Pergola or veranda, which to choose?

The choice between a pergola and a conservatory depends on a number of factors, such as your needs, your budget, your lifestyle and the constraints of your outdoor space. Here are a few points to consider to help you make an informed decision:
Use: Think about how you want to use your outdoor space. A pergola is ideal for creating a shaded area where you can enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected from the sun. It provides natural ventilation and a feeling of openness. On the other hand, a veranda is a fully enclosed and insulated structure that allows you to use the space all year round, offering protection from the elements and an extension to your living space.
Flexibility: If you're looking for a flexible solution, a pergola is often a better choice. Bioclimatic pergolas with adjustable slats can regulate light and ventilation, offering a degree of adaptability to changing weather conditions. Conservatories are more fixed in design and don't allow as much natural regulation.
Budget: The cost of a pergola is generally lower than that of a conservatory, as it requires fewer materials and less building work. However, this will depend on the size, materials and features chosen. Conservatories are often more expensive due to their more complex construction, insulation and glazing elements.
Aesthetics: Consider how you want your outdoor space to look. Pergolas add a touch of elegance and lightness, while conservatories look more solid and integrated into the house. Choose the one that best suits your style and the architecture of your property.

Halfway between an awning and a veranda, a pergola provides shelter from temperature variations and bad weather while partially extending the house. A veranda, on the other hand, creates a completely enclosed room, so it must guarantee good thermal insulation and watertightness. A pergola is a good compromise. Often open (although it can be fitted with optional side walls), a pergola protects and adds style to a terrace, while imposing fewer constraints than a veranda.