Trying to choose between a pergola and a gazebo feels a bit like picking between a convertible and an SUV. Short answer: Pergolas have open roofs, gazebos are fully covered. One's breezy and open; the other is your all-weather shelter. Keep reading to find out which one will make your garden the talk of the neighbourhood.
| Feature | Pergola | Gazebo |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Style | Open beams or slats | Fully enclosed roof |
| Weather Protection | Partial shade | Full shelter from rain and sun |
| Common Use | Plant support, decorative feature | Entertaining, lounging, dining |
| Cost Range | £1,500–£5,000+ | £2,000–£6,500+ |
| Visual Impact | Sleek and minimal | Classic and enclosed |
| Customisation | High – canopies, lights, plants | Moderate – curtains, benches, screens |
A pergola is an open-air structure made with upright posts and horizontal crossbeams. Think of it as the stylish frame of a garden room without the walls.
It doesn't provide full cover but offers a mix of sun and shade, especially when topped with climbing plants or fabric canopies. Perfect for relaxed seating areas or walkways.
It blurs the line between garden and architecture.
Wood (like cedar or pine): Great for that warm, rustic charm
Aluminium or steel: Sleek, modern, and super low-maintenance
Composite materials: Built to last, resistant to rot and fading
Each material has its vibe. Wood feels cosy. Metal feels sharp. Composite is your low-fuss, high-style option.
Here’s a ballpark:
Wood pergolas: £1,500 to £5,000
Aluminium or metal: £2,000 to £6,500
Composite: £3,000 to £7,500
Installation labour: £800 to £2,500
Customisation, size, and complexity all push the price up or down.
Pros
✔ Adds instant style to your garden
✔ Great for supporting plants and lights
✔ Flexible, open design
Cons
❌ Doesn’t offer full weather protection
❌ Wood versions need regular upkeep
A gazebo is your garden’s own private lounge. It’s fully roofed, usually with a distinctive shape, hexagonal, octagonal, or round.
It stands alone, often has built-in seating, and keeps you dry during those classic British downpours. It’s like a conservatory without walls.
Wood: Traditional and charming
Metal or aluminium: Durable and clean-lined
Vinyl: Easy to clean and needs little attention
Optional extras: Curtains, mosquito netting, flooring
Each type gives you a different finish, from rustic to modern.
Wood: £2,000 to £6,000
Metal/Vinyl: £2,500 to £7,000
Installation: £1,500 to £4,000
Remember to factor in extras like flooring or built-in seating.
Pros
✔ Offers full protection from sun and rain
✔ Ideal for entertaining and relaxing
✔ Can add serious garden wow-factor
Cons
❌ Costs more than a pergola
❌ Needs more setup and space
Pergolas give you an airy, open-top experience. Great for summer evenings and climbing roses.
Gazebos, on the other hand, have a proper roof, often pitched, offering full cover from sun and rain.
If you want shelter all year, a gazebo wins here.
Pergolas are for defining space, framing pathways, or adding character to patios.
Gazebos create fully usable outdoor rooms, ideal for furniture, dining, and social events.
Pergolas: Partial shade, minimal rain protection
Gazebos: Excellent in bad weather, even storms with side panels
Pergolas can often go directly onto a patio or deck
Gazebos usually require a solid base or footings
Gazebos take longer to build, but they’re sturdier and more permanent.
Gazebos cost more but offer better year-round functionality and potential value boost.
Pergolas are cheaper, easier to personalise, and can be upgraded over time with add-ons.
Arbours are smaller, often just an arch or entryway with lattice sides.
A pergola is bigger, more functional, and typically part of your outdoor living setup.
Pavilions have full roofs like gazebos but are usually open on all sides. Think of them as gazebos with better airflow.
A pergola, meanwhile, lets more sun in and often blends into patios.
A trellis is simply a panel for plants to climb, no roof, no posts, no seating. A pergola is a full structure that offers shade and space.
Live somewhere rainy or windy? A gazebo or pavilion might suit you better.
Hotter, drier areas work well with pergolas, especially ones with retractable canopies.
For dining and entertaining, gazebos offer better cover and privacy.
For lounging or garden features, pergolas are more casual and open.
Pergolas give you filtered light, especially with vines or fabrics.
Gazebos provide full sun protection and are cooler in summer.
Modern homes? Go with a sleek pergola.
Traditional or rustic homes? A classic wooden gazebo may be the perfect match.
In most UK cases, you don’t need permission if:
It’s under 2.5 metres tall
It covers less than 50% of your garden
Always check with your local authority just to be sure.
Yes! You can add a solid roof or canopy to your pergola and create a hybrid structure, sometimes called a "pergoda".
Gazebos tend to add more value, especially if they’re built-in and have seating or utilities.
A stylish pergola can still boost kerb appeal, particularly if it's part of a landscaped garden.
Pergolas are much easier. Fewer materials, simpler structure, and often DIY-friendly. Gazebos require more planning and usually professional help.
Hang fairy lights or Edison bulbs
Drape outdoor curtains or climbing ivy
Add a hammock or a chill seating area
Use weatherproof furniture with cushions
Hang lanterns or string lights
Install mosquito nets or curtains for privacy
Make it your personal retreat, rain or shine.
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