When landscaping, a formal structure like a gazebo or pergola is ideal for introducing height and a focal point into the garden, while providing an area for quiet contemplation. Knowing the difference between a garden gazebo and a garden pergola will help you choose the right design for your home.
Pergolas
Pergolas are constructed from vertical posts and horizontal beams which form a canopy style structure that can be used to form a walkthrough tunnel over a pathway. A pergola can also be used to create a transitional space in conjunction with other structures, such as gazebos, or positioned against an external wall to complement and complete your outdoor space.
The absence of a solid roof makes a pergola the ideal framework for climbing plants, and timber pergolas make the perfect natural feature in the garden. However, while a traditional pergola does not have a roof, a latticed or full pergola roof can be added to provide varying degrees of shade. When used as part of an entertainment area, an open pergola can have a lattice work screen or canopy curtains added for extra privacy.
Pergolas can be made from a variety of materials, including timber, wood, vinyl and even bamboo. They can be custom built to any size, although typical sizes are 3m x 4m or 3m x 3m. Wooden pergolas add a naturally rustic feel to the garden and pressure treated timber is a cost effective option which can be stained or painted to your preference. Our range of pergola components includes everything required to construct a pergola, including pressure treated rails and posts.
Gazebos
Often considered to be the next step on from a pergola, a wooden garden gazebo is closely related to the bandstands of yesteryear with an ornate octagonal design. Unlike a wooden pergola, a gazebo features a pitched roof which is supported by pillars or columns and typically has an integral, wooden decked area or floor. The pitched roof allows the gazebo to be used all year round, regardless of weather conditions.
Perfect as an extra room in the garden, a gazebo will offer shelter and shade while providing somewhere to sit and unwind, and its intricate structure will add a focal point with the maximum wow-factor. For additional privacy, the open sides of the gazebo can be replaced with lattice work panels, to make your garden hideaway even more cosy.
The flexible, extra space a gazebo gives can be used in a variety of ways. An outdoor playroom for little ones or a dining area for grown-up entertaining, gazebos are also proving increasingly popular for housing hot tubs.
We offer a selection of timber gazebo kits which are supplied for self-assembly. Constructed from pressure-treated timber, sourced from sustainable forests, our wooden gazebo range includes the Gainsborough, a modest, six-sided construction with a choice of side panel configurations. The kit contains detailed instructions and all fittings required to fully assemble the gazebo, which can be painted to suit your own taste. If you prefer something a little more exotic, our Oriental Pagoda embodies a taste of the orient and would make the most majestic focal point in a larger garden.
If you want to create interest in the garden, or provide extra space, or just have somewhere to enjoy the sunny weather, the addition of a wooden pergola or gazebo could be the ideal solution. Which you choose will depend on its intended function and how much space there is available. If you need any help with this or any other garden timber questions, our team is available to contact via email or telephone on 01205 359188.