Key Takeaways -

• Pergolas have open or louvered roofs, ideal for shaded walkways and plant supports.
• Pergodas feature solid roofs, providing enclosed shelter for seating and dining areas.
• Pergolas can be freestanding or lean-to, while pergodas are usually freestanding.
• Material and aesthetic choices vary, with pergolas offering a more traditional look and pergodas a modern feel.

Outdoor structures can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Knowing the differences between a pergola and a pergoda is important for choosing your outdoor space.

This article will explain what sets pergolas and pergodas apart, helping you understand their unique features and benefits. You'll learn which outdoor structure provides shade, defines an area, or creates a sheltered seating spot.

Keep reading to find out how to choose between a pergola and a pergoda for your garden. Whether you are looking for a family-sized garden furniture set that will seat several people, or something more intimate for two, we've got you covered.

What is a Pergola?

Structure and Design

A pergola is an outdoor structure with vertical posts or pillars supporting an open roof made of beams and cross beams. This design creates a shaded area while maintaining an airy and open feel. Pergolas are commonly made from wood, aluminum, or vinyl.

Their open-roof design can be customised with various patterns and styles to fit different garden aesthetics, making them a versatile choice for any outdoor space.

Functionality and Usage

Pergolas are designed to provide shade and define specific areas within a garden or patio. They are ideal for creating inviting seating areas, picturesque walkways, or accentuating garden features.

Pergolas are often used to support climbing plants, such as vines or roses, which can grow along the structure and form a natural canopy. This not only enhances the beauty of the pergola but also provides additional shade and a touch of greenery.

Types of Pergolas

Wooden Pergolas

Wooden pergolas offer a rustic charm and a natural look that blends seamlessly with garden settings. They bring warmth and character to any outdoor space.

However, wooden pergolas require regular maintenance to protect against weather damage, such as rot and insect infestation, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity.

Aluminium Pergolas

Aluminium pergolas are known for their durability and low maintenance needs. Unlike wood, aluminium is resistant to weathering, rust, and pests, making it a practical and long-lasting option.

Aluminium pergolas provide a modern aesthetic with sleek lines and a contemporary look, which can complement various garden styles.

What is a Pergoda?

Structure and Design

A pergola is an outdoor structure that blends the features of both a pergola and a pagoda. It typically consists of vertical posts supporting a solid, fixed roof made of wooden slats. This design provides a more enclosed and sheltered space than a pergola.

Pergodas often include decorative elements that give them a distinctive, elegant appearance, making them a striking addition to any garden or patio.

Their solid roofs and sturdy construction ensure they can withstand various weather conditions, providing a reliable and attractive outdoor feature.

Functionality and Usage

Pergodas are primarily used to create dedicated sheltered seating areas in gardens. Their solid roofs offer superior protection from the elements, making them suitable for use in different weather conditions.

Pergodas provide a comfortable and inviting space for relaxing, dining, or entertaining guests. This functionality enhances the overall usability of your outdoor area, transforming it into a versatile space that can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

Types of Pergodas

Traditional Pergodas

Traditional pergodas are constructed from wood, which gives them a classic and timeless look. These structures are often permanent fixtures in a garden, offering stability and durability. The wooden construction blends well with natural surroundings, adding a touch of rustic charm.

Traditional pergodas can be customised with various design elements to match the aesthetic of your garden.

Modern Pergodas

Modern pergolas are made from aluminum or other durable metals. These structures often include advanced features such as louvred roofs, which can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation.

Modern pergodas offer a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, providing both functionality and style. They are designed to require minimal maintenance while offering maximum durability, making them a practical choice for many homeowners.

Key Differences Between Pergolas and Pergodas

Structural Differences

Roof Design

Pergolas feature open or louvred roofs that provide partial shade while maintaining an airy feel. This design allows sunlight to filter through, creating a light and open atmosphere.

In contrast, pergodas have fully covered roofs made of wooden slats, offering more substantial protection from the elements. The solid roof design of pergodas ensures a shaded and sheltered space, making them suitable for use in various weather conditions.

Functionality

Pergolas are typically used as walkways and plant supports, enhancing garden pathways and creating shaded areas for plants to climb. They are perfect for supporting climbing plants like vines and roses, which can create a natural canopy over time.

