The term arbour (sometimes spelled by American companies as ‘arbor’ but meaning the same thing) can be used to describe several different vertical garden structures/buildings. It can both describe a covered garden seat as well as a frame for plants to be wrapped around (similar to a pergola) and a cover for specific garden items.

What’s the difference between an arbour and a pergola?

What is a pergola? A pergola tends to be larger than an arbour and is often made out of wood (or even metal), whereas an arbour can also be made of wood but can also often be constructed out of more modern materials such as vinyl. 

Pergolas are traditionally made from long vertical and horizontal beams, whereas an arbour will often at times include a trellis or some kind of wooden lattice for climbing plants to grow up along. 

What’s the difference between an arbour and a garden bench?

An arbour also often has a seat built into it, akin to a garden bench, but not always. A garden bench usually does not include any kind of cover above it, whereas an arbour has an archway above a space which can include a seat. 

What is an arbour used for?

Some arbours are built to be used as archways to enter a building or a garden and can often be built on top of a gate, whilst others are made to house a barbecue, chiminea or some other type of garden furniture. Some arbours are just used as accents or focal points in a garden or outdoor space while others serve a purpose.

Other outdoor garden structures

If a pergola and arbour weren’t enough to remember the differences between, a gazebo could throw you off! Fear not, you can read our handy guide on what a gazebo is to learn more.