Arbor vs Pergola: What is the Difference Between a Pergola and Arbor?
Whether you’re trying to upgrade your existing landscape or you’re starting fresh with a new backyard and a blank canvas, there are so many unique features you can add that serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose.
Two of the most common, which are often mistaken for one another, are arbors and pergolas. While they do share some similarities, they do have distinct differences. We’ll compare and contrast an arbor vs pergola below to help you figure out which is right for your property.
Really, it comes down to size. Arbors are more of a decorative doorway that invites you into an outdoor space and guides the flow of traffic throughout the yard.
In contrast, a pergola is a larger covered area that offers solace from the sun – you can install outdoor seating under it, a BBQ, a fireplace, a TV – you name it.
Regardless of which you choose, our arbor and pergola kits in Dallas can help you effortlessly bring your vision to life on a budget. Viking Fence is the #1 provider in Texas, and you can count on us to create a stunning, durable structure that elevates your outdoor space. Get in touch today!
What is the Difference Between a Pergola and Arbor
We touched on it a bit earlier, but let’s take a deeper look at the difference between a pergola and an arbor to make it clear the role each plays. While you may be interested in one or the other, some properties benefit from having both since they ultimately serve different purposes.
What is a Pergola?
A pergola is an expansive outdoor structure designed to create a defined space within a garden, patio, or yard. It typically consists of four sturdy posts supporting an open roof made up of beams and rafters, often arranged in a grid-like pattern.
The open roof design allows sunlight to filter through while providing partial shade, making pergolas ideal for creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space. This means you’ll also enjoy airflow through the space.
They’re great for providing a shaded area for relaxation, dining, or entertainment. They can also support climbing plants like vines or roses, enhancing the natural beauty of the space. Some are even equipped with retractable canopies, lighting, or fans.
What is an Arbor?
Now, let’s look at the other half of the pergola vs arbor comparison. These smaller structures are typically used to accentuate a garden entrance, walkway, or focal point. They are often installed over paths or gates.
They can also consist of four posts, but sometimes only two, with a simple arched or flat roof. They tend to be covered in climbing plants to create a charming, natural passageway throughout an outdoor space.
Arbors are much more compact than pergolas and serve a very different purpose – they’re purely for decorative purposes. While they’re made from similar materials in many cases, they tend to be more affordable given their much smaller size.
Pergola vs Arbor: Which is Right For Your Property?
You might already be leaning one way or the other after learning about the key difference between an arbor vs pergola. But if not, we’ll help you choose below by comparing and contrasting them based on the most important considerations for your property.
Remember, though – if you’re considering an arbor or pergola here in Texas, you can simply reach out to our team here at Viking Fence for a personalized recommendation. We can help you create either one after talking through your specific situation!
Assessing Your Space and Needs
Start by thinking about how much space you have in your yard and what you’re hoping to get out of the structure.
As you now know, pergolas are much bigger and thus require more space. So, you need to carefully consider the acreage of your property and determine whether or not a pergola is feasible.
That’s not to say small yards can’t benefit from a pergola, though. We’ve seen many smaller properties create functional outdoor living spaces where the pergola takes up most of the yard.
If you don’t envision using the yard to run around and play with dogs or kids, transforming into a hub of relaxation with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, TV, and furniture all situated under a pergola is a great idea.
In contrast, arbors are better reserved for highlighting a specific area of your property – say a garden or a gate. They can be used across properties of all shapes and sizes given their smaller stature.
Aesthetic Considerations
Both pergolas and arbors bring aesthetic benefits to the table, just in different ways. Each can be a stunning addition to any property. However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind.
For example, pergolas are often suited to homes with a strong architectural presence, such as Mediterranean, modern, or contemporary styles. On the other hand, we love seeing arbors paired with cottage, traditional, or colonial-style homes.
The scale of each structure impacts the ambiance it creates on your property as well. Pergolas create a more pronounced visual statement due to their size and the sense of enclosure they provide. Meanwhile, arbors can be a more subtle yet charming addition to your space, accentuating something else.
As you start planning out your space think about how you want to integrate climbing plants into your design as well – each style supports climbing plants of different varieties.
Arbors are perfect for showcasing specific plants like roses or ivy, whereas pergolas can be covered in climbing vegetation to create lush, shaded areas.
When it comes to aesthetics, there’s really no right or wrong answer as to whether you should go with an arbor vs pergola. It comes down to personal preference.
Climate and Environmental Factors
You should account for the climate in your region when choosing between an arbor and pergola as well. One of the major differences between an arbor and pergola is that one serves a more functional purpose of protecting you from sunlight – the pergola.
