What is the Difference Between Awning and Pergola

The main difference between awning and pergola is that awning can be a temporary structure, while pergola is a permanent structure. A pergola is attached to the house or ground with posts and columns.

Both awning and pergola are outdoor structures that provide shelter from the sun. An awning is a roof-like cover that extends over or in front of a place to provide shelter, while a pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of a framework where climbing or trailing plants can grow.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is an Awning 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Pergola
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Awning and Pergola
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Awning, Pergola

What is an Awning

An awning is a roof-like cover that extends over or in front of a place to provide shelter. In other words, it’s a secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building. You can see such a structure in front of a door, window, or deck. Awning protects the building from the sun and rain.  Awnings are usually made of canvas made of acrylic, polyester or cotton yarn, or vinyl laminated fabric. This fabric is stretched tightly over a structure made of iron, steel, aluminium, or wood. There are different types of awnings, such as retractable awnings, portable awnings, and wall-mounted or fixed awnings.

A retractable awning is an awning you can extend to provide shelter or retract to enjoy the sun. Fixed awnings, on the other hand, are wall-mounted and provides constant shelter.

You can also observe awnings in some shops and restaurants. In such cases, the awning is usually above the area along the sidewalk. Restaurants sometimes use awnings to cover the outdoor area for dining, reception, and parties. In commercial buildings, an awning typically contains information like name, business and address, and acts as a signboard, in addition to providing shelter and protection from rain and snow.

What is a Pergola

Pergola is an outdoor structure specifically designed to support climbing plants. It contains pillars or vertical posts that support cross-beams and open lattice, upon which plants can be grown. Therefore, pergolas are naturally shaded outdoor structures. Moreover, pergolas are versatile outdoor structures. They can be either attached to a house, freestanding, open or sheltered.  Accordingly, they can act as protection for an open terrace, an extension of a building or even a link between pavilions.

In modern architecture, the construction of pergolas may involve various materials such as wood, thatch, polycarbonate, or metal. In addition to making a building look aesthetically pleasing, a pergola allows you to enjoy the breeze and light while offering protection from the harsh glare of the direct sunlight.

Difference Between Awning and Pergola

Definition

An awning is a roof-like cover that extends over or in front of a place to provide shelter, while a pergola is an outdoor structure specifically designed to support climbing plants.

Structure

Moreover, an awning can be a temporary structure, while a pergola is a permanent structure.

Shelter

Awnings have roofs, so they provide shelter from rain and sun, whereas some pergolas may only have rafters, so they do not provide shelter from the rain.

Appearance

Pergolas are more aesthetically pleasing than awnings and can add elegance and beauty to your garden.

Conclusion

The main difference between awning and pergola is that an awning can be a temporary structure, while a pergola is a permanent structure. A pergola has beams, columns, and rafters while an awning is more like a canopy above a door, window, or deck.

Reference:

1. “5 Different Types of Awnings to Cover Your Deck.” Home Stratosphere, 10 Sept. 2020, Available here.

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