be easily transferred and popped up. It’s best if you use are fond of celebrating parties, barbeque gathering, or spots game.
This gazebo is mainly for grilling purposes. When you are grilling, this is used to cover you from the rain, snow, or even from the heat of the sun.
Installation Type
- Permanent
Permanent Gazebos are anchored into the ground to withstand intense weather conditions, and it usually has its floor. It should be built on level ground and a space near drainage to avoid a pool of water which will destroy and damage the structure
- Portable
This type only has four posts and a roof on top without any floor. It is portable, so it can be easily taken or moved from one place to another.
- Wall-mounted
Wall-mounted type is installed outside of your home’s wall. This is usually used to create a shaded place for relaxing.
Features
- Weather-Resistant
To avoid these structures from rot and rust, they are designed to resist extreme weather.
- No-Foundation-Needed
Building a foundation is not needed in setting up, making it easier to install. However, it is best if weights or stakes are used to secure the posts to the ground.
- Screens-included
To keep you safe from bugs and mosquitoes, mesh screens are added.
- Enclosed
For privacy and protection purposes, they include walls with mesh screen windows and curtains.
- Double-Roof
They are made to be aesthetically pleasing. Designed to have a double roof for it look more pleasing and used also as bent for fire pits or grills.
Materials used for both Pergola and Gazebo
- Wood
Traditionally, wood is being used, it offers a more classic and rustic look. Cedarwood is the most commonly used, it is natural and weather-resistant. However, it needs to be maintained every year by resealing the material to avoid it from rotting.
- Metal
Metal is the most study among the others and easiest to install and assemble due to its click-together frames. It is recommended to maintain it once in a while to avoid rust.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is considered to be the most low-maintenance material since it won’t rot over time, and they are just easy to clean.
- Plastic
Plastic is the most practical option since it’s durable and affordable at the same time when compared to wood. Resin plastic doesn’t splinter, rot, nor rust.
Choosing from two different beautiful things might be hard. However, prior to deciding or buying your best hardtop gazebo or pergola, plan and assess first your place. These two structures do offer a great place to either relax or give more value to your yard.
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