When you decide on structures to go into your backyard, you might be unsure if a Pergola vs Arbor is the right choice.
While both of these names are often referred to in the same way, the name and are quite different and serve different roles.
In This Article – We clearly define each structure’s intention, detail their purposes and discuss how they differ from each other. This will help you decide on the structure in your outdoor space.
What Is A Pergola?
A pergola is an open structure with four posts or columns and a roof, typically made of cross beams.
The cross beams can be either completely open or also closed, in some variation, but essentially they form an interlaced pattern.
The open cross beams allow in sunlight and air circulation, while providing some shade to the user.
You may also see vines, such as grapevines, draped across the top of the pergola for aesthetics or added shade.
You can also add some sort of cover, like a tarp, for more protection from the elements.
While pergolas are open to the side, you can have lattice or some vertical surface added to the sides.
This added surfaces provide some added shade and privacy.
A pergola can be a standalone structure, or adjoining the house, and span over a patio or seating area.
Even Better – You can also have it attached to another structure on your property, like a garage or shed. Most pergolas are made of wood, but they can be made of metal or vinyl.
What Is The Purpose Of A Pergola?
Here is how a pergola can come in handy in your home.
Provides an outdoor extension to your home
A pergola is a great way to extend your livable space to the outdoors.
It offers an elegant and smooth way to transition from your home to your patio.
Be sure to select either a wood or metal pergola to match the design and material selections used on the exterior of your home.
Provides shade
Though an open pergola may not be a shelter for foul weather, it gives you some degree of shade that enhances your enjoyment of the outdoors.
You can add vines to create more shade or install a retractable cover. A sail roof is also a closed option.
Enhances privacy
If the openness of your outdoor space feels unsettling, a pergola could ease some of those feelings.
You can also add lattice in a pattern, or some sheers on the side, to increase serenity.
Enhances aesthetics
A pergola can add some life to your garden and make it more visually appealing.
When left open-top, it gives a more free-flowing perspective of air penetration and sunlight gradient.
Even draping the pergola with some vines gives it a touch of nature in addition to the surrounding nature outside.
Increases your home’s value
If you’re considering selling your home, a pergola may boost your value.
It’s important that your pergola is done well, and works with your home, to achieve this benefit.
A pergola done poorly may reduce your value instead.
What Is An Arbor?
An arbor is much smaller than a pergola.
It has either a lattice or other similar pattern covering and a curved or square roof.
The designs allow vines and climbing plants to attach themselves to the arbor.
On the other hand, it is possible to leave an arbor open and no plants on it.
Arbors serve as an entry point to a path, garden, or backyard. The experience of going under an arbor is like going through a narrow tunnel.
They provide some shade as well as style.
An arbor is usually a freestanding structure but can be attached to fences on occasion.
Some arbors serve as entry points with a gate.
Conclusion: An arbor has the option to be constructed of wood or wrought iron. Feel free to buy a pre-made arbor and simply place it in your garden. Or you can order one designed in your style and color.
What Is The Purpose Of An Arbor?
These are some of the ways having an arbor will benefit you.
Provides a welcoming entryway
Employing their labor as entrances is helpful at weddings and other outdoor occasions.
They help define the path to be taken.
Used as a design element
Arbors enhance the beauty of a location.
They also serve as excellent photo backdrops with the climbing plants adding a splash of color.
Provides shade
Even if an arbor is a little bit narrow, it can still give you a bit of shade when you are walking through the garden.
You could even put a seat under it and take a moment to enjoy the shade.
Acts as a gate cover
An arbor is a great way to protect your gate from the elements. Besides, it’s a charming addition.
Pergola vs. Arbor: The Differences
Now that you are more knowledgeable about the two structures, let’s look at their differences.
Their appearance
An arbor consists of two posts, whereas a pergola contains four posts.
The arbor roof can be flat or arched, while the pergola roof is always flat.
The sides of pergolas are generally open on all four sides, while the arbor’s sides contain slats or lattice on the sides.
Also – the two structures differ in size, with the pergola being the larger of the two structures.
Their uses
A pergola can be seen as an outdoor room for you to enjoy a sheltered place to sit outside.
It is great for entertaining family and friends, and you can prepare meals under it.
Whereas an arbor is more like a gateway for people to walk under down a path.
It can also be a decorative structure.
Unlike a pergola, the arbor only has enough room for one or two people to sit under.
An arbor also provides less shade than a pergola provides.
The cost
Chances are, you will pay more for a pergola than an arbor.
This largely has to do with the difference in size and the amount of labor involved in installing it.
This difference in price, however, will hinge on the type of materials you decide to use.
The choice of plants
Although both arbors and pergolas provide support for vines and climbing plants, there may be a difference in the type of plants that are best with each structure.
Because of the size of a pergola, you can incorporate heavier plants that would otherwise be too much weight for an arbor.
Grapevines or wisteria are examples of plants that may be too heavy for an arbor.
As for the arbor you could look at plants such as:
- climbing roses
- honeysuckle
- clematis
- bougainvillea
- and jasmine
These can also be used on a pergola.
How Are Pergolas And Arbors Similar?
Even with their differences, these two structures have some similarities:
- The primary component in both is wood, although other materials like metal and vinyl are also available.
- Both can support vines and climbing plants, and can also be used by themselves without additional embellishments.
- They can both be found in outdoor living spaces, backyards, gardens, or parks.
- Both can be freestanding or attached to other entities.
- Both structures can have lattice sides.
Additional Decorations You Can Add To Your Pergola or Arbor
Plants are excellent embellishments for your outdoor buildings; but, you could think about adding some more decorative supplies as well.
This includes the following.
Lights
Stringing fairy lights in your arbor or pergola will enhance your area.
At nighttime, the lights will twinkle and create a warm ambiance.
Depending on where you position your camera, these lights will be an ideal background if you choose to take pictures there.
Because a pergola can hold more weight than the arbor, you can use heavier lights or even a couple of lanterns dangling down. Arbors would be best served with smaller lanterns.
Fabric
Using fabric is a fun idea for each of the structures.
For a pergola, fabric could be used as a curtain-type feature for privacy.
An arbor incorporates fabric nicely for planning different events; specifically, weddings.
Depending on the event and color scheme, a specific fabric can be selected.
With both options, the fabric should coordinate with the rest of the decor.
Candles
Batter-operated candles add a unique element of decor in your backyard structures.
They may be placed on the ground, nearby structures such as rocks or stumps, and they may even be hung!
Pick the color of the candle that best displays the mood you want to show.
A fireplace
You can consider adding a fireplace to your open pergola.
You can gather your family and guests around the fire, and enjoy each other’s company.
If the fireplace interests you, you may want to consider a retractable cover for your open pergola.
Final Thoughts
With all this information, it should be easy to decide between a pergola vs. arbor for your outdoor space.
However, you may decide to have both structures, as they serve two separate purposes.
Take your time to determine which material and design you like best for the structure you choose.
It should also match the design of the home so there is a consistent flow.
Both structures can be purchased in ready-made kits that you put together and install.
You may also opt for a custom-made structure that is specifically made for you and will match your needs.
It is important to keep in mind that a custom-made structure could cost more than the kits, so weigh your options carefully.
Finally, enjoy decorating the structure in your style of decor to make it a dream space.