Key Takeaways -

• Arbours and pergolas are outdoor garden structures with different purposes.
• Arbours are easier to install and generally require less maintenance.
• Pergolas offer more versatility and customisation, including retractable canopies and built-in features.
• When choosing between an arbour and a pergola, consider space, budget, maintenance, and the intended use to make the best choice for your outdoor area.

Arbours and pergolas are both structures for outdoor spaces, but they have different uses and sizes. Knowing the differences can help you choose which one is right for your garden or patio.

We will teach you about the key differences between arbours and pergolas. We'll discuss what makes each unique and how to decide which one fits your outdoor space. You'll also get practical tips on choosing an arbour or pergola based on your needs, budget, and space.

Keep reading to discover the main features of arbours and pergolas. By the end, you'll have a better idea of which one suits your outdoor space and how to make the right decision.

Arbour vs Pergola: What Are They?

Arbours and pergolas are outdoor structures that can make your garden or patio look more inviting. They come in different sizes, have distinct designs, and serve various functions. Knowing how they differ can help you choose which one suits your outdoor space best.

What Is an Arbour?

An arbour is a smaller outdoor structure that's often used as an archway or entrance to a garden or pathway. Typically, it has two or four posts with a simple slatted roof, usually arched. Arbours are commonly used to support climbing plants and vines, giving your garden a touch of greenery.

Their decorative nature makes them ideal for marking a garden entrance or creating a focal point in your landscape design.

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is a larger outdoor structure with a flat or open lattice roof, supported by four or more pillars. Pergolas are designed to create defined outdoor spaces, usually over patios or seating areas.

They can be a freestanding structure or attached to a house, offering shade and a framework for hanging lights or decorations. Because of their size, pergolas can cover entire outdoor dining or lounging areas, making them ideal for creating extended living spaces outdoors.

Design Features

Arbour

Arbours have a simpler design with fewer posts, usually two or four. They are often placed on walkways or at garden entrances, providing a decorative archway. The roof is typically a simple slatted structure, often arched, and serves as a support for climbing plants or vines.

Arbours add a touch of charm and greenery to a garden or pathway, creating a natural focal point in your outdoor space. Due to their smaller size and simpler construction, arbours are easier to install and require less maintenance, making them a popular choice for adding style to smaller areas.

Pergola

Pergolas are generally larger and more substantial. They often feature retractable canopies for adjustable shade, built-in benches for additional seating, or lights for a touch of ambience.

Unlike arbours, pergolas can be freestanding or attached to an exterior wall, providing more versatility in placement. Their design allows for greater customisation, including the addition of curtains or hanging plants, making them ideal for creating larger, defined outdoor living spaces.

Their larger size and customisable features make pergolas suitable for hosting gatherings, providing shade for outdoor dining, or creating a cosy outdoor lounge.

Purpose and Function

Purpose of an Arbour

An arbour serves as a decorative entryway or garden accent. Its simple structure, usually with an arched roof, makes it ideal for supporting climbing plants and vines. Arbours are often used to mark a garden path or create a natural entrance to a specific area in your yard.

Besides adding visual interest, arbours can offer a small shaded spot, perfect for a bench or seating area, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. With their compact size and charming design, arbours are excellent for creating focal points in smaller gardens.

Purpose of a Pergola

A pergola creates a defined outdoor space for dining, lounging, or entertaining. With its larger footprint, a pergola provides substantial shade, offering a comfortable area to escape the sun. It can be used to cover a patio or deck, creating a welcoming outdoor room.

Pergolas can include additional features like retractable canopies for adjustable shade or built-in lighting for evening ambience. The flexibility in design allows for various uses, making pergolas ideal for creating an outdoor living space where you can enjoy meals, host gatherings, or simply relax.

Material and Construction

Arbour

Arbours are typically made from wood, metal, or vinyl, offering flexibility in terms of design and durability. Their smaller size makes them easier to build and install, often as a DIY project or with a kit. Due to their simpler design, arbours generally require less maintenance than larger structures.

This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy way to add a decorative element to a garden or walkway. The lighter materials and straightforward construction make arbours a practical option for smaller spaces and limited budgets.

Pergola

Pergolas can be made from aluminium, wood, or vinyl, providing a range of options for different styles and preferences. Their larger size requires more materials and labour, often needing professional installation due to their complexity.

