Garden pavilion vs pergola — what are the differences and which one should you choose?
- 1. How does a pergola differ from a gazebo?
- 1.1. Pergola — features, advantages and applications
- 1.2. Garden pavilion — features, advantages and year-round use
- 2. Pergola vs. pavilion – comparison of costs and cost-effectiveness
- 3. When to choose a pergola and when is a gazebo better?
- 3.1. When is it worth choosing a pergola?
- 3.2. When is a gazebo a better choice?
- 4. Pergola or pavilion? Or maybe something more — the perfect garden roofing from BHB
Do you dream of a cosy corner in your garden? Are you wondering what would better suit your needs: a garden pavilion or a pergola? Both structures are impressive in terms of appearance and functionality, but they differ in many ways.
In this article, we explain in detail how a pergola differs from a gazebo, when to choose each one and what to look for when buying. We also advise you on what to look for when browsing the BHB range.
How does a pergola differ from a gazebo?
The main difference between a pergola and a garden gazebo is primarily the type of roof:
What is a pergola?
A pergola is a lightweight, often decorative structure with an open or openwork roof made of wooden or aluminium slats. Its purpose is not to completely shield you from the weather, but rather to gently diffuse the light and create a pleasant, semi-shaded space in the garden. It will fit perfectly into our garden space, especially if we plant climbing plants (wisteria or ivy) around it. It is an aesthetic solution, ideal for relaxation, as a roof over a deckchair, swing or garden path. For greater comfort, you can choose a pergola with side blinds, which also protect against the wind.
What is a garden pavilion?
A garden pavilion is a more enclosed form of roofing, usually with a solid roof. This design offers full protection from the sun, rain and even stronger winds, so it can be used all year round.
If you are looking for an all-season solution, it is worth choosing a year-round garden pavilion, which can serve as a place to relax, a garden dining area, a barbecue space or a canopy over a hot tub. In many cases, it can be extended with sliding walls, mosquito nets or LED lighting systems.
Pergola — features, advantages and applications
A garden pergola is an excellent solution for those who are looking for a light and aesthetic form of roofing that does not close off the space. It is an option for those who want to combine functionality with decorative character. Thanks to its open structure, a pergola is perfect for both small and large gardens.
Advantages of modern pergolas:
- Open or slatted roof – ideal as a support for climbing plants such as ivy, vines or wisteria.
- Modern look and aesthetic frame – create a unique Mediterranean garden atmosphere.
- Additional equipment – side blinds, curtains or movable slats can be installed, giving the pergola with side blinds greater privacy and wind protection.
- Fabric or aluminium roofing – e.g. aluminium pergola with a roof, resistant to weather conditions.
- Lower investment cost – compared to garden pavilions, pergolas are a cheaper but equally functional alternative.
- Versatile installation – it can be set up as a free-standing structure in the garden, but also as a wooden terrace roof against the façade of the house.
Where can a pergola be used?
- as a terrace roof – for better protection from the sun without complete shading,
- as a green gazebo – ideal for relaxing and eating outdoors,
- as a canopy for garden paths or entrance areas,
- as a cover for a jacuzzi or garden bar, adding style and elegance to the space.
BHB expert opinion:
The Helena 10-60 Z model is very popular among our customers, as it is perfect as a free-standing pergola or attached to a house. It is available with an openwork roof or full roofing made of aluminium slats, making it a functional and aesthetic option for every season. Customers also appreciate the option of equipping it with side blinds and lighting, which allows them to transform their pergola into a true relaxation area.
Garden pavilion — features, advantages and year-round use
A garden pavilion is a stable, functional structure with full roofing that transforms your outdoor space into a comfortable relaxation area. Unlike a pergola, a pavilion provides complete protection from rain, intense sun and wind, making it ideal as a year-round garden pavilion.
Advantages of gazebos:
- solid roofing — the roof made of sheet metal, polycarbonate or bitumen shingles protects not only users but also garden furniture from the weather.
- side walls or curtains can be used — for greater comfort and privacy, e.g. by the pool or in the garden kitchen.
- ‘Peaceful’ character — the gazebo serves as an outdoor living room or dining room, regardless of the season.
- multifunctionality — suitable for barbecuing, feasting, building a hot tub or organising family gatherings.
- Aesthetics and durability – made of high-quality wood or aluminium, with appropriate impregnation and varnishing, it can serve for decades.
The garden pavilion is perfect as:
- an outdoor dining area – with space for a table, chairs, dishes and lighting,
- a relaxation area by the pool – with sun loungers and curtains providing shade and privacy,
- a place for outdoor parties – perfect for birthdays, barbecues and summer dinners in the garden,
- a garden kitchen or hot tub enclosure – allowing you to use them regardless of the weather.
