Patio Cover or Pergola? What is the Difference?

By Escape Pools

Patio Cover or Pergola? Hmm …

There is no doubt there is a lot to love about Texas, and that includes our fabulous weather. Even in the middle of winter, the temperatures could be in the 70s. But, even with all our beautiful weather, there is a downside. In the summer, our Texas heat is legendary. Many people love to spend time outdoors during the spring and summer. However, the strength of the sun during these seasons can be brutal.

Have you ever considered installing a patio cover or a pergola in your backyard? What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover? Here is some advice on which one might be best for your yard, a patio cover or pergola.

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola isn’t attached to your house. Instead, it is a stand-alone structure. It provides shade for the front or back of your home, as well as walkways or garden benches. Many people wonder whether you can cover a pergola. Usually, pergolas have a roof structure with slats. These slats allow garden plants, such as roses or morning glories, to wind up the sides and across the top. They provide beauty and additional shade. Posts of columns hold the pergola in place.

What Is a Pergola with a Roof Called?

Most pergolas do not have roofs. However, some people prefer to have one with a roof. That way, the pergola can offer them additional shade or protection from the elements. A pergola that has a roof is a pavilion or gazebo. Both have open sides and a roof structure. They can be any size or shape you want.

What Is the Benefit of a Pergola?

There are several benefits to a pergola. People used pergolas in Asia for centuries to mark or define outdoor spaces. Italians and Greeks used pergolas to define their outdoor spaces as well. They also used them to provide shade during times of unrelenting sun. People still use pergolas in the United States and other parts of the world today. You can use them to provide boundaries between your yard and garden, or your yard and pool. You can also use them to provide a shady spot to read that book you’ve been trying to read all year. Pergolas are great for providing shade for part of your garden, your patio, or your deck.

What Is a Patio Cover?

Since a pergola doesn’t have a roof, you may want a patio cover instead. Patio covers are not stand-alone buildings. Instead, they attach to another building or structure. You can attach patio covers to a house, a garage, or another existing structure. Patio covers have solid roofs instead of slatted roofs. These covers allow you to completely envelop your deck or patio. You can have a patio cover look like an extension of your structure. To do this, a builder would use the same materials used in constructing your house. You may also want a patio cover as part of your backyard renovations. Patio covers have one significant benefit over pergolas. They provide an enormous amount of shade for your yard. Patio covers can also reduce the costs of cooling your home.

You can also adapt a patio cover to add lights and ceiling fans. You can even add electricity. What about wiring your patio cover to act as an outdoor media room? A built-in kitchenette or bar gives your patio cover some entertainment value. What a great way to entertain your guests and save money on cooling bills!

You must know that many stand-alone structures like pergolas are often referred to as patio covers as well.