Pergolas, pavilions and porticos……do you know the difference? I’m a designer and I do know the difference, but even I get confused by the terminology. We utilize all three of these structures in designs for our clients, some more often than others.
A pergola is a structure on vertical posts or columns that usually support cross beams or trellis work of some kind. Climbing plants can be trained to grow on pergolas.
A pavilion is a decorative roofed structure used as a shelter in the landscape. These are very popular features with our clients today.
And, last but not least, a portico is also a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers. However, rather than free standing, it’s attached to a building as a porch.
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