What Is the Difference Between Trellis and Pergola? (6 Factors)

You may always want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your backyard and landscape if you’re a gardener.

When considering how to liven up your garden, it is essential first to know the different outdoor landscaping designs and features.

What is the difference between trellis and pergola? Let’s dive into this article to learn more about the features of these options!

What Is A Trellis?

A trellis is a structure or frame of metal, wood, or other materials to support climbing plants. 

You can use trellises as decorations and support frames for other designs, such as roofs and archways. 

You should train these trellis-grown climbing vines to increase and expand their development and yield. 

Before you purchase and install one in your backyard, you should consider some factors. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of this design!

Pros:

A trellis may be a terrific method to provide climbing vines in your backyard with the support and structure they require.

For instance, the training of climbers to ascend a trellis will be advantageous for roses, clematis, and grapes.

A trellis is a terrific way to give your landscape height and depth. You can make a striking focal point by installing this frame on any one of the planting beds.

Taller vines climbing the trellis can offer vertical appeal, while shorter plantings ahead of the frame will complete the empty area.

Cons:

A large trellis may take up much valuable space in your small garden. Instead of utilizing one giant frame, consider employing several smaller ones scattered around your garden.

Additionally, maintaining a trellis may be a hassle. Keeping climbing vines under control requires routine pruning if they spread quickly on your frame.

Besides, if it’s a wooden trellis, you will need to paint or coat it every few years to make it waterproof.

What Is A Pergola?

A pergola is an external construction that you may use to provide a covered space in your backyard or garden.

Usually constructed of metal or wood, pergolas feature a roof that resembles latticework.

They may be standalone or affixed to your house. While still letting you relax and enjoy the outdoor landscape, pergolas offer shade and solitude.

Like the trellises, pergolas also have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look through both of them!

Pros:

You can afford to construct a simple and practical pergola. You may expect to pay $3,936 on average, which is cheaper than building other outdoor structures.

Furthermore, pergolas offer shade, making them quite beneficial in the summertime. Additionally, you can use them to add more storage capacity.

Besides, they also enhance the value of your property. You will find that selling a house with this outdoor space can get more benefits. 

Cons:

The biggest drawback of erecting a pergola is the ongoing upkeep they require. The wood may rot and degrade quickly if you do not regularly maintain them.

You also need to paint these structures every few years to preserve them. If you can’t do this upkeep, you should install pergolas. 

Also, these large frames may take up much space in any backyard or garden. If your outdoor space is tight, this design may not be ideal.

What Is The Difference Between Trellis And Pergola?

Both the trellis and pergola are beneficial to support climbing plants. Also, they can be made from metal or wood and feature lattice-like structures. 

However, they are not precisely the same. Here are the main differences between the two structures. Let’s scroll down to discover!

Appearance

The two constructions have different visual characteristics. A pergola has a more open, breezy appearance, whereas a trellis is a little more enclosed-looking. 

A pergola can be made of metal, wood, or another material. You can build it standalone or attach it to your house. 

On the other hand, while a trellis is also made of metal or wood, designers often attach it to a fence or a wall.

Materials

Before choosing between a trellis and a pergola, you should consider one of the essential factors, the material. 

These structures may be made from various materials but still have some main differences.

While the primary material for trellises is plastic or metal, pergolas are often wood-made. 

A more classic material like wood may give your backyard area a timeless appearance.

Trellises made of plastic or metal have a more trendy appearance and may give a room a sleek, modern vibe.

Purposes

Both these structures can add more shade, visual interest, and privacy to any outdoor space, like a backyard or garden. 

However, trellises and pergolas have different functions. Pergolas consist of columns that support a roof made of rafters and beams. 

Trellises are lattices of metal or wood and open frames used to support climbing vines.

Plants

It’s essential to select suitable climbing plants for each type of outdoor structure for your backyard. 

The best vines for trellises may include Jewel of Africa Nasturtium, Mandevilla, Campsis Radicans, Clematis, Zephirine Drouhin Rose, and Bougainvillea. You can consider these options if you plan to build a pergola: Honeysuckle, Passion flowers, Grapevines, Clematis, Wisteria, or Trumpet vines.

Installation

It is more straightforward to install a pergola than a trellis. Trellis frames are more delicate, so you must be careful during installation. 

If you find installing these outdoor structures challenging, consider selecting a pergola for your backyard. 

Cost

Before installing a trellis or a pergola in your garden, you should know how much you need to pay for these structures. 

Depending on your chosen material and unit size, these designs may be expensive. 

Pergolas are made from aluminum or wood and may cost $500 – $5000. If you want an affordable option, opting for an aluminum type is best. 

Yet, these structures won’t be long-lasting and create much aesthetic appeal. 

On the other hand, trellises are also made of metal or wood, but they can be much more expensive than pergolas. They may cost from $100 – $1000. 

If you want a less expensive frame, you can consider installing a metal structure for your garden, but it won’t add more aesthetics.

Which Is Better: Trellis Or Pergola?

As you can see, trellises and pergolas have both advantages and disadvantages. They also have similarities and differences. 

So, you should choose one depending on your preference and the design you want to create for your garden or backyard. 

Opt for a trellis if you prefer a more stylish and functional frame for climbing plants. You can attach it to a fence or a wall.

You can consider a pergola if you love to add a picturesque focal point to your property. You can also use it as an intimate space to relax and chill. 

How To Choose The Right Type?

If you find it hard to determine between trellises and pergolas, let’s consider the following factors!

• Function: If you want something decorative, it’s better to install a trellis. If you want more privacy or shade, opt for a pergola. 
• Size: A trellis is smaller than a pergola. So, a pergola will be more suitable if your space is larger. 
• Cost: Pergolas are usually more expensive than trellises. Thus, if you want a budget-friendly option, install a trellis.

What To Consider Before Designing A Trellis Or Pergola? 

There are some aspects to consider before creating a trellis or pergola. First, take into account the structure’s intended use.

Do you want a structure to provide more shade or act as an outdoor space? Or do you want to add a central point to your backyard? 

Moreover, select and consider suitable materials for your structure. The most popular choice for trellises and pergolas is wood, but it’s reasonable to use vinyl, composite materials, or metal. 

Each type has both benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, ensure to study carefully before purchasing. 

Finally, think about the shape and size of the frame. A pergola is often larger than a trellis, but you can customize these structures to fit any outdoor space. 

Yet, larger structures will need more budgets and materials to install and build.

FAQs 

Is A Pergola The Same As A Trellis?

The short answer is no. While these structures have several similarities, they differ in terms of purposes, materials, installation, and cost. 

What Is The Difference Between A Pergola And An Arbor?

While a pergola serves as an outside space, an arbor is typically an outdoor gateway to your backyard or garden. 

What’s The Difference Between A Trellis And An Arbor?

Trellises support climbing plants and are a central point to a fence or a wall. 

On the other hand, arbors often serve as paths or walkways to your garden and offer a stunning entry for your garden. 

The Bottom Line

What is the difference between trellis and pergola? Although they can be made from materials, they are different in purposes, climbing plants, installation, and cost. 

Pergolas have lower roofs and can be attached to your home using posts. However, trellises are taller and have movable frames to subtract or add cover. 

The better option depends on your intended use, installation ability, and budget. 

Select a pergola if you want a simple structure to provide more shade for your living space. Hopefully, this post will be helpful for you. 

Thanks for reading!

Further Reading:

• Can You Use Composite Wood for Pergola?
• What Is the Etymology of Pergola?
• Should I Use 2×6 or 2×8 for Pergola?