Arbor Vs. Pergola: What's The Difference Between Them?

The allure of elegant outdoor living has never been trendier. Home builders seek innovative ways to blend practicality with luxury for a rising new generation of homeowners. As a result, the U.S. outdoor living structure market is increasing (around 5.9%).

At the forefront of this growth lie arbors and pergolas. If you have ever contemplated decorating your home’s outdoor space, you have presumably heard of pergolas and arbors. It’s also possible that you have mistaken these two for each other due to their similar appearance. 

Effortlessly straddling sophistication and comfort, both installations add irresistible appeal to a home’s outdoor space. They go beyond decorative details to provide shade for relaxation, dining, entertainment, and yoga and also bring a great return on investment.

However, despite their similarities, pergolas and arbors are not the same. Their purposes, cost, and dimensions vary significantly. Hence, knowing their differences is essential when adding either of these structures to enhance your home's curb appeal. 

Therefore, we have brought you a comprehensive post on arbor vs. pergola.

In today’s blog, we will take you through the key differences between the two structures to help you make an informed decision and turn your yard into a picturesque haven!

So, dive right in!

Arbor vs. Pergola: Discover The Key Differences

Both arbors and pergolas typically consist of wood with an open-lattice roof and posts to support plants. Each structure can help define specific areas of your landscape while adding a bit of privacy and shade for relaxation. Still, there are a few critical differences between the two.

Let’s look at the differences between the primary pergola and arbor to help you make the best choice for your lawn.

What is a Pergola?

With roots tracing back to ancient Egypt, a pergola is a structure that offers shelter and shade from outdoor elements. Typically, it consists of at least four beams and louver or lattice roofs, allowing sunlight to filter through and creating a welcoming outdoor environment across the year. 

Furthermore, pergolas tend to be larger than arbors, which is a fundamental difference between them. Pergolas provide shade over expansive outdoor areas, such as decks and patios.

Alternatively, you can install them as a prominent garden feature or attach them to the side of your property to extend the living space outdoors. 

Most use pergolas to create relaxing outdoor seating or dining areas where they can enjoy delicious meals with loved ones or catch up over their favorite board game.

Also, pergolas come in vastly different sizes, styles, and materials to complement various property styles and personal tastes. You can find them in wood, aluminum, and steel.

Pros of a pergola

If you desire a space to host your friends for dining or read a book in peace, a pergola might be precisely what you need. Pergolas are not only visually pleasing but exceptionally versatile. 

You can add plants for shade and visual appeal use them to protect the area from rain and snow, add a porch swing to make it more fun, or add curtains for increased privacy. 

Due to their extensive size, pergolas can support more weight from plants, smart shades, covers, and other add-ons. Therefore, you can fully customize it to accommodate a variety of functions and appearances.

Key advantages:

• Attractive and practical
• Support more weight
• More customization

Cons of pergola

Along with the many benefits of pergolas, they have a few notable drawbacks.

One critical purpose of pergolas is to offer protection from outside elements. Hence, they require more space to install compared to an arbor. Their size and weight make them harder to install, mainly if you do it yourself. You will most likely need a professional to install it, increasing the expenditures.
Speaking of expenses, pergolas are typically costlier than arbors due to their size and support framework. Depending on your location and the personalization of the pergola, building one can cost you around $2,000 or higher. 
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Main drawbacks

• Harder to DIY
• Takes up more space
• High cost

Common Uses of Pergola

The versatile structure of pergolas lends itself to numerous decor ideas and uses. It can serve as a privacy screen, blocking the unsightly view of your neighbor’s yard or supporting your fast-growing vines. 

Alternatively, you can incorporate built-in seating or include your seating elements after installing the pergola to create an inviting outdoor space.
Imagine hanging lights along the borders of your pergola for added ambiance at night. Sounds cozy, right?

In the daytime, you can enjoy the beauty of your plants and flowers while soaking in the sun under the shed.

Homeowners use these semi-shelters as hot tub covers or poolside accessories to give their backyards a resort-style appearance.

