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Pergolas, Pergodas and Pagodas – What’s the difference?
Lifestyle
Outdoor structures like pergolas, pergodas, and pagodas can completely redefine your garden, but knowing the difference is key to making the right choice. Whether you want a beautiful spot to relax, a sheltered space for entertaining, or a statement feature with cultural charm, each of these structures offers something unique.
At the heart of it all, the goal is simple: to make outdoor living more accessible and enjoyable. More than ever, people are looking for ways to effortlessly connect their indoor and outdoor spaces, extending their home’s comfort into the garden. But which structure is best for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between garden pergolas, pergodas, and pagodas, so you can choose the perfect addition to your outdoor space.
Understanding a Pergoda
Now, you might be considering a pergoda for your garden, and while it does offer some benefits, it’s not quite as flexible as a pergola. A pergoda has a solid, fixed roof made of slats, which gives it a more permanent covering than a traditional pergola’s open design. This solid roof provides consistent shade and protection, which can be great for a sheltered seating or dining area.
Originally influenced by Indian architecture, traditional garden pergodas often featured wooden decking and timber supports, giving them a rustic feel. Modern pergodas, however, tend to have aluminium frames, offering a more contemporary look with better durability and less upkeep. But if you’re after a long-lasting structure that’s adaptable to different uses and seasons, a pergola gives you more freedom. While a garden pergoda offers shelter, it lacks the versatility of a pergola, which can be customised to fit nearly any outdoor space and design style.
What is a Pergola?
A pergola is a fantastic way to add both shade and character to your garden or patio. With four posts supporting a slatted roof, it allows natural light to filter through, creating the perfect balance of sunlight and shade. In fact, interest in pergolas has surged by 82% over the last 5 years, thanks to the growing trend of outdoor living.
One of the biggest advantages of a garden pergola is its versatility. You can attach it to your home to extend your living space or install it as a freestanding feature for a peaceful retreat. The open design also makes it easy to add lighting, speakers, or heaters, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in any season.
While traditional pergolas are often made from wood or vinyl, aluminium pergolas are quickly becoming the top choice. Aluminium is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and rot, making it a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution. For those seeking extra coverage, bioclimatic pergolas feature electronic louvres that adjust for sunlight, shade, or rain protection, offering even more flexibility for year-round use.
What is a Pagoda?
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for something that’s more about aesthetics than practicality, an outdoor pagoda might be the right fit for your garden. Unlike pergolas and pergodas, pagodas are multi-tiered towers with beautifully curved roofs, typically found in East and Southeast Asia. Their design is more ornamental, often used for religious or cultural purposes at temples or shrines.
Pagodas can add a touch of elegance and tranquillity to your garden, but they don’t really provide the kind of shade or shelter that a pergola or pergoda does. While you might find some relief from the sun beneath their roofs, pagodas are more about beauty and symbolism than outdoor usability. If you’re looking to create a peaceful, visually striking feature, a garden pagoda could be just what you need. But if you want something more practical to enjoy throughout the year, you might want to stick with a garden pergola or pergoda.
Key Differences Between Pergolas, Pergodas, and Pagodas
- Pergolas are open structures with adjustable roofs, offering flexibility and a light, airy atmosphere.
- Pergodas have solid roofs made of slats, providing consistent shade and shelter, but without the flexibility of a pergola’s adjustable roof.
- Pagodas, in contrast, are multi-tiered towers primarily designed for ornamental and religious purposes, providing little practical shade.
Which is Right for Your Outdoor Space?
Choosing between a garden pergola, pergoda, or pagoda depends on your needs and how you plan to use your outdoor space. If you’re looking for versatility, a pergola is the ideal choice. With adjustable shade and a customisable design, it’s perfect for dining, entertaining, or relaxing year-round, making it highly adaptable to any garden.
If you’re looking for more consistent shelter, a pergoda with its solid roof provides reliable coverage, making it ideal for protected seating or dining. However, it lacks the flexibility and adaptability of a pergola. On the other hand, if you want a decorative focal point, a pagoda can bring cultural elegance to your garden. But it’s important to remember, while it is visually striking, it offers minimal shelter and is more about aesthetics than practicality.
Ultimately, pergolas stand out as the most versatile and reliable option. With robust materials like aluminium and the latest bioclimatic technology, pergolas can adjust to changing weather, offering the perfect balance of aesthetics and usability for any outdoor space.
Your Perfect Pergola from Exterior Spaces
Finding the perfect pergola for your garden is simple when you choose a supplier that offers customisation options to suit your style and needs. No matter if you prefer a sleek, contemporary aluminium design or a more traditional woodgrain finish, we have the perfect pergola to complement your outdoor space.
For those seeking durability and premium quality, our Fixed Pergola: Phanes Pergola is a standout choice. It offers exceptional craftsmanship and customisation to suit your space perfectly. However, if you’re looking for the pinnacle of luxury and advanced technology, the Selene Pergola is the ultimate option. This bioclimatic pergola features a state-of-the-art, electronically operated, silent louvered roof, allowing you to easily adjust the louvers to control sunlight or shield against rain. It’s a fully waterproof solution, fantastic for use all year round.
Additionally, you can upgrade your outdoor experience with optional features such as LED lighting, built-in speakers, and heaters, all controlled effortlessly through Somfy Tahoma.
At Exterior Spaces, we ensure that all our pergolas are built to last, offering professional installation and a comprehensive warranty. Visit one of our showrooms to explore our full range of garden structures and find the perfect pergola to redefine your outdoor space.
Explore Today!
Overall, a pergola is the ideal choice for creating a flexible and inviting outdoor space that effortlessly connects with your home. Its adjustable roof lets you control sunlight, shade, and even rain protection, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment. Whether you opt for a bioclimatic pergola with advanced technology or a more traditional fixed design, aluminium frames provide outstanding strength and minimal upkeep while upgrading your garden with a refined, modern touch.
For expert advice and high-quality, bespoke aluminium pergolas, verandas and carports look no further than Exterior Spaces. Visit our showrooms to explore our stunning collection and let our experienced team help you craft a pergola that transforms your garden into an elegant and versatile outdoor living space.