Pergolas may include additional features like retractable canopies or louvred roofs, allowing for greater customisation. These features add functionality but also require more maintenance and upkeep.

The versatility in design and materials makes pergolas suitable for larger outdoor spaces, but they demand more resources to construct and maintain.

Cost and Installation

Arbour

Arbours are generally less expensive because of their smaller size and simpler design. They can be installed as a DIY project or come in kits, making them accessible for homeowners looking to add a decorative element to their garden or walkway.

The straightforward construction means it takes less time and effort to build an arbour, which contributes to lower installation costs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to add character to your outdoor space, arbours are a great choice.

Pergola

Pergolas are more costly due to their larger size and the complexity of their design. Because of this, professional installation is often required, especially for larger or more elaborate pergolas.

Depending on the design, building a pergola may involve significant construction work, such as securing posts and beams or adding additional features like canopies or lighting. The higher cost reflects the extra materials and labour involved.

If you're planning a large outdoor living space with custom features, pergolas are a versatile but more expensive option.

How to Choose Between an Arbour and a Pergola

Space and Function

When deciding between an arbour and a pergola, consider the size of your outdoor space and its intended function. Arbours are ideal for smaller areas like walkways or garden entrances, while pergolas work well in larger spaces, creating defined areas for outdoor dining or lounging.

Think about what you need from the structure and how much room you have to work with.

Design and Aesthetics

Pergolas offer more customisation options, allowing you to add features like retractable canopies, built-in benches, or lights. This flexibility makes pergolas suitable for creating personalized outdoor living spaces.

Arbours, on the other hand, add a decorative touch to gardens and are usually covered with climbing plants or vines, making them perfect for enhancing the aesthetics of smaller areas.

Climbing Plants and Vines

If you enjoy climbing plants, an arbour might be the better choice. Arbours are designed to support vines and climbing plants, adding greenery and charm to your garden. Pergolas can also support plants, but their primary function is to create shaded outdoor spaces.

Maintenance and Durability

Aluminium pergolas are low-maintenance and durable, requiring less upkeep over time. Wood options, commonly used for arbours and some pergolas, may need periodic staining or sealing to protect against the elements.

Consider how much time you want to spend on maintenance when choosing between an arbour and a pergola.

Budget

Your budget plays a significant role in deciding between an arbour and a pergola. Arbours are generally less expensive because they are smaller and simpler to construct. Pergolas, with their larger size and additional features, often require more materials and labour, leading to higher costs.

Be sure to consider not only the initial cost but also the expenses related to installation and ongoing maintenance (1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Pergola Be Used as a Carport?

Yes, a pergola can be used as a carport, providing partial shade and shelter for vehicles. However, it's essential to ensure the structure is designed to support this purpose, with a sturdy frame and a suitable roof.

Consider adding additional support beams or reinforcements if needed. Keep in mind that a pergola may not offer complete protection from rain or snow, so evaluate your specific requirements before using it as a carport.

Which One Has a Flat Roof That Provides a Shade Structure?

A pergola typically has a flat or open lattice roof, while a gazebo usually has a pitched roof that provides a solid shade structure. Gazebos are often freestanding with a roof designed to offer full coverage, making them ideal for complete shade.

Pergolas, on the other hand, have a more open roof, providing partial shade with the option to add canopies or other coverings. The pitched roof design of gazebos creates a more enclosed and weather-resistant outdoor space.

Can I Design a Flat Roof for My Pergola?

Yes, you can design a flat roof for your pergola. Many pergolas have open-lattice roofs, but you can choose a flat roof design for additional shade and weather protection.

Some flat-roof pergolas use materials like metal or polycarbonate for a solid structure, offering more coverage than traditional pergolas. This design choice can enhance the functionality of your pergola, providing more shade and allowing for better control over weather exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, arbours and pergolas are both excellent additions to outdoor spaces, but they serve different purposes. Arbours are smaller and more decorative, ideal for garden entrances and walkways, while pergolas are larger and create defined outdoor spaces for dining and lounging.

When deciding which is best for you, consider factors like space, design, budget, and maintenance. Arbours are simpler to install and generally require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for smaller spaces.

Pergolas offer more versatility and customisation, but they come with a higher price tag and often need professional installation. By assessing your outdoor space, intended function, and budget, you can choose the structure that best suits your needs.

Sources -

1. https://hansohome.com/blogs/all-about-pergolas/pergola-vs-arbor