What Is the Difference Between a Greenhouse, Sunroom, Solarium, Pergola, Gazebo, and Cabana?
These names get used interchangeably online, but they’re not the same thing. The easiest way to tell them apart is by 3 questions: (1) Is it built for plants or people? (2) Is it enclosed or open-air? (3) Is it designed to hold heat / be comfortable year-round?
1) Greenhouse (built for plants)
A greenhouse is designed to create a protected growing environment that helps plants thrive—capturing light, reducing wind exposure, and helping maintain warmer, more stable conditions. On Verde Structures, you’ll typically see greenhouses offered as rigid-panel kits or film-covered kits depending on your goals and budget.
Shop Greenhouses: Glass & Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kits | PE Covered Greenhouse Kits
2) Sunroom (built for people)
A sunroom is an outdoor-living extension focused on comfort—more like a bright lounge space than a plant-growing tool. Sunrooms are typically more “people-first” in design, with enclosure and layout aimed at relaxing, dining, or entertaining while staying protected from the elements.
Shop Sunroom-Style Outdoor Structures: Outdoor Sunrooms, Pergolas, Gazebos & All-Season Solarium Kits
3) Solarium (maximum glass + maximum sunlight)
A solarium is often described as a “glass room” concept—typically featuring lots of glazing and sometimes a glass-style roof to flood the space with light. In everyday use, many people call a solarium a sunroom (and vice versa), but the word solarium usually implies more glass and a stronger emphasis on sunlight and views.
Shop Solarium-Style Structures: All-Season Solarium Kits & Outdoor Structures
4) Pergola (open-air shade + structure)
A pergola is typically an open-sided structure that creates shade and defines an outdoor “room.” Some pergolas are mostly architectural (for partial shade), while others are upgraded to be more weather-capable depending on roof design and panels. If you want the “outdoor living vibe” without a fully enclosed room, pergolas are usually the go-to.
Shop Pergola-Style Outdoor Structures: Pergolas & Outdoor Structures
5) Gazebo (freestanding covered shelter)
A gazebo is usually freestanding and defined by a solid roof—more coverage than a pergola, and typically intended as a dedicated seating or gathering spot. Gazebos are a classic choice for backyard shade and light rain protection while still feeling open and outdoorsy.
Shop Gazebo-Style Outdoor Structures: Gazebos & Outdoor Structures
6) Cabana (privacy + lounge feel)
A cabana usually implies more privacy than a gazebo—often with partial walls, sections, or a more “retreat” style setup (commonly poolside). Some brands use “cabana” for outdoor rooms that feel more enclosed and lifestyle-oriented. On many sites (including Verde), cabana-style options are commonly grouped with outdoor structures like gazebos and pergolas rather than separated into their own category.
Shop Cabana-Style Outdoor Structures: Outdoor Structures Collection
So… are these terms interchangeable?
Sometimes people use them loosely, but they’re best understood like this:
• Greenhouse = plants first
• Sunroom / Solarium = people first (more enclosure, more comfort)
• Pergola / Gazebo / Cabana = outdoor living (more open-air, varying levels of cover/privacy)
If you want the fastest way to choose: if your goal is growing, start with a