Related: 29 creative backyard pergola ideas that make your outdoor space extraordinary!

Regardless of how you use the pergola, it will be the perfect enlightening arena to take a load off or entertain your guests. 

The delightful oasis enables you to make it as natural or sophisticated as possible.

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What is an Arbor?

The term arbor came from the Latin word ‘herba,' which means grass or herb.

It is another type of outdoor garden structure with two or four posts. These posts often use latticework or trellises to enclose the side, which is noteworthy in the arbor vs. pergola context since pergolas mostly have open sides. However, exceptions exist in both constructions. 

Furthermore, arbors typically include arched or curved rooftops for vines and flowers to climb the structure. It also differs from pergolas in terms of size. Arbors are trimmer in structure and often stand over walkways or garden entrance points. 

Although arbors are tinier, they can provide minimum shelter from rain and sun. Also, they can add a bit of privacy to the space while serving as an accent. You can use it to separate different zones of your garden, direct traffic to an area, or as a shelter for a bench. 

Moreover, these freestanding structures usually have simple slatted roofs. Similar to pergolas, arbors are available in various materials and designs, including wood, vinyl, and metal. You can also find them with gates, making them even more perfect for entryways.

Pros of Arbors

An arbor can be a better choice than a pergola when dealing with a smaller outdoor space. You may not have sufficient space to add seating arrangements or install smart shades or curtains, but you can certainly enhance the visual appeal of the space with an arbor. 

Arbors don't provide complete coverage like pergolas. However, they are excellent for decorating walkways, even in the tiniest gardens. 

Their small size also makes them cost-effective. On top of that, the fewer materials and less structural needs of an arbor make them DIY-friendly.

Key advantages

• Lower cost
• Takes less space
• Easier to install

Cons of Arbors

Arbors serve well as decoration or ornaments in a garden or lawn. They take up less space, indicating they can't provide extensive shade. 

Also, they can’t support much weight, meaning you can’t decorate arbors as freely as pergolas. Some arbors can only sustain some climbing plants.

Key drawbacks

• Best for decoration only
• Less versatile
• Supports less weight

Common Uses of Arbors

To determine whether you want an arbor or pergola, you must know the purpose of each structure. So, let’s discuss the popular uses of arbors.

You can position an arbor anywhere in your yard. However, the construction is best for entrance areas. You can use it as a small shelter beautifully tucked into your garden over a bench or other seating area. 

Arbors are often available in ready-to-use kits. You can turn it into a fun DIY project or have one custom-built for your garden. 

Furthermore, you can plant climbing roses or wisteria near the arbor to achieve the classic cottage core appearance or go bold with climbing hydrangea or trumpet vine.

What Are The Similarities Between Arbors And Pergolas?

Despite having multiple unique features, pergolas and arbors often share similarities that make it difficult for homeowners to differentiate them. 

So, before we discuss the pergola vs. arbor debate, let’s examine the similarities between the two structures to better understand their intricacies.

Features:

1. An open framework

Both pergolas and arbors have open frameworks that allow light and rain to filter through and support climbing plants and vines. You can install these two structures to add more greenery to your garden.

2. Various materials

As previously mentioned, pergolas and arbors come in countless materials, including wood, vinyl, iron, and aluminum. So, you have tons of aesthetics to pick from based on your property’s aesthetics and needs.

3. Garden integration

Pergolas and arbors seamlessly integrate into gardens and other outdoor landscapes. You can adorn them with climbing plants, vines, and flowers to blend them with the natural environment.

Design:

1. Structure

The core construction of the pergola and arbor share many similarities. Both designs have vertical posts supporting a roof or overhead lattice framework.

2. Customizable

The availability of pergolas and arbors in various materials and styles makes them incredibly easy to customize. In addition to tailoring the structure and finish to your taste, you incorporate extra features to the sheds, such as LED lights, seating arrangements, drop sides, curtains, and trellis sides.

3. Aesthetic appeal

Both pergola and arbor serve as focal points or complementary features on a landscape. Their structure and unique decorations can instantly add an elegant and timeless touch to your garden. 