Pergodas, however, are designed as seating and living areas, providing comfortable, sheltered spaces for dining and relaxation. This functionality makes pergodas ideal for creating dedicated outdoor living spaces where people can gather and enjoy the garden environment (1).

Extension Options

Pergolas can be either freestanding or attached to a property as a lean-to, offering flexibility in placement. This versatility allows them to be integrated into various garden designs and layouts., Pergodas are usually freestanding, creating distinct, self-contained spaces within a garden.

Their standalone design allows them to be positioned anywhere in the garden, providing a focal point and a dedicated area for relaxation and socialising.

Material Differences

Wood vs. Metal

Pergolas are often made of wood, which requires regular maintenance but offers a natural, rustic charm. The wood can blend seamlessly with garden landscapes, adding warmth and texture. Modern pergolas can also be made from aluminium, providing durability and low maintenance.

Aluminium pergolas have a sleek, modern look and can withstand harsh weather conditions without requiring frequent upkeep. Pergodas are typically made of wood, but modern versions may use aluminium or other metals, combining traditional aesthetics with modern durability.

The choice of material can affect the overall look and longevity of the structure.

Aesthetic Considerations

Pergolas generally have a traditional look that complements classic garden designs. Their simple, open structure fits well with various garden styles, from rustic to contemporary. In contrast, modern pergodas can offer sleek, contemporary aesthetics that fit well with modern garden landscapes.

The solid roof and more enclosed design of pergodas provide a distinct visual impact, making them a standout feature in any garden.

Practical Differences

Pergolas provide a more open and airy feel, making them ideal for creating light, breezy spaces in a garden. The open roof design allows for excellent ventilation and a sense of openness, perfect for summer days.

Pergodas, with their fully covered roofs, offer more enclosed shelter, providing a cosy and private environment that is protected from the elements. This makes pergodas suitable for year-round use, offering a comfortable space to relax, dine, or entertain, regardless of the weather.

The enclosed design also provides more privacy, creating a secluded retreat within your garden setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Pagoda the Same as a Pergola?

No, a pagoda is not the same as a pergola. A pagoda is a tiered tower design with multiple eaves, typically found in Asian architecture and often used as a temple or a place of worship.

In contrast, a pergola is an outdoor garden structure with an open or louvred roof supported by vertical posts, primarily used to provide shade and support climbing plants. The key differences lie in their architectural designs and intended uses.

Can a Roof Canopy Be Added to a Pergola and Pergoda?

Yes, a roof canopy can be added to both a pergola and a pergoda. For pergolas, canopies provide additional shade and protection from the elements while maintaining the open structure.

Pergodas already have a solid roof, but adding a canopy can enhance the aesthetic appeal and provide extra weather protection. The choice of canopy materials and design can be customised to suit the specific needs and style preferences of your outdoor space.

What Flowering Vine Plants Can I Grow on My Pergola?

You can grow a variety of flowering vine plants on your pergola. Popular choices include wisteria, known for its cascading purple blooms, and climbing roses, which offer a classic and fragrant appeal. Clematis is another excellent option, providing vibrant flowers in numerous colours.

These plants not only enhance the beauty of your pergola but also provide additional shade and privacy.

Is a Wooden Decking a Suitable Flooring Option for a Pergola or Pergoda?

Yes, wooden decking is a suitable flooring option for both pergolas and pergodas. It complements the natural aesthetic of these structures and provides a durable, comfortable surface.

Wooden decking can enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space, creating a cohesive and inviting area. Proper maintenance, such as sealing and staining, will ensure longevity and resistance to weather conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between pergolas and pergodas can help you make the best choice for your garden. Pergolas offer an open, airy feel ideal for supporting climbing plants and creating shaded walkways.

In contrast, pergodas provide more enclosed shelter, making them perfect for comfortable seating and dining areas. Both garden structures enhance the aesthetic and functionality of outdoor spaces, but your specific needs and preferences will determine which is the right fit for your garden space.

Sources -

1. https://www.iqoutdoorliving.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-a-pergola-pergoda-and-pagoda/