PERGOLAS
A pergola is similar to a gazebo except that it does not have a solid, fixed roof. Instead, a framework of beams and slats is supported from underneath by posts. With its simpler construction, a pergola can be small enough to cover an outdoor hot tub or large enough to span an entire walkway between buildings. What truly sets pergolas apart from gazebos is that they, by design, only provide partial or filtered shade. With overhead construction consisting of beams and slats and sometimes lattices, pergolas are not intended to provide complete shade. That being said, many pergolas have shades or adjustable louvers so that the amount of light can be adjusted. Pergolas can be made of metal or wood.