What is the difference between a pagoda and a pergola

In East Asia, the architectural design of these structures became synonymous with Chinese towers and pavilions, which also spread to Southeast Asia. The Chinese iconography is prominent in Chinese pagoda structures as well as other East Asian pagoda architectures. Buddhist iconography can also be noticed through the pagoda symbolism, due to these buildings becoming prominent as Buddhist monuments many years ago.

Thanks to the increase in popularity in Japanese design and Zen gardens you will see Pagodas used more and more in modern garden design here in the UK. The Pergoda is a similar concept to the pergola in that it is a garden structure used to provide a shaded seating area, however, it is used purely as a sheltered seating area and not to provide a shaded walkway.

You could say that Pergodas are a combination of both the Pagoda and pergola, as the pagoda resembles a fixed building with a floor, walls and a roof, whereas the pergola only offers a sheltered roof. Pergodas are normally constructed from wooden decking, with vertical wooden beam supports and a wooden slat roof — which can be painted or wood stained to any colour.

In traditional garden designs, you often see Pergodas in gardens as dedicated sheltered seating areas that can be used for dining as well as an outdoor summer room. Occasionally they are used for outdoor weddings instead of an altar in a Church, to create a focal point for the ceremony. In modern garden design, you can see the use of Pergodas quite frequently, used as structures to create protected outdoor living and eating areas. An aluminium pergola with a sliding and louvred roof will create an inviting shaded area in your garden, offering you the chance to make the most of your outside space.

With the flexibility of an adjustable roof, you can control shade and airflow for maximum enjoyment throughout the day. Stylish and practical, aluminium pergolas are the perfect option for creating a welcoming outside space that can be enjoyed all year round. To learn more or to arrange your free, no obligation quotation, get in touch with the friendly Broadview team today on Book a free quote Call Now! Book online. Posted week s ago The Difference Between Pergolas, Pagodas, Gazebos and Arbors Garden, Advice Designing the ideal garden will often require a built structure to provide an area of rest as well as to build height and interest into the garden landscape.

Norfolk Prestige Fencing Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with our latest news, examples of our work and advice. Date Editor's Choice. Posts are usually evenly spaced, as are the cross-beams and slats overhead; climbing plants like vines are trained on the posts and slats to provide filtered shade.

As far as basic structure pagodas are similar to gazebos in the sense of being a supported roof; design features such as exaggerated, upward sloping eaves are their signature attributes, along with Asian color schemes including various shades of red. From a functional perspective, gazebos , pergolas , and pagodas are comparable if not identical in some respects and quite different in others. While the charm and beauty of many outdoor structures cannot be denied, it is their functionality that makes them worthwhile investments for home and property owners.

When it comes to purpose and function, there are several categories worth considering, with each one alone worthy enough to heavily influence the decision as to which structure is best suited for a particular location.

Here is how gazebos, pergolas, and pagodas stack up against each other:. With solid roofs, gazebos and pagodas can provide a good amount of shade , particularly when the sun is directly overhead.

And because they have no walls, air moves freely within them, thus creating a pleasant, well-ventilated area within which to sit, eat, and relax. Depending on the amount of overhang or the length of the eaves, the roofs of gazebos and pagodas may even offer sufficient shade in the morning or late afternoon hours.

Pergolas , on the other hand, can offer only limited shade at best. Because of the open nature of the beam and slat structure overhead, pergolas may offer some shade when the sun is at certain angles in the sky, and almost none unless substantial vegetation is growing on top when the sun is directly overhead.

While pergolas offer limited protection from the sun i. By the same token, because of their impenetrable roofs, spaces inside gazebos and pagodas can be immersed in enough darkness that could hinder or diminish certain activities, like reading a book in the late afternoon. Looking to escape reality a bit with a good book, entertaining guests, or take a break from the summer sun?

The Kingsbury Gazebo is a sure bet to sweep you away into a mist of relaxation while making you feel… read more. The benefits of gazebos and pagodas are not just enjoyed during warm summer months. The same roof structure that provides shade can also protect occupants from inclement weather, such as rain.

Gazebos can provide a safe harbor during a rain shower so that outdoor fun does not have to come to an end simply because of some raindrops. Because none of these structures have solid walls, however, they would not offer much protection against gusty winds or wind-driven rain, even with insect screens or curtains drawn. One of the biggest perks of gazebos , pergolas , and pagodas is the near degree views they afford of the outdoors.

These outdoor structures allow occupants to be a part of the natural surroundings with no barriers in between. The sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors can be enjoyed to their fullest. With year-round protection from sun or rain, gazebos and pagodas enhance the outdoor experience , transforming a backyard into a true extension of the home by providing rustic living spaces from which to enjoy all the natural benefits of outdoor living.

Similarly, pergolas blend into their surroundings with natural light coming not only from all around but from above as well. When it comes to adaptability to their surroundings, pergolas have the edge over gazebos and pagodas. Even the most modest of gazebos and pagodas have limitations for suitable locations due to their breadth and height. For instance, installing either of these structures immediately adjacent to your house would not be feasible, nor would situating one on a slope or unstable ground be advisable.

In contrast, pergolas can be stand-alone structures built away from a residence, or incorporated seamlessly with the exterior wall of a house and installed over a patio. When combined with climbing vines or vegetation, pergolas can truly enhance the visual appeal of outdoor space.

Also, many after-market features like retractable canvas awnings can transform pergolas into more intimate settings. Aside from their practical uses, gazebos, pergolas, and pagodas are often installed for their aesthetic value as well. Installation of these outdoor structures can instantly change the look, ambiance, and mood of a backyard or patio space.

While specific designs can be customized to fit the surroundings, here are some thoughts comparing the aesthetic qualities of gazebos , pergolas , and pagodas based on their classic attributes:. With their classic design and construction, gazebos may be the most traditional of outdoor architecture.

They also may have the longest history, as gazebos have been around for millennia, with origins purportedly dating back to the days of the ancient Egyptians, who adorned their gardens with them. Throughout history, gazebos have been used as a place of refuge , solitude , and calm — an escape pod from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Popularized in Asia and Europe during the 18 th century, the design of gazebos became more intricate and ornate, and in the eyes of many, were perceived as status symbols.

With their distinct roof lines, many of which are adorned with cupolas small structures that protrude from rooftops , gazebos create a sense of warmth and serenity in an outdoor space. Source: Lancaster Barns. The Meridien sun shelter is a nice mix of classic and modern design. It can match any home without any problem. It supports a poly-carbonate roof allowing sunlight to penetrate inside without letting ultraviolet rays reach you. The Meridien gazebo… read more. Pergolas also have origins that can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times, but they truly rose to prominence during the Italian Renaissance period when their aesthetic value was recognized.

Pergolas have an understated simplicity with their post to beam construction. The common practice of adding climbing vines adds to their allure as essential garden pieces. When it comes to form over function, pergolas appeal to those for whom aesthetics in the outdoors are just as important as practical benefits.

Pergolas are intended to blend in with their surroundings and to become natural extensions of whatever buildings they may adjoin. Source: Infinity Canopy.