Your Complete Guide to Pergolas & Gazebos

When it comes to outside additions to your home, a pergola or a gazebo are both excellent choices. These additions will enhance your property, contributing to resale value and home comfort. Deck Plus professionals are expertly versed in pergolas and gazebos, having helped Charlotte, NC, homeowners upgrade their yards for 15 years.

Below, we’ll explain the difference between these two outdoor living structures and help you decide whether a pergola or gazebo is right for you.

The Difference Between Pergolas & Gazebos

The key difference between a pergola and a gazebo is their overhead coverage. A pergola has a slatted or lattice roof that allows sunlight to shine through. They contain an open framework. Pergolas can have an arched or flat roof design. However, that’s subject to the style and taste of the homeowner. They’re intended for partial shade.

Another significant difference is their flooring: We recommend that a free-standing pergola is built on concrete for greater durability, whereas a gazebo can have a floor made of the structure’s material, like wood, metal, or vinyl.

A gazebo is a roofed structure that offers a full view of its surroundings. Its classic design is often octagonal with a turreted roof. Gazebos provide complete sun coverage and can either be enclosed or open, depending on their function. A gazebo is considered a type of pavilion. It can also be designed as a patio or as a cover for your grill.

Both pergolas and gazebos will require a sealant application to help protect their materials from heat, moisture, and rain damage.

The Benefits of Pergolas

The main benefit of a pergola is its versatility. Many homeowners choose to build a pergola over a garden, helping to shield flowers, fruits, and vegetables from direct sunlight or heavy rain. They can also be an additional dining or entertainment space, especially if installed next to a pool.

A pergola is a relatively affordable addition that adds a luxurious touch to any outside living space. They increase privacy, too, and are entirely customizable in their design. We can build a free-standing, anchored, or wall-mounted pergola that extends from the side of your home. A wall-mounted option can be constructed from an existing deck or patio.

The Benefits of Gazebos

A gazebo is a low-maintenance alternative with an easily cleanable floor. They’re durable and provide full shade coverage. Their recognizable design is pleasing to the eye – they’re an excellent way to enjoy nature under enclosed shelter.

Gazebos can better withstand inclement weather and offer a greater level of privacy than a pergola. They also allow homeowners to express their creativity and better define their yard space. We’ve constructed several gazebos designed for dining, entertainment, and relaxation.

Which One Is Right for Me?

Ultimately, the choice between a pergola or a gazebo comes down to the homeowner’s preference. If you want a partially shaded, open concept, a pergola is the right choice. A gazebo is the way to go if you’d like to add a canopy structure to your outside living space.

Both are attractive and functional options that allow you to enjoy the outdoors while being sheltered from the elements. A free consultation with a Deck Plus builder can help you determine which addition best suits your property.

Why Choose Deck Plus for a New Pergola or Gazebo?

At Deck Plus, we match superior design with high-quality builds. As Charlotte’s top-rated outdoor living specialists, we elevate your property through innovative construction that allows you to get the most out of your yard. Our Charlotte-based customers appreciate the expertise and precision we bring to every job.

The Deck Plus team collaborates with you from project start to finish, ensuring that you’re an active participant in the design and build. Whether you’re looking for a deck, porch, pavilion, pergola, or gazebo, we’re ready to meet your vision and exceed expectations.

Call Deck Plus at (704) 993-7696 to schedule a free consultation for pergola or gazebo construction in Charlotte, NC.