What Is a Ramada? 3 Key Differences Between Ramadas, Pergolas and Gazebos

Sounds Shady

When it comes to your next landscaping project, you want to take into consideration the Arizona sun. When you’re designing your backyard landscape, whether it’s adding lush greens, colorful flowers or even adding a pool, there’s one element you can’t leave out. One of the most popular (and functional) custom backyard features we build at Straight Line Landscape is an outdoor shade structure. Usually that’s a ramada, pergola or gazebo. As you begin dreaming and planning your new backyard landscape and how pretty it’s going to look, you may be asking yourself a handful of questions along the lines of:

• What is a ramada?
• Ramada vs pergola vs gazebo: what is the difference?
• Would a ramada structure, gazebo, or pergola look best in my outdoor space?

They’re all pretty shady, but here we outline the key differences as well as pros and cons of these three popular backyard shade structures in Phoenix, AZ.

Ramadas: Ideal for Complete Shade

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Closed roof structure
• Freestanding or an extension of the home
• Sometimes called a pavilion

FULLY ENCLOSED

The key characteristic of a ramada is a pitched, fully-covered roof structure, providing complete shade as well as shelter from rain and weather. The closed roof holds heat which can be nice for cooler seasons. In some cases, we build ramadas as an extension of the home, though more often as free-standing structures, and typically as part of a larger project.

We typically build ramadas with a tile roof to match the home. The ceiling can be vaulted or flat and can be built with one or more walls to accommodate a fireplace or television. Ramadas can be made of different types of materials such as luxurious brick and stone to match Arizona’s arid climate. It’s also not uncommon to see them made of wood or concrete.

Pergolas: Let the Sun Shine In

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Open or latticed roof structure
• Partial shade
• Freestanding or an extension of the home

OPEN ROOF STRUCTURE

Pergolas are structures with an open, latticed roof that is typically flat, allowing sunlight through but casting a complete shadow at certain times of day. Columns or posts support a trellis structure that is suited for growing vines and vegetation.

At Straight Line and as part of a larger landscaping project, we usually build pergolas with aluma lattice, or rough sawn douglas fir that’s painted or stained. Great for extending an existing patio, these can also be designed to look like an extension of the home.

IDEAL FOR

• Vines & vegetation
• Open, airy relaxing spaces
• Poolside spaces

Pergolas make a beautiful addition to a home and are a must if you’re adding a spa or pool. They don’t typically provide shelter from the elements as the lattice design will allow sunshine or rain through, but they are excellent for hanging out beneath after a swim or while entertaining friends and family. String up lights on the roof and you’ll have a romantic setting when the sun sets.

Gazebos: Complete Shade in Smaller Areas

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Closed roof
• Complete shade
• Hexagonal in shape
• Freestanding

HEXAGONAL & FREESTANDING

A gazebo is another common shade structure with a fully-covered, pitched roof and vaulted ceiling. They have an overall circular shape with 5 or more sides, often octagonal supported by eight supporting posts.

These structures are typically made with wood, though they can also be built with steel or iron, vinyl or aluminum, depending on the client’s choice. Pretreated material is essential for Arizona’s climate.

When it comes to designing your backyard landscape and choosing a structure, there are three main points to consider: location, style and use. The climate plays a large part in which materials are best-suited for longevity because the last thing you want to do is prematurely replace your structure. The style should complement your backyard surroundings and your home.

As for its use, if you want something for cozy entertaining any time of year, you’ll want a closed-roof structure. Open or latticed roofs are excellent for those warm summer days and nights. Based on these three considerations, you should be able to choose the perfect one to accent your backyard.

At Straight Line, we’re experts at building ramadas, pergolas and gazebos, all custom designed to perfectly suit your home, landscape design and how you intend to use your outdoor space.

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