Pergola or Gazebo or Parasol? They can all be ideal for providing shade for a balcony, terrace, or dining area in the middle of your garden, and they all serve to decorate the outdoor space. What could be more comfortable and beautiful than having them?
In this guide, we have compiled all the information you need to help you make the right purchasing choice and enjoy relaxing in the shade.
Pergola VS Gazebo
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo? They serve slightly different functions. Pergolas are mainly used as additional weather protection (for receptions, meals, weddings, etc.). Gazebos, on the other hand, are mainly used for decorative purposes.
Pergola
A pergola is a sturdy, decorative outdoor structure for the garden, usually rectangular. It can be made from different materials and consists of a structure with four or six posts and a roof. A louver roof allows the pergola to have many gaps, like a fence. It can also be supported on a wall and covered with a roof or pitched roof, such as an attached pergola. The function of pergolas is to protect the terrace while creating an airy and sheltered area.
In the garden, the pergola is the ultimate treasure.
It can partially cover a large part of the terrace, mark the entrance to a particular area, or delimit a relaxation area. It can be constructed from lightweight but sturdy aluminum. A white gazebo will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, while a wooden gazebo covered with reed mats will have a Provencal feel and provide shade! Some custom-made luxury gazebos come with floors, privacy screens, lights, or blinds, and you can even simply understand it as a modern garden hut!
Gazebo
Gazebos come in all shapes and sizes, the most elaborate being the octagonal gazebo. Usually, the gazebo is fixed to the garden or terrace using nails or screws. The frame is usually made of steel, and the roof and curtains are made of fabric, and the service life depends on the quality. They can accommodate garden furniture and protect against the evening cool in bad weather or after a barbecue with friends. Models with a roof covering and curtains (made of durable, UV-resistant polyethylene or polyester) will give your garden a touch of modernity! An open, stable pergola is better than a pavilion and can be used to support beautiful climbing plants such as jasmine, clematis or the evergreen wisteria!
Advantages of a pergola
A real summer retreat in your home, the pergola becomes a space in itself! A wind-resistant pergola with louvers is your ally in protecting you from the sun and bad weather, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
A pergola can also be made from many materials.
- Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material that is renowned for its durability.
- Epoxy-coated steel is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has more modern, minimalist shapes.
- Wrought iron adds a touch of elegance to your home. Wrought iron gazebos are sturdy and heavy. As an extension of the house, it is usually attached to the wall and floor!
- Wood is known for its warmth and natural character. Most gazebos are made of treated pine or even precious wood or acacia wood, which has been pressure impregnated, heat treated or naturally preserved. Heavy structures need to be installed in the ground and securely anchored with concrete blocks. A thorough anti-corrosion maintenance every two years is recommended!
Gazebo shapes
There is a gazebo for every style!
– Japanese? Choose a wooden gazebo with bamboo and exotic plants.
– For a romantic look that’s “too English!” choose a hexagonal or round gazebo made of wood and covered with pale-colored climbing roses, jasmine or honeysuckle!
Pergola VS Parasol
Parasol or gazebo: which is suitable for which location?
Pergolas are usually suitable for large terraces or for being located directly in the garden (on a slab, in the ground or on a deck). Garden pergolas take up more space due to their size and structure and are therefore better suited to open areas.
Parasols can be placed on large and small balconies (thanks to the newer rectangular models). They also look good between your garden furniture, for example in the middle of a table (if it has a hole in the middle for the pole) or next to it. Parasols are really a convenient and all-round solution.
Parasol or gazebo: which is quicker to set up?
A parasol has a base filled with water or sand. Some parasols have poles that tension the parasol fabric at a chosen height, while others open like an umbrella. For people of short stature or with weak arms, this can be quite annoying. Newer parasol models therefore use a crank to open and close, which requires minimal force and allows the desired opening to be adjusted to the nearest size.
Buying a gazebo kit rather than assembling it yourself is the way most people prefer to go. Grandsea gazebos come with installation drawings and installation know-how, and can be installed in a very short time. However, you will still need to spend a little extra time first sorting out the gazebo components. You can refer to our installation guide for details.
When it comes to the question of which is quicker to erect, a parasol or a garden gazebo, there is no doubt: it’s definitely a parasol!
Parasol or gazebo: which is better at protecting against wind and rain?
A parasol is supported by a heavy base, which ensures that it won’t topple over quickly. For safety reasons, you should place the parasol where it can’t be blown away.
The wind can also blow under the pergola and lift it up. Therefore, the feet need to be fixed to the ground with hooks or screwed to a wooden terrace. A pergola with louvres can withstand higher wind forces and, with adjustable louvres and an integrated drainage system, can provide a pleasant meeting place for family and friends.
If neither a pergola nor an umbrella convinces you, consider a gazebo!
Umbrella or pergola: advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Advantages | Disadvantages | |
pergola | Better water resistance | Upright position on four legs, larger footprint |
Can be closed with a side curtain | Mostly fixed installation | |
Suitable for larger areas | Long assembly and disassembly times | |
Removable fabric, sold separately | Limited choice of colors and patterns | |
Looks very decorative in the garden |
| |
Parasol | Easy to transport and store | Poor water resistance |
Requires less space as it only has one leg | Few fabrics can be removed | |
Tiltable and height-adjustable | Feet or boards need to be purchased | |
More colors and patterns to choose from | Not very decorative |
Conclusion
There is actually no right answer to the question of which is better, pergola, gazebo or parasol.
It depends on the needs of your outdoor space and your budget. Parasols are the most economical option. Pergolas offer you additional shelter from the wind and rain. If you feel that your budget is insufficient or if you want to buy a high-quality aluminum pergola at a reasonable price, we recommend that you contact us and import it from China. We will provide some series of help and services. Customs clearance and transportation are also very simple, and you can receive the perfect outdoor pergola at home!
In any case, adding a gazebo or pergola will enhance your outdoor area and immediately add value to your home. So what are you waiting for? Get started now!
