A pergola is a special type of external structure that includes two main parts – supporting columns and a roof lattice with beams and rafters. The roof grille itself can be left open or closed depending on the owner’s preference. Some pergolas are also designed to be used as an extension to the house, but most of them are mostly independent structures.
The traditional aluminum pergolas in Champaign, IL design dates back to the Italian Renaissance, but nowadays the term itself is used much more loosely than before, often also using structures made from wood materials. It is not uncommon for a louvre roof to be attached to the house as well, creating an outside space that acts as a continuation of the interior of the house.
It is easier to understand what a pergola is when you compare it to other types of outdoor structure. There are a decent number of different outdoor design options that can be part of your back yard, including:
- Pavilions;
- Carports;
- Arbors;
- Grid;
- Trellises and so on.
In some cases, a pergola gazebo can easily be confused with an ordinary gazebo, since in its general purpose it is a similar structure – an external wooden structure. The main difference between pergolas and gazebos is that with pergolas you have the choice of closing the roof completely or leaving it open to let in more sun and air under the louvred roof itself. In the case of pavilions, however, this is just a solid roof. There are more differences when it comes to pergolas and gazebos too, including a raised floor or the overall circular shape of the structure when it comes to gazebos while louvre roofs are either rectangular or square.
There’s also a carport, a structure somewhat similar to the pergola, but this is more about why it’s made, and less about the materials and techniques. The general purpose of carports is to act as a shelter for a person’s car, while cheaper than a garage, it is also less general protection.
The most obvious example of a carport is a sturdy roof supported by pillars. It is important to remember that the boundaries between different types of exterior structure are not as defined as you might think, and that design and function are very confusing. For example, louvre roofs attached to the wall of a building and having a solid roof can easily be viewed as a carport if the pergola in question is used to hide a car.