Shelters are some of the most important features of a backyard, letting you enjoy fresh air activities even on days when the weather isn’t ideal. Today, many homes lack covered porches, and outdoor living is centered on the backyard rather than the front yard, which means homeowners are faced with a tough decision: gazebo vs. pergola in Manhasset and Huntington, NY? Here’s what you need to know, so you can make the right choice for your backyard.
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Both gazebos and pergolas shelter you from the hot summer sun; they also add privacy and a defined outdoor space.
While these structures seem similar, they each have distinct features.
A Pergola: Classic and Elegant
Pergolas consist of vertical columns, which support an open roof of rafters and cross beams. The open roof structure allows heat to escape and promotes airflow through the space. This makes it a popular solution for outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and seating areas.
Since a pergola does not have a floor, it can be placed on a paver or stone patio, on a gravel patio, or on a concrete slab to provide a level seating area.
Many homeowners place a pergola immediately adjacent to the home, in effect creating a shaded transitional area much like a covered porch, between the home and the landscape.
This classic square or rectangular structure is made of wood, although modern pergolas can be made of steel as well. There is no standard size for a pergola, which makes it suitable for any size backyard. Given their simplicity and versatility, pergolas are easily adaptable to any architectural style.
A pergola can be the ideal choice if you need to add shade but don’t need a solid roof. For example, if you enjoy alfresco cooking and dining, adding a pergola over your outdoor kitchen and/or dining area can make it a more comfortable place to be if the sun is beating down on a hot summer afternoon.
Some homeowners start off with a pergola, and then later decide that they want more rain protection. This can be accomplished by adding several clear or smoke-tinted corrugated polycarbonate panels to the roof. This option still allows the space to be bright and airy while providing both shade and protection from rain or show.
For added coziness, install an outdoor fireplace along one of the pergola walls. This can extend your outdoor fun into the colder months.
Add privacy to a pergola with outdoor curtains, or a vine-covered trellis.
A Gazebo: Romantic and Charming
A gazebo tends to offer a softer, more romantic look. Typically round, hexagonal, or octagonal, gazebos feature a solid roof and partially open sides. Unlike pergolas, gazebos have a built-in floor, which makes them attractive options for a more remote spot in the landscape, as well as atop a paver or natural stone patio.
Like pergolas, gazebos can be any size. A small gazebo is ideal for an intimate relaxation or conversation spot near a pond or overlooking a view. A larger gazebo can accommodate a dining area or seating area for a group of people.
A common way to increase the usability of a gazebo is to add screens all the way around (as well as a screen door), which could make it an ideal spot for a family “camp-out” in the backyard.
While the sides of a gazebo are open, there is often a railing or half-wall on the bottom. This makes the space feel cozy and intimate, more like a room with permanently open windows.
Add privacy to a gazebo with outdoor curtains or a vine-covered trellis.
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