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People often get confused between pergola and arbour and use these terms interchangeably. When it comes to decorating your outdoor spaces, both pergolas and arbours stand out. However, there are a few differences as well. So, how to differentiate these two? In this guide, we’ll let you know the key features that differentiate each type from another so that you can make the right decision.
Comparison Between Pergola And Arbor
- Purpose
To understand the difference between these two terms, first, you need to consider their purpose and placement. Arbor is used for decorative purposes usually in entrances, paths, and walkways. This piece of furniture is often smaller as compared to pergolas and doesn’t use for shading purposes. Instead, they only help make your garden entrance or pathway decorative and creative.
Pergola, on the other hand, is often a larger wooden structure that is usually designed to provide a shady area for so many people to gather. You can also use these areas for BBQs and other gatherings to enjoy yourself with your family and friends. Pergolas can also be placed over decks and patios or you can connect them to the side of your house.
- Appearance
The key difference between these two structures is of appearance. Arbours are made of two or four posts with an arched roof whereas pergolas are usually made with four or more than four posts with flat roofs. Arbor sides are covered with lattice, while pergola sides are mostly remained open. Both of these structures are made from different materials such as metal, wood, fibreglass, aluminium, steel, or vinyl. However, the most common material from which both these structures are usually made is wood.
- Additional features
You can enhance the appearance of your pergolas and arbours with some additional features. Solar-powered fairy lights or batteries can be strung around the roof or lattice of an arbour to spruce up its elegance and charm in the evenings. Pergolas, on the other hand, can hold larger bulb lights and hanging lanterns. Moreover, you can also add curtains to the sides of your pergolas to offer privacy. A canvas shade can also be installed along the roof of pergolas. Some stronger and sturdier pergolas are also fitted with hanging beds and hammocks.
- Costs
When it comes to cost, you may find pergolas more expensive than arbours. But it also depends upon whether you are installing them from the scratch or buying a premade kit. Premade pergola kits range from $1,500 to $2,500 whereas arbour kits range from $150 to $500. And if you are thinking to install these two structures from the scratch, then installing charges for pergolas will be around $500 to $1,000 and for arbours, it should be around $200 to $300.
Deciding between an arbour and a pergola is the toughest decision you might get confused with. Each furniture type varies in appearance, function, and costs. You can hire professionals to get them installed in your place or you can do this yourself. But you should have the complete information regarding decoration. For example, pergolas can be decorated with heavy lights and lanterns but you can do the same with an arbour. So keep in mind what to decorate your structures with.
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