These offer a balance between light and shade so you can enjoy outdoor activities without being fully exposed to the sun. They still let in a gentle breeze as well so you can spend time relaxing out on the patio during summer heat waves – especially when paired with misters!
In contrast, arbors do not provide much shade and are really just there to accentuate a specific area of your property. That doesn’t mean they’re not a great addition to your space, though.
Either way, you need to think about the weather from a durability perspective as well. Each structure should be made from materials equipped to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, be it rain or high winds.
Always choose rot-resistant wood such as cedar, and make sure you hire an expert to help you build and install the pergola or arbor so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing it will stand the test of time.
Maintenance Considerations
Both pergolas and arbors require maintenance, and much of it will be the same. They’re crafted from the same materials, after all! The only difference comes down to the scale of maintenance necessary, given how much larger and more expansive a pergola is than an arbor.
Cleaning, inspecting, and treating the larger surface area of a pergola can be more time-consuming. But if you spend enough time using the pergola to enjoy your outdoor space more, it’s well worth the work.
That being said, if you’re looking for a more hands-off structure to add to your property, installing an arbor might make more sense.
Or, you could choose to install metal or vinyl pergolas/arbors since these materials tend to be lower maintenance – the only concern becomes rust and longevity. They may not offer the same aesthetic appeal either. That’s why ultimately, we suggest sticking with natural wood.
Budget and Cost
Finally, you need to account for differences between a pergola vs arbor from a cost perspective. Again, the size of a pergola means these will be much more expensive than an arbor.
We have an entire guide covering typical pergola prices, but these start at around $1,000 and can easily cost more than $5,000. That’s just for the pergola kit itself, too – if you choose to have someone install it for you, that cost will be even higher.
On the other hand, arbors are more affordable at around $800 to $3,000 – that’s including the cost of labor to build the structure, too.
Beyond the upfront cost you should also account for costs to make a pergola more functional – you may need to budget for furniture, a fireplace, fans, misters, and more. Conversely, an arbor doesn’t need these additional customizations. You may just buy a few plants to install on it.
For what it’s worth, we put budget and cost last because – while it’s certainly important – we’re all for investing in the enjoyment of your outdoor spaces.
Both of these structures can elevate your property, with a pergola holding the potential to transform the way you relax in your free time or entertain guests.
So, don’t make the decision based on cost alone. Think about what you’re getting out of the investment and consider the long-term value instead. After all, each of these structures can provide an ROI when it comes time to sell your home one day!
Whether You Want to Install a Pergola or Arbor on Your Property, Viking Fence Can Bring Your Vision to Life!
We hope this comparison of the pergola vs arbor structures has helped you narrow down which better aligns with your preferences. While they share similarities, the differences really come down to size and function.
Pergolas being much larger can help you create an outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining in the shade while still enjoying open airflow. On the other hand, arbors serve as more of a decorative structure rather than a practical addition to your property.
Whether you end up choosing to install an arbor, pergola, or both, remember the importance of a reliable provider in helping you bring your vision to life. Those in Texas needn’t look any further.
Here at Viking Fence we have more than 40 years of experience building these types of structures for homeowners and businesses alike. While we’re primarily known as the #1 choice for fence installation in Austin, we are proud to present the best selection of arbor and pergola kits as well.
All our kits are customizable, from size and shade to the specific design itself. Our designers and installers will work alongside you to create something you’re proud of. Then, we’ll actually get it erected on your property so you can start enjoying it ASAP!
We always use the best materials available so you can trust that you’re making an investment that will deliver an ROI for years to come. That includes top-grade cedar lumber and strong, durable hardware.
We also have all the different types of driveway gates, types of access control systems, and more. You can partner with us whether you’re in Austin or Dallas, San Antonio, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock, or anywhere in between.
If you’re still on the fence as to which is right for you, we’ll offer a personalized recommendation and walk you through the next steps. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today as we wrap up our comparison of pergola vs arbor kits.
Bringing Our Arbor vs Pergola Comparison to a Close
There you have it, everything you need to know about choosing between an arbor vs pergola. Each has its place, and you may find that there’s room for both on your property.
The key takeaways are this: pergolas are perfect for creating expansive, shaded outdoor living areas, while arbors offer a charming, decorative accent to garden pathways and entrances. Whichever you choose, partner with a reliable professional like Viking Fence for the project.
We have more resources like how to build a pergola, types of commercial security systems, cedar vs pine fence, cedar fence stain, how long do vinyl fences last, or the standard driveway gate size in our blog.
Otherwise, reach out today and find out firsthand why Viking Fence has been the #1 choice in Texas for all your wooden building needs since 1975. Let’s transform your outdoor space together!