Pergola vs Gazebo – Which is right for your space?

Choosing the ideal outdoor structure for your garden requires careful consideration, with the intended use ultimately influencing the style and materials you select. Some homeowners want a simple structure to form a focal point for their garden and provide them with somewhere to occasionally sit in good weather. If you enjoy hosting large get-togethers of friends and family however, you might be seeking a more versatile space for year-round outdoor living and entertaining.

Here at Caribbean Blinds we explore the functionality of both gazebos and pergolas to help you decide which is right for you, your garden and your lifestyle.

What’s the main difference between a gazebo and a pergola?

Pergolas and gazebos are both outdoor permanent structures that provide shade and shelter, but there are some key differences between them which might make you favour one over the other. While both are made up of a framework of posts and beams, a gazebo will usually be more enclosed in nature, often with a solid roof and walls. Gazebos also tend to be freestanding structures, set apart from the main house and that create completely shaded areas. Pergolas on the other hand can be stand-alone or they can be attached to the wall of the house, to form a canopy over an existing patio or terrace. In addition, whereas a gazebo has a fixed enclosed roof, a pergola can have a traditional, open structure of beams over which climbing plants or vines can grow, or alternatively they can have a louvered roof structure, which gives you the option of opening or closing the slats.

The latter in particular can be a great choice if you are looking for a completely flexible outdoor area. With louvres rotating fully through 150 degrees at the touch of a button you can enjoy partial shade, the perfect degree of summer sun with an open roof or you can close the roof completely when the weather turns more unpredictable.

What materials can be used for pergolas and gazebos?

Traditionally both pergolas and gazebos were made of wood, providing a natural and classic aesthetic to the garden. These days however, aluminium is often seen as a better option in terms of durability and versatility.  Sleek and minimalist, aluminium pergolas from Caribbean Blinds feature a clean design with no visible screws or fixings. Galvanized steel supports within the posts ensure a seamless and secure ground fixing, and louvered roof pergolas offer the open-air feel of a patio awning with weather protection using a remote control or specialist app.

Wooden pergolas and other outdoor structures will need a degree of maintenance to prevent them rotting, but the increased popularity of aluminium as a material for garden structures shows homeowners are favouring options which will allow them to enjoy their gardens with minimum upkeep.

How weatherproof are pergolas and gazebos?

The durability of a garden structure will depend on the material used for construction, and its position in the garden. As gazebos are usually sited away from the main house, they may be exposed to high winds in an open garden and offer a small amount of weather protection. A wooden gazebo or pergola will also need maintaining to prevent rot and damage from damp.

As pergolas have the option of a lean-to model which is attached to the side of the house, this will provide extra security from winter storms, and of course all our louvered pergolas are constructed from superstrong aluminium and are able to resist winds of up to 78mph (12 on the Beaufort scale). Louvred roof pergolas from Caribbean Blinds boast a concealed guttering system for effective water drainage from the roof, and feature overlapping and interlocking roof panels that form a completely watertight, windproof, and snow proof covering. The longevity of an aluminium louvered pergola as opposed to a wooden structure could make them a better investment for your outdoor space in the longer term.

What can I use a pergola or gazebo for?

Cooking up a storm

Versatility is where an aluminium louvered pergola really comes into its own. A pergola is the ideal solution if you enjoy outdoor cooking year-round. Our Deluxe+ Pod™ offers a combination of fixed and louvered roof sections, providing a defined space for your grill, countertop, and dining area. You also have the option to add integrated windproof side screens to provide additional protection from the weather and LED lighting to create the perfect ambiance. Further enhance your outdoor kitchen experience with infrared heating options, and you can create a fully functional space you can enjoy in any weather. For further inspiration check out our blog post on using your pergola all year round.

Hot tub heaven

Many homeowners choose to house their hot tub under a pergola or gazebo and this can be a great idea, providing complete protection from the elements and allowing you to use your hot tub throughout the year. A gazebo will usually have a solid roof which will keep you safe and dry from the worst of the weather, and some also have solid walls. The Prestige Pod from Caribbean Blinds features a fully retractable roof, so if you find yourselves outside on a clear night you can retract the roof at the touch of a button and enjoy a spot of stargazing from your tub. Of course, if the weather does turn, you can close the roof completely and rotate the louvres to make them completely water, wind and even snow tight.

The ideal retreat

If you’re looking to create an outdoor living space, where you can just relax and spend some quiet time away from the pressures of everyday life, a gazebo or pergola can be the ideal way to embrace the outside in comfort. In the summer months it’s easy to find somewhere to sit in the garden but as the weather changes you may end up feeling more chilly than chilled in your outdoor seating area! Our louvered pergolas can keep you cozy all year with the option to add windproof side screens, which can be lowered with a remote control or app, and infra-red heaters for when the temperatures really start to drop. And of course, as our pergolas are made of aluminium rather than wood, it’s possible to add a fire pit underneath for the ultimate snug feeling.

Find your perfect garden solution

At Caribbean Blinds, we are proud to offer a diverse range of high-quality, long-lasting modern garden pergolas.

Get in touch with a member of our team today to discuss your pergola design needs and discover how we can help you to transform your outdoor space into an area ideal for relaxing or entertaining.