Wooden pergolas and gazebos: comparison, wood used, treatments

On nice days we want to be outside, but as much as possible, not in direct sunlight, which can sometimes be harmful. That's why we have built things like pergolas and wooden gazebos in the garden. To some it may seem like the same thing, but I assure you it is not. And so came the idea of this article, in which I propose to show the differences between a pergola and a gazebo, what differentiates a garden gazebo from a gazebo in a public park, what the wood needs to be protected with in order to last as long as possible, and other such information that you may find useful.

What are pergolas?

Pergolas are square or rectangular constructions made of wood or metal, uncovered and without walls, used in the garden to line a pathway, enclose a space or simply to support climbing plants. Basically, there is a top and bottom frame, which are attached to the corners with light constrictions on which plants can climb. Instead of a roof, there are cross beams, which the plants can hang on to and thus shade and shelter the site or pathway.

When the plants are still small and do not provide enough shade, the beams can be covered with strips of fabric or battens are battened to join the beams without becoming a roof. Pergolas are open, airy constructions that allow the sun to penetrate. Basically it is a small shelter created in the garden without taking away the pleasure of being in nature.

Some prefer to cover their pergolas with polycarbonate, bitumen shingles, wood or other materials. This makes for a more compact construction, but the hanging plants no longer grow to naturally cover the construction. Air circulates more slowly and can sometimes be stifling under the roof, especially if the dimensions are large.

What are gazebos?

Foisoarele are hexagonal, octagonal or round constructions, covered on top but uncovered all around. There is virtually visibility to the outside from any point inside. Up to halfway up the height of the wall there are garlands protecting the interior, and there is at least one way into the interior, open from top to bottom.

The fireplaces have been known since ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, they used to make such gazebos as altars to the deities of the time. In the Middle Ages they were built in the gardens of churches or monasteries, as secluded places of meditation and recollection.

In the 17th-18th centuries they were built on higher ground near villages as lookouts to see the appearance of enemies in advance.

In Europe, in the 19th and 20th centuries, they were built in parks to house artistic, especially musical, bands that entertained people who came to relax in the park. In our country, there were also such gazebos, also called gazebo. "And in the gazebo the band played..." probably brings back fond memories for many.

The main differences between a gazebo and a pergola

There are three main differences between the two lounging constructions and they are basically visual differences, as the materials they are made of may be the same:

• Shape of construction. The pergolas are square or rectangular, with roof beams connecting the columns in the four corners. The gazebos are hexagonal, octagonal or round, have a roof and are open on all sides.
• Roof. Traditionally the pergola is uncovered, protecting those who walk the paths or choose to stay inside with plants. The gazebo is covered and can be used in the rain.
• How to link to other constructions. The fireplace is an independent construction, not linked to any other construction. It is practically a place in the garden, separate from the house. The pergola can be independent or linked to the house or other similar construction.

There are other types of construction that are done in the garden and often the differences between them blur. Often the pergola can be confused with the canopy, even though one has a straight roof and the other a curved roof. The same goes for terraces. Plus they can have different names, depending on the area. For example, in the Arad area, the pergola is called a filigree.

There are also rectangular or square buildings with a roof. They are made to cover a summer kitchen or barbecue area. These constructions are called pavilions or ramadas.

Wood from which they can be constructed

As with fences, pergolas and gazebos should be made of durable wood. What is sustainable wood? Wood that can withstand the elements without rotting, being damaged by insects or weathering, and on which UV radiation does not have a devastating effect. The most durable woods are tannins. That's why exotic woods are widely used in outdoor construction. Teak is one example. It is a wood that resists very well outdoors and without being protected with paints or oils.

A very hardy native essence is acacia wood. It is very tannic and very tough. That's why it is also used for strength structures. Even if it looks rotten or mouldy, it is only on the surface. If you remove this layer - a very thin one at that - the totally healthy wood appears underneath.

For outdoor construction, pressure-treated wood is recommended. It is a wood impregnated with insect-fungicidal substances so it becomes more resistant to their attack.

We use it for such light constructions (pergolas) softwood. Douglas fir is quite durable, but it's not a wood you find everywhere. Most used wood is sprucewhich is easily found and cheaper. But it is less resistant, so it must be protected if you want your pergola or gazebo to last at least a few years.

Protection of pergolas and gazebos

A natural and fairly durable finish for outdoor wood is oil. Linseed oil is one of the options. It penetrates deeply and does not form a film, allowing the wood to naturally exchange moisture with its environment. If you have wooden pergolas that your plants climb on, you certainly want the wood finish to be as natural as possible, and linseed oil is one option.

Even though it is less weather resistant than classic lacquer finishes, the surface does not flake over time (no film) and refinishing is very simple. Basically, after a period of time, another coat of oil is applied.

If you want a more durable finish, you can use exterior lacquers and varnishes. You should be aware that paints are the most durable on the outside and glossy varnishes the least. It is best not to apply thick coats with the idea that the wood is well protected. You will get the opposite effect. The thick film cracks more easily (lack of elasticity) and water penetrates underneath it, causing it to flake.

Lightweight, DIY construction projects for the more skilled among us

Gazebos and especially pergolas can also be built as a DIY project. Indeed, it's not so simple with gazebos, but it's not very complicated either. It takes more work and more time. If you need inspiration find here how a gazebo was made from reclaimed wood of acacia from the demolition of some sheds.

For those of you not up to such a big job, I found here 15 models of pergolas that you can make yourself. I hope you like at least one of them and choose it to create your perfect garden spot. Good luck!