Pergola Design Ideas

If you're lucky to have a property with plenty of space, why not extend the living space of your home outdoors? You can utilize the open space in your backyard or garden by getting a pavilion structure such as a gazebo or pergola built. You could also consider building it on your own; however, bear in mind that off-the-shelf DIY pre-built kits for such structures, are not very durable and only last a few seasons.
Secondly, you may want to check with your local homeowners association (HOA) about whether you'll need a permit for building the intended structure. No construction permit is required for structures under 120 square feet. This Buzzle guide endeavors to help you decide on whether to build a gazebo or pergola.
Comparing Pergola vs. Gazebo
Structural Differences
Inside view of a gazebo
Consider having benches constructed along the inside walls of the gazebo, to avoid using chairs. The deck and table can also be built within the structure.
Gazebo with chairs on deck
A freestanding gazebo such as this, has open walls and requires the use of chairs and a deck.
Pergola roof with vines
Notice, how the open latticed roof of the pergola has been used for growing creepers.
Pergola roof with fiberglass
You can weatherproof your pergola by adding a fiberglass sheet on the roof.
Weather Protection
A gazebo has a turret-shaped roof that provides ample protection to its inhabitants from the various weather elements.
The open-latticed roof of a pergola does not offer much protection against rain or snow, nor does it offer adequate shade on extremely sunny days. In order to lend some level of weather protection, you can consider adding a detachable protective cover over the roof.
Difference in Roof and Posts
Usually, a gazebo has a solid roof and posts, and may be equipped with arbored divisions/fencing that can be used for growing vines. It is also open from all sides, thus allowing air and light in. In the olden days, these structures were also made using stone, and they utilized broad pillars to lend more support to the building.
A pergola with its distinct flat and open-latticed roof and crossbeams, can be quadrangular, hexagonal, or octagonal, with equal number of posts. The latticework on the roof of the pergola is suitable for growing flowering climbers; however, unlike an arbor, the main posts of the pergola are solid and do not have any latticework. Secondly, the posts of a pergola can be made using cement, to look like pillars, or with metal, wood, or vinyl.
Flooring
A gazebos is meant to have solid flooring which may or may not be carpeted. This structure may also require a few steps leading to it, in case you wish to keep the sitting area above ground level and away from mud.
On the contrary, a pergola does not mandate a flooring of its own. Often, the posts can be fixed beneath the ground to secure the structure. However, if you wish to have a stand-alone structure that can be sifted from one spot to another, or transported with ease, you can consider going in for a one-piece pergola that has its posts fixed to the flooring of the structure. This feature can be incorporated with the help of a landscape designer, or you could get such a pergola custom-made.
Suitable Places for Construction
A gazebo, is a free-standing ornamental structure and requires ample space to be constructed. Therefore, a gazebo can be built where the patio was originally intended to be constructed. However, unlike a pergola, the gazebo being more constricted, will offer lesser airiness and light.
Being airy and roomy, a pergola can be incorporated along with your patio deck, or used as a free-standing structure in your garden.