Pergola vs. Gazebo: What's the Difference?

Both pergolas and gazebos are great options for visually attractive structures outside your property. The difference is that gazebos feature a full roof structure, while pergolas have a partially covered roof that allows some sun to filter through. Both provide some protection from the elements. Gazebos also tend to be freestanding, while pergolas are often attached to a primary structure.

Read on to learn the other key differences between pergolas and gazebos, from cost and value to durability and appearance.

What Is a Pergola?

Pergolas are open-air structures consisting of pillars supporting a partially open roof system. The roof system is typically slatted to allow air and sun to filter through and host vining plants. Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a primary structure on one or more sides. Most pergolas are built over top of an existing floor or another surface, such as a deck, patio, or pavers in a garden.

What Is a Gazebo?

Gazebos are freestanding structures consisting of pillars supporting an enclosed roof system. The roof offers full protection from the elements, and the sides are partially to fully open, allowing plenty of airflow. Most gazebo designs include a floor system, often raised above ground level.

Roof Differences

Since gazebos feature enclosed roof systems and pergolas have partially open roofs, gazebos offer superior protection from sun and rain than pergolas.

Pergola

The open roof of a pergola isn't a design flaw but a quality that makes it an attractive alternative to a gazebo. Sure, you likely won't enjoy sitting under an open roof during rainfall, but the open-air design is what many buyers like most about a pergola. Depending on the roof design, pergolas can provide a surprising amount of shade from the sun.

Gazebo

The most significant difference between a gazebo and a pergola is the gazebo's closed roof system. The roof makes gazebos more attractive to many prospective buyers, as the structures are more flexible and can be enjoyed rain or shine.

Appearance

Gazebos are freestanding structures, while pergolas are sometimes attached to a primary structure. This feature isn't a rule, but you'll find that this is usually the case.

Pergola

The flexible design of a pergola's roof makes it easy to attach to a primary structure on one or more walls. Install the pillars next to your house or another structure, then fasten the other side of the pergola's slatted roof to the existing structure. Many people match or contrast the pergolas material to their home to add visual interest and curb appeal.

Gazebo

Due to its freestanding design, a gazebo can contrast with or match the adjacent permanent structure, such as the house.

Durability

Due to their architecture and materials, gazebos are often more durable than pergolas. The enclosed roof offers more protection, promoting the gazebo's longevity.

Pergola

A well-built pergola adequately maintained according to the material used can last for years. However, the lack of a roof to protect the materials, especially wood pergolas, can lead to premature deterioration.

Gazebo

A gazebo's roof offers superior protection to the more vulnerable structural elements below and contributes significantly to the overall structure by further tying the roof system together. Pair this with the fact that gazebos often house floor structures, railings, and even built-in benches, and you have a structure with far more sturdiness than a pergola.

Cost

Pergolas cost less to build than gazebos. There's just not as much to the structure, leading to lower costs for materials and labor if you hire someone to do the project. The average cost for a pergola is about $4,259, while a gazebo can cost about $5,239.

Pergola

You can save money by building a pergola instead of a gazebo. The main reason is that pergolas use fewer materials than gazebos due to their simpler architecture. However, creating the structure yourself is one of the most significant ways to save money. Pergolas are considered to be more DIY friendly than gazebos, as they're generally easier to build. They can cost about $600 on the low and $12,000 on the high end.

Gazebo

Due to their complex architecture, gazebos are typically more expensive undertakings than pergolas, requiring more materials. Plus, many gazebos have more features than pergolas, such as floors, railings, and built-in seating, which require more materials and labor. The cost for a gazebo can run from $450 to $17,000.

Because a gazebo is often a freestanding structure, building one will likely require you to prep the ground, requiring more labor and potentially materials like dirt and rock.

Value

Pergolas may have better ROI than gazebos, but both can add value to your home. The difference is the amount of money invested on the front end.

Pergola

As mentioned above, building a pergola is easier on the wallet than building a gazebo. As less money is required upfront, a pergola may have a better return than a gazebo. Pergolas can also be an inexpensive way to attract buyers to your home once it comes time to sell.

Gazebo

Like most outdoor improvements, a gazebo will add value to your property if it's built well, is attractive, and is kept in good condition. Lowering the initial investment's cost without compromising the build's quality is the key to getting the best return on your investment.

When to Hire a Professional

Building a gazebo or pergola is a big project; it requires a certain skill level and a time commitment. It can be a rewarding endeavor, but because it is precise and requires some ingenuity, you may need to evaluate whether you have the knowledge or can get up to speed sufficiently to deliver a good result. If you can honestly answer that for yourself, that should help determine whether you should take on this big DIY project or hire a professional.

If you want to proceed with a DIY project, a pergola is easier to build and requires fewer materials. Since a gazebo requires a fully enclosed roof, the roofing adds another layer of skill. Also, a gazebo is usually based on a foundation, while a pergola requires anchors to a nearby foundation rather than being built on top of one.

How to Choose a Pergola vs. a Gazebo

The space size, the look you're going for, and the intent for how it will be used should guide your decision on choosing a pergola over a gazebo. A gazebo has a more traditional feel, evoking images of an English formal garden, while a pergola gives off Tuscan wine country vibes.

Pergolas, like arbors, look nice and support vines and flowering shrubs. Meanwhile, you can huddle under a gazebo in case of a passing rain shower, keeping you dry, while a pergola doesn't give you the same coverage. Gazebos are more challenging to build, usually costing more, while a pergola is a little more DIY-friendly.