Arbor vs. Pergola

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Crafting an outdoor area can be an ongoing project, and there are several ways to spruce it up, such as building an arbor or pergola. Although people sometimes think of these structures as indistinguishable, there are some key differences. While arbors often serve as decorative doorways, pergolas are a great way to add shade and sheltered space to your garden.

On This Page:

1. What’s the Difference Between an Arbor and a Pergola?
1. Arbor
2. Pergola
2. Arbor vs. Pergola: Which Is Better?
1. Appearance
2. Cost
3. DIY Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
3. Arbor vs. Pergola: Which is Best For Your Home?
1. Arbor vs. Gazebo
2. Gazebo Cost
4. Pergola vs. Trellis
1. Trellis Cost
5. Arbor vs. Pergola: Which Is Better for Your Home?

What’s the Difference Between an Arbor and a Pergola?

Arbors and pergolas are architectural structures featured in outdoor areas, but there are major differences to consider in structure, purpose and costs.

Arbor

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Arbors are typically freestanding structures at the entrance to a path, garden or yard. Often, homeowners use them to hold climbing plants. Arbors can also serve as small shelters for a bench or seating area, including a built-in bench or one directly underneath.

Pergola

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Pergolas are often built on top of a patio or deck and used as shade structures, while also acting as enclosures from the outdoor elements. They can connect to a house on one side or they can be freestanding. They can also connect to other outdoor structures such as a garage or shed. Pergolas typically have a flat roof that can be left open or covered.

Arbor vs. Pergola: Which Is Better?

Below are some of the key differences between arbors and pergolas.

Appearance

While arbors usually have two or four posts, pergolas typically contain four or more posts. Arbors often feature a slatted and arched roof, while pergolas generally have flat roofs. The sides of a pergola are usually left open, whereas an arbor often has sides covered with lattice or trellis. You can build a pergola from several materials, including aluminum, vinyl, cedarwood, redwood and Trex. Arbors, however, usually consist of vinyl, composite, wood and metal.

Cost

Mainly due to its larger size, a pergola almost always costs more than an arbor. The average cost to build a pergola ranges from roughly $2,100 to $6,000, with an average of about $4,000. If you opt for a high-end material, pergolas can cost up to $10,000 or more.

Arbors, on average, cost $100 to $5,000 or more. A custom or high-end option can cost as much as $15,000. The average cost for a simple prefabricated metal arbor kit is $100 to $500.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

When installing both a pergola and an arbor, you’ll dig holes (or hire a professional to do it) for posts. These posts are inserted into the ground and cemented into place before building the frame and roof.

Since arbors tend to be smaller, the installation process is generally longer, and requires more people. A homeowner with some DIY experience can complete these projects, but you can also contact a pergola or arbor builder to assist you or answer any questions.

Arbor vs. Gazebo

Unlike pergolas, which rely on posts for support, gazebos typically have a raised floor and thus a sturdier foundation. In addition, a key difference between arbors and gazebos is that gazebos have a complete roof, whereas arbors don’t need to have a closed roof. Gazebos can consist of wicker, vinyl or aluminum.

Gazebo Cost

The cost to build a gazebo ranges from $3,100 and $9,400 on average. Gazebos require a more complex installation and usually a permit.

Pergola vs. Trellis

People tend to think of trellises and pergolas as identical. However, a trellis is simply a wall piece, usually with latticework and plants growing up and around it. A trellis can attach to the side of a home or building or remain freestanding.

A trellis may be part of an arbor or pergola—homeowners often decide to attach a trellis to an arbor or pergola side to add a lattice design.

Trellis Cost

Trellis fencing costs from roughly $4 to $30 per square foot and, on average, $400 to $1,000 total. A freestanding trellis has a range of $100 to $1,500 on average.

If you want to add a trellis to a pergola, you can expect to pay roughly $400 to $1,000.

Arbor vs. Pergola: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Whether you decide on a pergola or arbor depends on what you’re looking to add to your home. If you’re looking for a specific outdoor structure to add to your garden or outdoor space, a pergola is a great option.

Note: Depending on where you live, building a pergola could increase value to your yard. You can appraise your home to determine the extent to which this endeavor will affect ROI in your area.

If you simply want to spice up your backyard, add a little shade or are looking for a more inexpensive architectural structure, an arbor is probably a better choice.

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