A pergola is an outdoor structure with columns supporting a roofing grid of beams and rafters.

Pergolas differ from arbors, gazebos, trellises and lattices, and carports.

Continue reading to learn more about the distinction between these different structures.

Wooden pergola attached to white house covering backyard table and grill

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

They are usually attached to houses and form an outdoor living space, extending a home’s indoor rooms.

Carports are used to shelter one’s automobile at home instead of the more expensive option: a garage.

Thebasic carportis a roof supported by posts.

arbors vs. pergolas illustration

The Spruce / Ashley Nicole Deleon

But we have seen more elaborate carports that are essentially pergolas co-opted for car storage.

Covered Pergolas

Some people use covered pergolas to provide complete shade and rain protection.

Fiberglass is sometimes used as a covering, but more upscale homeowners may be interested inretractable shade canopies.

Wooden arbour in garden with flowers growing around

Perry Mastrovito / Getty Images

A trellis is a portable wood, metal, or vinyl framework to support vines and climbing rose bushes.

Open-roofed pergolas still let in rain and the elements.

They are also prone to termite or rot damage.

Cedar Gazebo Garden

Kevin Miller / Getty Images

Pergolas are exterior structures.

Most are made of wood and require sealing to protect against the sun and weather.

ARBOR, TRELLIS, OR PERGOLAWHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN?

A MINI-DICTIONARY OF GARDEN STRUCTURES AND PLANT FORMS.University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

How much does it cost to build a pergola?Angi.