Australia’s love affair with outdoor living continues to grow — and whether you’re planning a backyard oasis, an alfresco dining zone, or a garden retreat, the structure you choose can make all the difference.
Two of the most popular choices are pergolas and gazebos. While they may appear similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and offer distinct styles and benefits.
In this blog, we’ll compare pergolas vs gazebos in terms of design, structure, purpose, and ideal usage — helping you choose the right solution for your outdoor space.
A pergola is a semi-open outdoor structure typically featuring vertical posts or columns supporting a roof made of slats or beams. This patio can be attached to a home or freestanding, and they may offer partial or full shade, depending on whether the roof is open, covered, or fitted with louvers.
At Patio Factory, our pergolas can be fully customised with:
Insulated roofing panels
Louvered or flat roofs
Timber or steel frames
Privacy screens, lighting, and fans
Pergolas are versatile, stylish, and ideal for creating a defined outdoor living zone.
A gazebo is a freestanding, fully roofed outdoor structure, usually with an enclosed or octagonal design and a pitched roof. Traditional gazebos are often found in parks or large gardens as decorative shelters or relaxation spots.
Modern residential gazebos in Australia come in a variety of shapes — round, square, or rectangular — and often include:
A solid, watertight roof
Full or partial walls
Railings or drapes
Benches or built-in seating
Gazebos offer a completely shaded and sheltered space, typically set apart from the home for retreat or entertaining.
| Feature | Pergola | Gazebo |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Open sides, open or slatted roof | Enclosed or partially enclosed, solid roof |
| Roof Type | Flat, skillion, gable, louvered, or open | Usually pitched or domed, watertight |
| Shade Level | Partial to full (customisable) | Full shade and weather protection |
| Positioning | Often attached to house or freestanding | Always freestanding |
| Aesthetic Style | Contemporary, modern, minimal | Traditional, decorative, sometimes ornate |
| Common Uses | Outdoor dining, alfresco areas, patios | Garden feature, relaxing retreat, picnic spot |
| Construction | Simple to complex, modular or custom-built | Generally more intricate and standalone |
Typically linear or rectangular
Clean lines for a modern aesthetic
Blends well with architectural designs
Can integrate seamlessly with decks or patios
Offers open-air feel with optional sun control
Perfect for:
Alfresco dining
BBQ areas
Poolside shading
Patio extensions
Usually rounded, hexagonal or square
Classic look with pitched roof and trims
Stands out as a statement garden feature
Provides full shelter and intimate space
Less integration with house structure
Perfect for:
Garden retreats
Yoga or meditation areas
Outdoor reading nooks
Wedding ceremonies or park-like settings
Choose a pergola if you want to:
Extend your home’s living area
Create a shaded patio space for entertaining
Integrate with an outdoor kitchen or BBQ
Use adjustable louvers for light and ventilation
Complement modern or minimalist architecture
This patios are perfect for practical outdoor zones where airflow, connection to the home, and flexibility are priorities.
Choose a gazebo if you want to:
Build a secluded garden escape
Shelter a spa or hot tub
Create a private sitting area away from the house
Make a decorative statement piece
Enjoy shade and shelter in a more enclosed setting
Gazebos suit larger backyards, rural settings, or formal gardens, offering a peaceful oasis or event-ready structure.
At Patio Factory, we offer a range of customisation features to make your pergola or gazebo uniquely yours:
Louvered or insulated roof
Timber-look aluminium frames
Colorbond® steel roofing
Integrated lighting, fans, heaters
Privacy screens or glass panels
Decorative posts and trims
Ceiling lining and downlights
Screens, railings, or curtains
Built-in seating or spa-friendly layouts
Solid timber or steel construction
Both options can be colour-matched to your home and adapted for coastal, rural, or urban conditions.
Generally easier and faster to install, especially attached structures. Council approval may still be required based on size, height, and boundary setbacks.
Often take longer to build due to more complex designs. Freestanding status and roof pitch may require additional planning approval depending on location and usage.
Patio Factory handles all council submissions for both pergolas and gazebos, making the process smooth and stress-free.
The cost of building a pergola or gazebo in Australia depends on materials, size, design complexity, and location.
| Structure | Approx. Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pergola | $6,000 – $20,000+ |
| Gazebo | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
Pergolas are typically more affordable and versatile, while gazebos are more custom and decorative — offering a unique backyard focal point.
Pergolas with open slats provide filtered light and breezes but may need infill panels, blinds or roofing sheets for full weather control.
Gazebos offer better natural shelter from sun and rain due to their enclosed design and pitched roofs.
If you’re after year-round usability, This patio fitted with louvered or insulated roofing can provide the best of both worlds — airflow, shade, and weather protection.
Both pergolas and gazebos are excellent choices — but the better option depends on your goals:
| Choose a Pergola if you want to… |
|---|
| Extend your patio or deck area |
| Entertain outdoors year-round |
| Blend structure with your home |
| Add adjustable sun and shade |
| Choose a Gazebo if you want to… |
|---|
| Build a garden or poolside retreat |
| Make a decorative backyard statement |
| Shelter a spa or private zone |
| Enjoy a more enclosed space |
At Patio Factory, we specialise in designing and constructing custom outdoor structures that suit your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic goals.
We offer:
Over 20 years of experience
Australian-made materials built for local conditions
Full project management, from design to council approval
Expert guidance on pergola and gazebo designs
Service across Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong and more
Both pergolas and gazebos elevate your outdoor living experience — but the best choice comes down to how you want to use your space, what style you prefer, and how connected to the home the structure should be.
Whether you’re dreaming of an alfresco dining area or a secluded garden nook, Patio Factory can help bring your vision to life with a custom-built solution.
👉 Ready to start building your pergola or gazebo?
Contact Patio Factory for a free consultation and quote.
Let us transform your outdoor space into something truly special.
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