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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.