Arbors, Gazebos, Pergolas and Trellises

Arbors, Gazebos, Pergolas, and Trellises

Outdoor structures such as arbors, gazebos, pergolas, and trellises are decorative as well as functional.

Arbors

Arbors are archways placed on walkways, paths and entrances such as an entrance to a garden. They usually feature vines or plants growing on them adding to the attractiveness of a garden. Grapevines and climbing roses are popular for growing on arbors.

Gazebos

Gazebos are popular in parks and backyards. They are traditionally built as a round, octagonal shape with a domed roof supported by 8 symmetrical pillars. However, the modern gazebo can be square, rectangular, ornate, elegant, rustic or anything that a person can create. Gazebos can fit generally 5 to 15 people.

Pergolas

Pergolas usually cover walkways or provide shelter for seating areas. Characterized by a rectangular shape with four supporting posts, pergolas have a roof consisting of horizontal planks of wood that are most commonly open and flat. These roofs provide semi-shade while still allowing some sun and air to flow through. Pergolas are often used in garden or adjoined to homes to create an elegant outdoor setting. They are perfect for outdoor kitchens or barbeque areas as the open area allows the smoke from the cooking area to dissipate well. Pergolas define an outdoor patio while keeping the outdoors open and not enclosed.

Trellises

Trellises are simple frameworks of horizontal crosspieces held by vertical supports. They are flat and used to train plants to grow up and against an object such as a wall or fence. Plants are supported or woven through the open framework, like lattice, to a garden or other area. In addition to accenting gardens, they serve as privacy screens.

Trellises need to be strong enough to support the weight of plants as they grow and mature, and durable enough to withstand rain, wind or other force of nature.