Often confused, a tent canopy and a pergola are welcome additions to your garden. Both these installations offer shelter from the sun's rays and bad weather. They also enable you to attractively decorate your outdoor area while providing additional space. It's difficult to choose between them! To help you in this dilemma, let us describe the main differences between a canopy and a pergola.
The differences between a pergola and a tent canopy
To understand the main differences between a pergola and a tent canopy, it is essential to understand the features of each.
The pergola: a convivial space
A pergola is a sheltered place that is intended for conviviality. It can be freestanding or lean against the house. There are classic pergolas to which you can add optional equipment and bioclimatic pergolas. Bioclimatic pergolas possess a roof consisting of adjustable louvres that enable natural ventilation. Thanks to these, you can control the wind and protect yourself from the sun's rays and bad weather. Closer to a veranda than a simple shelter, a pergola is solid, permanent structure. A real living room, they can rarely be dismantled or moved. They are supported by two or four posts, depending on whether they are lean-to or freestanding. An evolving pergola can later be transformed into a conservatory.
The advantages of a classic or bioclimatic pergola
A pergola has enormous advantages. Here are a few of them:
- they protect from UV rays;
- depending on the chosen roof, they also protect from bad weather;
- a wide range of options can be added;
- they bring character to the home;
- they are less expensive than conservatories;
- they can nevertheless be transformed into a conservatory;
- they are hospitable and customisable;
- the retractable louvres of bioclimatic pergolas enable them to be used year-round;
- there is a huge choice of materials (aluminium, PVC, wood, wrought iron, etc.).
A tent canopy: a temporary shelter for your garden
A tent canopy is a perfectly adapted to one-off or seasonal events. Its light and removable structure enables you to easily install and dismantle it. Circular or rectangular in shape, they have a vaulted roof. Its structure is often made of aluminium or PVC with a fabric roof. Certainly more convivial than a simple garden umbrella, a tent canopy enables you to avoid excessive sunshine, but does not protect from the wind or rain. You will also find water-repellent fabric, but it remains a summer shelter.
The advantages of a tent canopy
Just like its big cousin, a tent canopy has many advantages that should be noted:
- they effectively protect from the sun;
- they are easily transportable;
- there are foldable models;
- they can be quickly taken down;
- they are less costly than a pergola;
- they are very attractive for a one-off event;
- their frame is lightweight;
- curtains and mosquito nets can be added.
Choosing between a tent canopy and a pergola
If you are hesitating between a tent canopy and a pergola, there are several elements to take into account. What is your budget? If you have a tight budget, you should know that a high-end canopy will always be less expensive than a pergola. Do you have a large exterior space? If you have a sizeable garden, you can let yourself be tempted by a pergola. Bear in mind that there are administrative procedures to carry out. Is it for a specific event or to create a cocoon for the whole year? In general, an aluminium pergola adapts to all seasons. You now know the main differences between a tent canopy and a pergola. Have you managed to choose?
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