Arbolas are amazing; pergolas are pristine—but which one will rock your outdoor scene?
Pergolas and arbors are both outdoor structures.
Arbors act more as a gateway or covering for a walkway.
Pergolas are larger—perfect for creating a seating or entertaining space below.
Pergolas come at a higher cost and are harder to DIY.
Arbors offer less versatility, and they are best for decoration only.
You’ve planted fresh perennials and shrubs around the yard and installed new hardscaping, but there’s still something missing from your backyard oasis. Maybe what you need is a pergola—no, wait… or is it an arbor? Arbors and pergolas are two terms that often get thrown around when discussing landscaping upgrades, but they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Find out the differences between an arbor versus pergola so you can make the right decision on what structure is the best fit for your yard.
| Arbor | Pergola |
|---|---|
| Typically freestanding | May be freestanding or connected to a house |
| Commonly leads to garden area | Commonly creates a covered space for seating |
| Smaller structure | Larger structure |
| Usually has an arched roof | Usually has a flat roof |
When it comes to deciding whether an arbor versus a pergola is right for your yard, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. One is the size: Arbors tend to be smaller—perfect for marking the entrance to a garden or creating a decorative, covered space over a walkway. Pergolas tend to be larger, creating ample space underneath for a patio table and chairs.
Another major difference is appearance. Arbors typically have at least two sides covered in latticework or beams for climbing plants, plus a roof that’s often arched. On the other hand, pergolas usually sit on four posts, but their flat rooftops may have beams that allow vines to grow for more shade.
Not sure what type of outdoor enclosure is right for you? Reach out to a pro. After all, it doesn't cost anything to talk to an expert to get a quick opinion on the best options for you given your location and situation.
An arbor is an outdoor garden structure with two or four posts, often connected by latticework or trellises to form enclosed sides. This garden structure typically includes an arched or curved rooftop, and it allows climbing plants like vines or flowers to grow up the sides and on the roof of the framework. Arbor, a term stemming from the Latin word herba, meaning grass or herb, is a smaller structure, usually marking the entrance to a garden or creating an attractive decorative element over a walkway.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower cost to build | Best for decoration only |
| Easy to DIY | Supports less weight |
| Takes up less space | Less versatile |
Best for:
Walkways and gardens
Small outdoor areas
Decoration
An arbor can offer many benefits to your property, especially if you’re working with a smaller outdoor space. While your arbor may not have the space to add seating below or install curtains or smart shades around the sides or roof, it can still add plenty of visual appeal to a yard, especially when you add climbing plants.
Arbors aren’t necessarily designed for covering a big patio table and chairs; instead, you can find or build a shorter or more narrow arbor for even the smallest garden or outdoor walkway.
Because they’re smaller, arbors require fewer materials and less structural support to build, making them both easier to install without a professional and less expensive when comparing a pergola versus an arbor. However, the process can still be tricky, so you may want to call a pro for help anyway.
Arbors are best used as an ornament in your lawn or garden. They take up little space, but that also means they aren’t great for adding more shade to a yard or covering your entertaining spaces.
Arbors don’t support much additional weight, so while you can add extra features like curtains, shades, or swings to a sturdy pergola, arbors are best reserved for decorative purposes only. Some climbing plants are really the only weight you can add to an arbor while keeping it safe.
Pergolas can offer some decorative features to a lawn while also being versatile enough to offer more protection from the elements for an entertaining or outdoor dining space; unfortunately, arbors aren’t quite as flexible or multipurpose.
Now that you know all about arbors, you’re probably wondering, “So, what is a pergola, then?” A pergola is another type of outdoor structure that is often installed as one of many parts of a deck, although it may connect to an outer wall of your home or garage, or it can be a standalone fixture on your property.
A pergola is typically constructed with four posts and a flat roof that allows for climbing plants to grow or for you to install shades or covers overtop. With this design, a pergola can offer shade from harsh sunlight while still allowing you to enjoy cool breezes and neighborhood views from all sides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive and practical | Takes up more space |
| Supports more weight | Harder to DIY |
| More customizations | More expensive |
Best for:
Patios or decks
Larger outdoor spaces
Providing shade and decoration
If you’re imagining your backyard as a space where you can host friends for some al fresco dining or read a good book in the shade, a pergola may be just what your yard needs. In addition to being attractive, pergolas are versatile: You can add plants for shade and more visual appeal, covers for extra shade and protection from rain and snow, curtains for privacy, or even a porch swing for comfort and relaxation.
