American Home Lending USA, LLC
Garden structures that frame your outdoor experience
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Published Date 4/23/2025
A shade structure by any other name might feel just as sweet on a bright-hot summer day, but pergolas and gazebos both enhance outdoor living spaces while serving somewhat different purposes.
According to the Spruce’s Kamron Sanders, the most notable difference lies in their roof designs: gazebos feature a fully enclosed roof that provides complete protection from the elements, while pergolas have a partially open, slatted roof that allows sunlight to filter through — all of which shapes their functionality, cost, and appeal.
Pergolas typically consist of pillars supporting an open roof system. The slatted design creates dappled shade while allowing airflow and sunlight to pass through. Many homeowners use pergolas to support climbing plants, creating natural shade and visual interest. While pergolas can be freestanding, they're often attached to a house or existing structure on one or more sides. Most pergolas are built over an existing surface such as a deck, patio, or garden pavers. This is not to say that you can’t add shade cloth over the top for more sun protection. But the easy-breezy pergola fills an important niche so that you can use your backyard even on the hottest days.
Gazebos, by contrast, are almost always freestanding structures with an enclosed roof system. They provide superior protection from rain and intense sunlight, making them more versatile in various weather conditions. Some gazebo designs include a floor system that elevates them above ground level, and may also feature railings or built-in seating. Their traditional appearance evokes English formal gardens, while pergolas tend to create a more Mediterranean ambiance reminiscent of Tuscan wine country.
By contrast, gazebos generally have the edge when it comes to feeling as if you have an extra outdoor room. Their enclosed roofs not only protect users from the elements but also shield the structure itself from weather damage. “A well-built gazebo with proper maintenance can outlast a pergola, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions,” advises Sanders. Pergolas, particularly wooden ones, are more exposed to the elements and may require more frequent maintenance or replacement.
Of course, gazebos are more costly. While pergolas average around $4k, gazebos can put you out $5k - $12k, depending on their complexity and enhancements.
If you are a DIYer, pergolas are easily more approachable, as their simpler design requires less specialized construction knowledge. Gazebos, however, are more like building another room outside due to their enclosed roofs and foundations, requiring more advanced building skills.
Before starting either project, it's wise to consult local neighborhood restrictions to ensure compliance with regulations and obtain any necessary permits. In many neighborhoods there are height restrictions based on what can be seen over fence lines. While both structures can add value to your property, the return on investment may vary, according to Sanders. “Since pergolas cost less upfront, they might offer a better percentage return than gazebos. However, as with most home improvements, neither is likely to recoup its full cost at resale. The value lies more in your enjoyment of the space than in financial returns.”
Whichever option you choose, these structures can transform your outdoor space, creating a dedicated area for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature.
TheSpruce, TBWS
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American Home Lending USA, LLC - NMLS ID: 71983. To verify licensing, visit NMLS Consumer Access (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Jeff Beck
President
NMLS: 19488
American Home Lending USA, LLC
240 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville IL 62025
Company NMLS: 71983
Office: 618-310-0091
Cell: 618-806-2281
Email: jbeck@ahlusa1.com
