Pergola vs. Gazebo: Which One Should You Pick?

Pergolas and gazebos are popular shade structures for homeowners planning to renovate their backyard, patio, or pool area. Homeowners who want a more modern feel often opt for pergolas, while six-sided or eight-sided gazebos suit those who want a classic design choice.

Gazebo vs. Pergola: Key Differences

Gazebos and pergolas are both backyard shade structures that provide a touch of ambiance to your lawn—making you the ideal backyard barbeque host.

While both structures have similarities, the terms “pergola” and “gazebo” are not interchangeable. Here is what you need to know about each outdoor shade structure.

What Is a Gazebo?

Gazebos provide an instantaneous Victorian garden effect. Structurally, they often come in the shape of a polygon with six or eight open-air sides and two small sets of steps leading up to the center platform. They tend to have pointed, shingled roofs and ornate, lattice-type wooden accents. Gazebo costs range from $2,700 to $10,000 on average.

Best for:

• Those looking for a quasi-indoor (screened-in, electric-lit) patio experience

• Those with higher garden budgets

• Those who enjoy a sophisticated, Victorian-style feel

Pros of Gazebos

Gazebos tend to be more robust than pergolas, with flooring and sometimes screened-in or even closed-in walls. This creates the effect of an outdoor sunroom, one that can even be wired for electricity, thanks to the sturdy construction of gazebos. 

With their sophisticated air, gazebos call to mind a Victorian garden and are well placed amongst lush, flower-filled landscaping. While some types of gazebos may be considered outdated to certain people, a qualified contractor in your area can work with you to create a sleek, customized design. Adding a gazebo can definitely add value to your home.

Cons of Gazebos

Gazebos are, in general, more expensive than pergolas to build—thanks to that same more robust construction mentioned above. Because they require more lumber and materials, they are usually more pricey overall, even before labor costs.

In addition, gazebos may be less compatible than pergolas with open-air features like outdoor bars or fire pits because of their pared-down construction. And, as mentioned, to some eyes, gazebos feel a bit out of date.

What Is a Pergola?

Pergolas are, by design, more minimalistic, so they’re more modern than gazebos. Their primary purpose is shade, but the custom pergolas have cozy touches like outdoor fire pits, smart-technology shade beams, and retractable shades.

While gazebos often have an elevated floor, pergolas have four posts that sit directly on any surface, such as concrete, grass, or outdoor tile. Pergolas cost between $2,200 and $6,400 on average. They often come manufactured with different materials, including vinyl, wood, and aluminum.

Best for:

• Modern landscape design options 

• Those with smaller landscaping budgets

• Those looking to add open-air features like fire pits or outdoor bars

Pros of Pergolas

Because pergolas have a more streamlined construction than gazebos, they’re usually less expensive and time-consuming to build. You may also have more leeway to choose different types of materials to build your pergola with. They’re constructed not just of wood but also sometimes of aluminum or vinyl.

Finally, because of their more pared-down appearance and lack of solid walls, pergolas can easily be combined with open-air outdoor features like fire pits, wood-burning pizza ovens, or outdoor bars. And just like gazebos, adding one to your yard can increase your home value.

Cons of Pergolas

Because pergolas are less robust than gazebos, they’re not as compatible with, say, electric wiring or screened-in sides that can make a more contained outdoor experience. They also don’t usually have flooring, meaning there’s less protection from the outdoor elements and insects.

Pergolas vs. Gazebos

So, which is better for your backyard: a pergola or gazebo?

Ultimately, the choice between a pergola and a gazebo depends on personal preferences. However,  you should consider your budget, design preferences, climate, and how you plan to use the space before deciding.

Appearance​: Tie

Depending on your personal design preferences and style, you may find either a pergola or a gazebo to be more attractive, appearance-wise. Those who are into more ornate styles will likely prefer gazebos, while those who prefer a more minimal, streamlined look may lean toward pergolas.

Durability​​: Gazebo

With their sturdier construction, gazebos tend to be more durable than pergolas (and more usable during inclement weather).

Price​: Pergola

Given their relatively lighter requirements in both materials and labor, pergolas tend to be less expensive to build.

Ease of Installation: Pergola

For the same reason they’re less expensive to build, pergolas are also less time-consuming and difficult to install. Put simply, less has to be done.

Repair and Maintenance: Pergola

A pared-down design translates to pared-down repair requirements, especially since pergolas are not usually wired for electricity (one of the main components that may require maintenance and repair in a gazebo).

Length of Life​: Gazebo

A sturdier design means gazebos may last longer than pergolas will—though a well-built pergola can still last a long time.

Megan DeMatteo contributed to this piece.