Pergolas are larger than arbors, but that also means these structures can support more weight from plants, covers, smart shades, and other fun add-ons. Because a pergola supports more weight, you can completely customize it for a variety of different functions and appearances.
Pergolas are meant to offer some protection from the elements for a seating area, so they typically need more space to install than an arbor. Whether you plan to build a simple pergola or something with all the bells and whistles, it will be harder to DIY because it needs to be able to support more weight than an arbor. This is a job most people need to hire a pro for.
With the bigger size and support framework, it is likely to cost you more to build a pergola in your yard than an arbor. Building a pergola costs about $2,200 to $6,400 on average, while building an arbor can start as low as $100.
When it comes to choosing a pergola versus an arbor for your property, there are many factors to consider, from how customizable each structure is to whether or not you can install one yourself. Plus, you should keep in mind maintenance needs, repairability, and, of course, your budget before deciding between an arbor and a pergola.
On the low end, an arbor costs around $100. When you build an arbor from metal or wood, the price can go up, reaching around $2,500 or $3,000. But this is still lower than the cost of building a pergola, which starts around $675 but can go up to $11,000 when you add things like retractable roofs or smart pergolas.
The life span of both arbors and pergolas heavily depends on the material they’re made from and how well you maintain them. Wood arbors or pergolas that aren’t resealed or repainted every few years or that are exposed to a lot of rain and snow may only last a few years. Proper care can extend this to about 5 to 12 years for both arbors and pergolas. Metal arbors and pergolas that are regularly cleaned and coated in corrosion protectants may last even longer, around 10 to 20 years.
Pergolas may be installed against an exterior wall of a home or other structure on the property, providing more support. Not only that, but pergolas are meant to hold more weight, so they’re designed with extra support that can make them more durable. Pergolas can also integrate retractable roofs for more protection against the elements. While you probably won’t have to worry about an arbor or a pergola blowing away in a windstorm, a pergola is better suited to harsh weather conditions.
While you can decide on if you want a metal, wood, or vinyl arbor, pergolas offer a lot more customizations besides just choosing a material for the structure. Outside of deciding on a metal pergola or the best wood for a pergola, you can also choose roofs, smart shades, curtains, and other features to completely customize your pergola.
Because pergolas are much larger and may need to support the extra weight of plants, coverings, curtains, or even swings, it’s best to leave installation to a local pergola contractor for the safety of you and your family. Arbors are smaller in size and typically won’t be supporting extra weight outside of any plants, so it may be easier to install an arbor yourself. You can even find DIY arbor kits or building plans at home improvement stores or online if you have the time and ability to do it yourself.
Arbors are smaller in size, making it easier for the average person to complete repairs. With pergolas, especially weight-bearing ones, you’ll need to take extra precautions to safely make repairs to the structure. It’s going to be easier and safer to hire a professional pergola contractor to make those repairs, while arbors you can often patch up, seal, or paint yourself.
You should inspect both arbors and pergolas throughout the year for any signs of damage, like wood rot or corrosion. When you keep up with adding protective coatings every year to every few years and make repairs as soon as you notice damage, you can extend the life of an arbor or pergola. But because arbors are smaller, it tends to be easier to inspect them and make repairs. Not to mention, you’ll often spend less money on sealants and paint for the smaller structure.
Both arbors and pergolas can add more visual interest to your outdoor spaces. Arbors, with their arched roofs and trellis or latticework sides, are excellent for filling with climbing plants or hanging planters. But pergolas can be just as attractive, especially when you add stylish curtains or climbing plants and string lights on the roof.
Depending on the material, both arbors and pergolas can be sustainably made, especially when crafted from long-lasting or natural materials like metal or wood rather than plastic. Also, when you use an arbor or pergola to support plant life, you provide more food for native pollinators in your neighborhood. Because of this, both options can be considered eco-friendly additions to your yard or patio.