BHB expert opinion:
The most popular pavilion model in our offer is Helena 12-70Z – a solid, spacious structure that works well as a year-round garden dining room or a cover for a hot tub. Customers appreciate not only the durability of the structure, but also the possibility of adding glazing, curtains and lighting, which significantly increases the comfort of use.
Whether you need a minimalist shelter or an extensive, year-round garden pavilion, our advisors will help you choose the perfect model for you. Write to us and we will advise you on the best solution – including transport, assembly and full support.
Pergola vs. pavilion – comparison of costs and cost-effectiveness
One of the key factors when choosing a garden canopy is, of course, your budget. A pergola is usually cheaper than a pavilion due to its simpler construction, open character and lower material consumption. The lighter structure and lack of full walls or a roof result in lower production and assembly costs.
On the other hand, a garden pavilion, as a more enclosed structure with a full roof and often additional options (side walls, glazing, lighting systems), is more expensive — but offers greater functionality and seasonal use, often throughout the year.
What determines the price?
- The size of the structure – the larger it is, the more material and labour costs are involved.
- The type of material – wood (e.g. spruce, larch) is cheaper than aluminium, but requires regular maintenance.
- The type of roofing – slatted, aluminium or polycarbonate roofs significantly increase the price.
- Additional equipment – LED lighting, curtains, glazing, sound system, mosquito nets or side blinds.
- Installation – complex or custom-made structures require professional installation, which also affects the final cost.
It is worth noting that the costs can be adjusted to your budget by choosing a structure with a basic finish and postponing additional elements for later, such as side blinds, lighting or wall cladding.
When to choose a pergola and when is a gazebo better?
The choice between a pergola and a garden gazebo depends primarily on your expectations in terms of function, aesthetics and budget. Both structures serve as a roof and a relaxation area in the garden, but they differ in terms of construction, weather protection and arrangement options.
When is it worth choosing a pergola?
A garden pergola is ideal if you want to create a light, open space that provides shade and emphasises the character of your garden. It is an aesthetic solution, often chosen as a wooden terrace roof, especially in arrangements inspired by the Mediterranean climate.
Choose a pergola if:
- you want to provide light shade over your terrace without a full roof,
- you want to create a southern garden atmosphere with natural light and shade,
- you plan to plant climbing plants, such as vines or wisteria,
- you are looking for a cheaper alternative to a gazebo, but do not want to compromise on aesthetics,
- you need an open and light structure next to your house that will not overwhelm the space.
When is a gazebo a better choice?
A garden gazebo is an option for those who expect greater functionality throughout the season, regardless of the weather. Thanks to its full roof and the possibility of adding side walls, a gazebo is perfect as a year-round space for relaxation and gatherings.
Choose a pavilion if:
- you want full protection from rain, sun and wind,
- you want to use your garden space in spring, autumn and even winter,
- you often organise barbecues, parties or family gatherings in the open air,
- you want to create a relaxation area by the pool, jacuzzi or in the garden kitchen,
- you need a more enclosed form of recreation, resembling an outdoor living room.
Interesting fact!
On the German market, pergolas – especially wooden pergolas with side blinds – are very popular among owners of detached houses. Germans appreciate them for their natural appearance, the possibility of integration with the garden and… tax relief if the structure is not fully enclosed.
In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, all-season pavilions are becoming increasingly popular, especially in aluminium and polycarbonate roof versions. The British treat them as a home garden room or outdoor office – a practical solution in the changeable climate of the islands.
Pergola or pavilion? Or maybe something more — the perfect garden roofing from BHB
At BHB, we know that choosing the perfect garden structure is not only a matter of taste, but also of practical needs. That is why we offer a wide range of pergolas, pavilions, as well as modern terrace and garden roofing.
Our offer includes:
- Wooden and aluminium pergolas – in classic, rustic or modern styles. Free-standing and wall-mounted versions are perfect as wooden terrace roofing, breakfast gazebos or elegant pergolas with side blinds.
- All-season and seasonal garden pavilions – solid structures with full roofing, ideal for the garden, allotment or home patio. They are perfect as a place for family parties, relaxing with a book or sheltering by the pool. If you are wondering which pavilion to choose, our advisors will help you select an option tailored to your budget and lifestyle.
- Modern terrace roofs, gazebos and carports – for those looking for functional and aesthetic 2-in-1 solutions. Our structures combine design with practicality – also ideal as tool sheds, garden saunas or outdoor summer kitchens.
Each model can be tailored to your needs – choose the colour, type of roof covering (wood, aluminium, slats), add LED lighting, side walls, sun blinds or a water drainage system. Check our offer here: https://bertsch-holzbau.eu/en/gazebos-and-pergolas/
BHB expert opinion:
We design our pergolas and pavilions with durability and comfort in mind – but also with flexibility. Customers often ask us if a simple pergola can be extended with side panels or heating – the answer is: of course!
