Both are built with posts that support an open roof of beams or lattice.
And both often support vines or climbing plants.
Basically, an arbor looks like a smaller version of a pergola.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
What Is an Arbor?
An arbor is an outdoor structure in a landscape or yard that provides shelter from the elements and privacy.
It can also serve as an accent, separating different garden areas an directing traffic.
The Spruce / Ashley Nicole Deleon
Arbors rest on either two or four posts topped with a simple slatted roof that is often arched.
The sides are open or covered with lattice or trellis work as a design element or to support vines.
The difference between a freestanding arbor and a gazebo is basically the size.
Example of an arborDarrell Gulin/Getty Images
But this freestanding structure typicallyserves as an entrance to a part of a yard or garden.
Arbors include two or four posts with a simple slatted roof (often arched, but not always).
What Is Trellis Work?
Example of a pergolaThe Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
An arbor or pergola often has some trellis work as part of its structure.
Arbors are available ready-to-use or as kits.
you’ve got the option to make it ado-it-yourself projector have one custom-built by a carpenter or contractor.
It is made of wood, metal, or vinyl.
In other words, it provides some sort of roof for a patio, deck, or outdoor room.
As a freestanding structure, a pergola is identified by having four or more posts or columns.
It maycost more to build a pergolathan it does an arbor, largely due to its size and materials.
If you need inspiration, take a look at these stunningpergola designs.
Pergolas were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Pergola comes from the Italian wordpergula, which means projection.
Architects of the Italian Renaissance built pergolas in an attempt to reproduce the villas of Imperial Rome.
Arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century.
