What is the difference between – a patio, deck, pergola and gazebo?

Gone are the days when houses used to be a somber assemble of burnt bricks and dried plasters. With the advent of tensile structures and innovation in building architects, the very design and utility of homes and their adjoining outdoor spaces are witnessing a sea change. With the introduction of new structures like patio, deck, gazebo and pergola, the landscape of simple home has changed forever. But many a times, we find it difficult to differentiate between these terms. Through this blog, we will try to make their meanings a little more clear.

Patio – derived by the Spanish word Patio, which means the courtyard of the house or building. But the English term is different from the courtyard because unlike them, a patio need not be surrounded by walls. There can be different types of patio designs patio umbrella like detached patio, wraparound patio, entry patio etc. They can be made from different materials like concrete, pavers, flagstone, rock etc. Keeping in mind the surrounding landscape, their designs can be adjusted accordingly.

Deck – Unlike Patios, a deck is mainly made from wood or composite wood materials. If designed properly, they can be as beautiful and useful as any other structure. Like patios, decks can be designed either as a freestanding structure or as an extension of existing building. In any case, it is best suited beside the swimming pool.

Unlike patio and deck, which are meant to act as an extension to your home, Pergola and gazebo are constructed to serve as a place for congregation and relaxation. They are usually constructed over a patio or a deck but can remain independent as well.

Pergola – It is a square or rectangle shaped structure with pillars supporting cross-beams and an open lattice, forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area. They are a common sight in desert climates but are being used increasingly in other places as well. The arrangement of cross beams over a horizontal bar imparts it exceptional strength while serving as supports for creepers and vines.

Gazebo – Unlike pergola, Gazebo is a large circular or octagonal structure designed to serve as a temporary or permanent living space in your garden or backyard. While most of the permanent gazebos are made from wood, they can be made from other materials as well.

To summarize, a gazebo and a pergola differ from each other in three aspects. One, their shape. While the former is mostly octagonal, the latter is mainly square or rectangular. Two, while gazebos have roofs, pergolas have only cross beams and are devoid of roofs. Three, while gazebo is mostly a separate structure, pergola is used to link different structures. But their difference is vanishing quickly. Nowadays you can easily buy an outdoor gazebos tensile structure.

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