Pérgola de un solo poste vs. pérgola de 4 postes: Diferencias: ventajas y limitaciones

When choosing a pergola for your yard, many people think that “more or less columns is the same”, but the actual use is very different: a single-column pergola may make a small yard look spacious, while a four-column pergola can be as stable as a mountain on a windy day.

Whether it is your own small terrace, a scenic garden, or a homestay courtyard, choosing the right number of columns will make it both beautiful and practical.

This guide will break down the differences between the two from a “novice perspective” to help you find the most suitable one.

What are single-column and 4-column pergolas?

Let’s start with the most intuitive “appearance”. You can tell them apart at a glance after reading this:

Single-column pergola:It is like putting up an “oversized sun umbrella” in the yard – there is only one main pillar in the middle (as thick as a wash basin), and the top is spread out like an umbrella, with no other pillars blocking it.

If you go to a popular homestay, you will find that those with “a single pillar supporting a dome and rattan chairs around” are basically single-column designs, which look very refreshing.

Four-pillar pergola:It is more like a “small pavilion with a roof” – there is a pillar (as thin as an arm) at each corner, the pillars are connected to the edge of the pavilion, and the roof is square.

Most of the pavilions with flying eaves and carvings in old courtyards and those for people to take shelter from the rain in scenic spots have four pillars, which look very stable.

Advantages and suggestions of single-column pergola

single-column pergola Advantages:

Dean space: If your yard is only 8 square meters (about the size of a dining table + 4 chairs), the single-column pergola has no side columns to block it, and children can run and play in it without bumping into it. A round dining table can just sit 6 people, without wasting space.

Modern style adaptation: Paint it black metal column + transparent top, put it on the terrace, and the photos taken will look like the homestay in the magazine – especially suitable for minimalist courtyards with white walls and cement floors, and it is not abrupt when paired with modern decoration.

Easy to install: The master digs a pit to bury the main column and puts on the top, and it can be completed in 2 days, which is half the speed of four-column. Usually, just rinse it with a water gun when it gets dirty, no need to paint or fill the seams, lazy people love it the most.

Suggestions on the selection of single-column pergolas:

If your family situation is one of the following, I do not recommend you to choose a single-column pergola:

• Seaside/windy areas: Typhoons can make the roof sway, and you need to hire someone to reinforce it after a few years, otherwise the main column may be crooked;
• If you want to “trick” in the pavilion: placing a long sofa will be blocked by the middle column, and it is not convenient to practice yoga or put a children’s slide, and the column always gets in the way;
• If you like a fancy roof: don’t want to add eaves or glazed tiles, a single column can’t support it, so you can only choose a simple style such as a flat roof or a dome.

Advantages of four-column pergola

Not afraid of wind and rain: the four pillars are nailed into the ground like nails, and the four beams of the pergola are fixed to form a very solid structure.

It is as stable as a mountain in typhoons and blizzards. Or choose it in the yard by the sea or in the mountains. It does not need to be repaired for 10 years, which is much less troublesome than a single pillar.

Flexible use: the pillars are at the four corners, and the middle is empty. You can put a row of benches or a long table, or even separate an “outdoor kitchen” (barbecue and eat at the same time), which is especially convenient for friends to get together.

Note: If your home yard is less than 10 square meters, I do not recommend you to install a four-column pergola, because it will greatly reduce your activity environment, but you can consider installing a sunshade

How to choose?

First: choose according to the size of the yard:

If your yard or terrace is 8-10 square meters, then you can choose a single-column pergola or a hanging awning, because these two methods will save more space and will not take up extra activity space;

If your yard area is more than 10 square meters, then I would recommend you to install a four-column pergola, because this will give you a perfect outdoor space and the overall visual will not appear crowded.

Second, choose according to the style of the family:

If your family style is more modern, Nordic, or ins, then you can choose a single-column pergola or a four-column pergola, because this style of courtyard has simpler lines and lighter structure, which will not destroy the overall visual transparency;

If your family style is more Chinese, European, or old yard, then I would recommend you to choose a four-column pergola, because this kind of pergola will give people a more formal feeling.

Finally, you need to choose according to the local environment and climate:

If your family is located in coastal, windy, and snowy areas for a long time, I would recommend you a four-column aluminum alloy pergola. This kind of pergola is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and the surface is also powder-coated, which allows you to use it normally for more than 15 years without any problems!

If your family is located inland or in a non-hurricane-prone area, then you can choose whatever you like (you can choose according to space planning or budget).