Functionality:

1. Support for climbing

Pergolas and arbors support ascending plants and add a decorative aspect to your outdoor space. 

2. Create defined spaces

Whether you wish to create an inviting entryway, establish an outdoor hub for relaxation and entertainment, or separate two areas of your yard, you can choose an arbor or pergola to achieve the goal.

3. Enhancing shade and privacy

Pergola and arbor provide varying levels of shade. It makes them perfect for creating secluded, intimate spaces in your backyard.

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Arbor Or Pergola: Which One To Use?

When choosing between an arbor and a pergola for your lawn, several factors must be considered, from price and customizability to maintenance needs and materials. 

Here’s a closer look at a detailed arbor vs pergola comparison to help you compare their qualities and make a decision you won’t regret. 

Size

Regarding size, the difference between arbors and pergolas is as clear as day. Pergolas are generally larger and have four or more posts. They are more substantial freestanding structures that transform large outdoor spaces into functional areas.

On the contrary, arbors are petite. More often than not, they contain two or four posts, serving as a charming addition to an entrance or quaint garden path. Arbors might be small, but in the arbor vs. pergola comparison, they give tough competition to their counterpart with unmatched elegance.

Appearance

In terms of appearance, it’s a tie between pergolas vs. arbor.

Both of these structures can add visual interest to outdoor spaces. However, they have a few differences, so let’s examine them.

Pergolas are easy to customize. In addition to climbing plants, you can adorn the structure with curtains, string lights, and other accessories. Their four posts, open sides, and flat roofs give you plenty of space to decorate the structure. 

Arbors, on the other hand, with their arched or slatted roofs, latticework sides, or trellis, are ideal for hanging planters or supporting climbing plants. 

They add a charming, whimsical touch to your garden, while pergolas are more practical and modern. You can easily incorporate built-in benches, lighting fixtures, and retractable canopies into the pergola.

Costs

Choosing between an arbor and a pergola can be daunting. However, you can simplify the decision-making process by establishing a solid budget. You can confidently choose a pergola if you have a generous budget with room to extend. Pergolas are typically costlier than arbors due to their larger and sturdier structure. Plus, they give you more customization flexibility, increased privacy, and protection from outside elements.

A pergola kit can cost between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on your location and the materials you choose. However, if you choose to DIY the installation, you won’t have to incur any additional cost. 

However, if you work with a professional, you can add another $1,000 to your budget. If you choose costlier materials and extensive customization, the total expenses can reach $10,000 or higher.

Conversely, low-cost arbor kits can cost approximately $150 to $250. Depending on your chosen design, material, and size, you may have to pay $1,000 or higher. If you add the installation cost, the entire job can reach around $2,500 or $3,000 or higher. 

Roof

Pergolas and arbors genuinely distinguish themselves in terms of their roof structure. 

For example, motorized louvered pergolas feature a louvered roof structure that allows homeowners to adapt their outdoor space to varying weather conditions. These pergolas provide the necessary shade during hot summer days and allow you to enjoy the warm sunlight during winter.

Additionally, you can choose waterproof roofing for your pergola to ensure it doesn’t get damaged during heavy rains.

Conversely, arbors tend to have a more static design with peaked or arched roofs. Their latticed roof makes them perfect for supporting the growth of vines and climbing plants. The natural adornment creates a stunning garden entrance and helps the shade blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. 

Purpose

Between the arbor and pergola, the pergola surely wins this round because it is a multi-purpose marvel. It acts as a hub for a variety of outdoor pursuits, and you can use it to carve out a well-defined space for diverse activities. 

You can enjoy fantastic dining experiences, create a pergola hot tub, a mini-game zone, or a vibrant place to host guests, and cleverly utilize the pergola's louvered roof to orchestrate beautiful interplays of shade and sunlight, elevating its adaptability to new heights.

Related: Explore some amazing pergola shade ideas for a peaceful outdoor living!

On the other hand, an arbor is a smaller, charming structure with an arched roof. While arbors are more than a decorative piece in a landscape, they are not as versatile as pergolas. 

