yourSCAPE Lingo Buster #2
Helping you de-mystify landscaping terminology and giving you inspirational landscaping ideas!
What are the similarities, and differences between these garden structures?
Pergolas, Gazebos and Pavilions are similar in that they all provide cover or shade for a seating area, whereas an Arbor although it may provide some shade, has more of an aesthetic only function. An Arbor beautifies a space, with curving arches and side trellises that elevate climbing vines so they are easily seen.
Pavilions, Gazebos and Pergolas are a tranquil space for you to put your feet up and enjoy the solitude of being outside but close to home, or to socialise and relax with friends and family.
Pavilions are larger than both Gazebos and Pergolas; a Gazebo may be octagonal or square in form and a Pergola will be square or rectangular.
Plants are normally a feature of Arbors whereas for the other three garden structures, the material it is constructed from plays a much more important role.
Industrial Style Pergola
Modern Rooftop Pergola
Pergola
Simply defined, a pergola is a rectangular or square shaped structure with four corner posts, a flat open roof of horizontal timber beams and open sides. Shade from a pergola varies depending on roof spacing and plant growth if vegetation is part of the desired style, as well as how much of the sides are closed in with walls. Once typically seen with fancy cut roof edge pieces, over time these have given way to sleek straight lines and smooth edges. And you’ll also note the use of steel or composite materials is commonplace rather than all wood, transforming the look of todays' pergola.
Contemporary Gazebo
A clever design of a gazebo-esque structure attached to an exterior wall, with fireplace and inviting furniture pieces. This is the perfect cosy place to unwind at the end of your day.
Gazebo
The term Gazebo, once reserved for an octagonal structure of eight columns with a domed roof and space within for courting a prospective partner (remember The Sound of Music gazebo?), now can also refers to simpler structures of square form with four corner posts, with or without walls, sometimes with a flat roof as opposed to a dome. You’ll be wondering then what is the difference between this and a Pergola? According to popular use, not too much! If they are used interchangeably it is for good reason - here and all around the world, the desire to have an outdoor shady retreat with a soothing ambience, is in high demand!
Pavilion
A pavilion is long and rectangular, typically supported by 4-6 posts or more, and with a closed roof. Most commonly attached to a deck, paver patio, or concrete base if for permanent use. It offers cover for seating underneath - often used for larger social gatherings.
Arbor
Arbors are composed of two or four posts and can be made of iron, steel, wood, and wood polymer composite materials able to tolerate the wear and tear of the outdoors. Arbors may act as an entry way into a garden or a transition between one part to another, more frequently you can see an Arbor being employed as a standout element in garden design (see featured image). Arbor tunnels are also a beautiful way of providing shade along a pathway. The long arbor found in Southbank, Brisbane city is one such local example. It consists of galvanized steel posts curving in a plantlike fashion with stainless steel wires acting as a trellis up which plants are trained to grow.
The only limit is your imagination!
Modern day Gazebos, Pergolas, Arbors and Pavilions take many forms and shapes. Free-standing or attached to the side of a dwelling or formation; strong and square; curved and flexible; with or without plants; made of steel or wood, bamboo, iron, other composite materials or a combination. These outdoor structures are ideal to enhance the presentation of your outside spaces; backyard, frontyard, poolside, pathways, patio or courtyard area.
What can you envisage in your dream landscape?
Steel Shade over Pathway
This striking modern interpretation fits somewhere in between a Pergola, Gazebo and an Arbor, fulfilling the function of providing shade whilst enriching an otherwise bare space.
Shade Extension with Bar
Living the life, this intricate yet simple idea adds the perfect space for enjoying drinks and socialising in the comfort of your own backyard.
Get in touch to discuss your outside shade ideas - yourSCAPE - creating your dreamscape
