Pergola vs gazebo vs umbrella (Comparison, pros, cons and more)

Gazebo vs pergola vs outdoor umbrella - which is best?

Now that you have a basic idea about each shade type, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons worth considering when deciding between a gazebo, outdoor umbrella and pergola.

What are gazebo pros and cons?

Pros

• Waterproof and sun protection. Although UPF ratings can vary, most gazebos provide protection from sun and rain
• Withstand weather. Gazebo frames can be made of many materials including aluminium, steel or wood. A permanent gazebo can withstand harsh weather while portable gazebos cannot withstand heavy winds.
• Temporary fixture. Like an outdoor umbrella, some gazebos can be assembled or stored away when desired and can be portable so you can change its positioning as you please
• Adjust height. Some portable gazebos will allow you to adjust the height of the canopy, allowing more versatility
• Optional walls. You can purchase screens for some gazebos, allowing more protection from the elements
• Price. Portable gazebos can be an inexpensive option with prices starting from around $35 for a basic gazebo to more than $100,000 for a high-end custom built gazebo.

Cons

• Design. Although portable gazebos come in a range of colours and styles, they may not always look ‘aesthetically pleasing’ in every outdoor environment compared to an outdoor umbrella or pergola.
• Robustness. Depending on how much you spend on a gazebo, some cheaper gazebos made with cheaper materials may not be able to withstand wind, rain and constant set ups and pack downs as well as higher quality gazebos and will quickly deteriorate.

Our verdict. Both an umbrella and a portable gazebo can give you temporary and portable shade. However, if you’re after a bit more privacy and something that can withstand all weather conditions, a permanent gazebo or pergola could be an ideal option because they can withstand different weather types.

What are pergola pros and cons?

Pros

• Motorised louvre roof. Some pergolas have the ability to open or close the roof at a touch of a button.
• Sun protection. Pergolas with a roof are likely to provide protection from harmful UV rays.
• Size. Pergolas structures can be customised to suit your large or small outdoor setting , this means the amount of shade and protection they provide can be greater than an outdoor umbrella.
• Durability. There are pergolas on the market that are made using aluminium frames and stainless steel bolts. This means the pergola can stand the test of time.
• More privacy. Some pergolas come with the option of shade blinds that can be added on and pulled down to provide shade and privacy.
• Fixed in place and can be custom-built. Pergolas can be made of different materials including aluminium as well as wooden beams and posts. This means there’s more opportunity to make a pergola look the part and be a permanent fixture in your outdoor setting.

Cons

• Fixed in place. Pergolas are permanent fixtures and usually bolted to the ground, preventing the ability to move your shade around.
• Not the cheapest shade option. For a ‘DIY798’ assembled pergola, you can expect to spend a minimum of $500 and for the upper end of range, around $40,000.

Our verdict. If you’re after a permanent piece of shade, a pergola could be a good option for you. Once standing, a pergola is there to stay and doesn’t require further assembling, just attaching optional blinds or clicking a button to activate the motorised louvre roof. If you’re after shade that will fit the design of your outdoor setting, then a permanent pergola could be more likely to tick the boxes than an umbrella or gazebo.

A pergola can also provide the best of both worlds because pergolas can be made so they’re portable too. If the idea of having a pergola still appeals to you but you would like to move it around, you don’t have to rule the pergola option out.

Gazebo, umbrella, pergola – which is best?

Shade is one of the most important aspects in any backyard. Deciding which option will work best for you, really comes down to your own unique needs and preferences.

The most important thing is to choose a shade option you will use, provides the protection you need and fits in with your outdoor space.

If you are looking for a shade solution to last for many years, look at home in your existing or new outdoor setting, become a permanent addition to your home, then you might want to consider a pergola.

If you want the flexibility to move your shade around then you may be best with a higher-end outdoor cantilever or centre-pole umbrella made from robust marine grade materials. You can check out the outdoor umbrellas Spa World™ has on offer.

If you’re after temporary shade or something that can be easily moved around or even come on the road with you – then a gazebo or lightweight, entry-level umbrella could be a good option.

In Summary

As we mentioned earlier – there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to shade – any shade is better than none in today’s harsh climate.

However, depending on your needs – some shade options may work better for you than others.

Our advice? Visit your local showrooms and try out the different options. Remember to ask lots of questions, and take photos and a tape measure so you can see how they would fit in your space.

DISCLAIMER: In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (March 4, 2020) and may change without notice. The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd: Shadowspec™, Shadowlift™, Shadowspec Unity™ trademarks are owned by Unicrest Group Limited.

AFFILIATIONS: Vortex^® Spas, Fisher™ Spas and Spa World^® are trademarks owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd. The Shadowspc brand is owned by Unicrest Group Limited and licensed for use to Spa World™ in Australia and New Zealand.