You can use these structures to support climbing vines and plants and add shade to a small seating area. However, you must be cautious about the weight limit of the arbors.

Materials

As previously mentioned in our pergola vs. arbor conversation, pergolas come in a wide selection of materials, each with distinct qualities. Among the popular choices, pergolas are made of aluminum, vinyl, and wood. 

Aluminum pergolas are remarkably durable, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance. They are also resistant to corrosion, fading, and rust. 
While they are the epitome of enduring outdoor structures, wooden pergolas present a captivating option. Their rustic, natural allure blends effortlessly with outdoor environments. 

Alternatively, arbors predominantly utilize wood as their most preferred material. However, you can also find arbors in other materials, including different metals. 

Installation

The installation process is a crucial difference between an arbor and a pergola.

Due to the larger structure of a pergola, installing them requires careful attention to detail and professional assistance. 

Although pergola kits with pre-cut materials are available, setting up the entire thing can be daunting, particularly if you don’t have much DIY experience. You will need to install the four posts into the ground, add the open roof, attach horizontal beams and much more. 

On the contrary, an arbor is smaller and contains fewer components. It doesn’t require much effort and time to install. You must ensure the ground is leveled, secure the posts, and attach the pitched and arched roof on the top. 

Similar to pergolas, arbors are available in many DIY kits.

Resale Value

Whether you install an arbor or pergola, it can increase the resale value of your home. However, you must consider the cost and the percentage return on your investment.

The precise ROI you may receive depends on where you live, the type of pergola or arbor you are installing, and the competitiveness in the property market.
Most surveys indicate that all outdoor improvement projects, including pergolas and arbors, offer great returns on investment in sunny areas where gardens and yards are most commonly used. 

It’s possible to recoup nearly the entire construction cost in active property markets.

Plants

Both arbors and pergolas can support a variety of climbing plants and vines. In ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, pergolas gained tremendous popularity for supporting ascending plants and bringing beauty to the gardens. 

So, the arbor vs. pergola comparison doesn’t hold much weight in this case. You can use either of the constructions to grow plants along the lattice side walls, across the roof, or along the trellis. 

However, you must be careful about your plants since the structures support different sizes and weights. Heavy plants can quickly deteriorate your arbor, but they are perfect for pergolas.

Longevity, Durability, and Maintenance

Your arbor or pergola's longevity, durability, and maintenance requirements mainly depend on your chosen material. For instance, wood arbors or pergolas won’t last long if you don’t repaint or reseal them every few years.  You can extend their lifecycle with care to about five to 12 years.

Conversely, metal pergolas and arbors can stay intact for over a decade or decades with regular cleaning and coatings of corrosion protectants. 

Furthermore, the location of your pergola or arbor can also impact its lifecycle. For instance, if you install the pergola against an exterior wall or other property structure, the additional support can help it last even longer. Another way to enhance the durability of your pergola is to integrate retractable roofs. 

However, it’s notable that pergolas are more capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions than arbors. Since arbors are smaller in size, they are more vulnerable to damage. However, the same quality makes them easier to repair and maintain. 

Conclusion

So, which one do you prefer between an arbor vs. a pergola?

Deciding between the two structures involves considering several factors: budget, available space, purpose, and style.

Arbors are excellent at providing modest shade and adding an archway to your charming garden. A pergola, on the other hand, is more diverse.

The multipurpose construction can serve as an outdoor dining, entertainment, or gaming area. It’s larger, has more customization options, and provides extensive shade. However, it’s also more expensive and requires more maintenance. 

So, if you have limited space and budget, an arbor will be a better choice for your yard. Alternatively, pergolas are a worthy investment if you desire a multipurpose shade with a luxurious appearance.

Looking to add shade and style to your backyard? Valley Covers has your back. We deliver the best graded louvered and tented pergolas across Roseville at the most competitive rates. With extensive customization opportunities, we ensure our clients get the best return on their investment. So, book your consultation with our experts today!