This moves us neatly to the next pergola roof type – an adjustable fabric canopy. These can look very modern and stylish, although don’t generally offer as much protection as louvres. This style of pergola has a canopy cover that can be pulled across or retracted depending on whether you’d like to sit in the shade or sun. Wind protection is also very important. A high quality pergola that’s correctly put together should be stable and strong. Freestanding pergolas tend to be less wind resistant than lean-to pergolas, but unless you live in an extremely exposed area, both styles are considered appropriate.

One of the best things about this pergola is its wind resistance. The powder coated crossbeam is very stable and the posts have pre-drilled holes for securing them to the ground. It’s been reported to hold its own well in windy gardens. This pergola has a retractable canopy, made from 100% polyester that gives it good weather resistance. The polyamide coating is both water repellent and UV resistant – it won’t fade in sunlight and can protect from light showers (good news for UK summers!). One of the key benefits of a pergola made from aluminium is that they tend to be relatively straightforward to construct. I hesitate to use the word ‘easy’, as these are still large structures that require a lot of care, but most come with pre-drilled holes and all the tools required for construction. Most louvred pergolas can be opened or closed by the simple press of a button or by turning a handle. Therefore, you can adjust the amount of shade you receive in seconds. The most advanced louvre systems have built in sensors that close the shutters when rain is sensed.

Inspiration...?

The difference is that arbours are freestanding structures that usually mark an entranceway. The roof is often arched, and they usually have plants climbing up and overhead. The sides can either be open or covered with lattice. Arbours are usually smaller than pergolas and not intended to offer much shelter.

Wooden pergolas are usually made from pressure-treated wood to help resist rot, mould and bugs. Whilst they look beautiful, these garden pergolas still require a lot of maintenance. Even if the wood is pressure treated, it will need further treatments to prevent it rotting. With the right maintenance, wooden pergolas can last a long time. We are a leading supplier of pergolas with retractable roofs in the South. The pergolas we install arefrom renowned European manufacturer, Brustor, who specialise in metal, aluminium pergolas. Our domestic garden shading products are modern, durable and easy to operate at the touch of a button, making them an excellent fit for almost any home.A good option for homeowners looking to transform their garden on a budget, the Outsunny Aluminium Pergola is one of the most affordable pergolas on this list. This pergola measures 3 x 3 m, with a height of 2.23 m. Pergolas, often confused with arbours, awnings and even gazebos, are outdoor structures consisting of vertical columns that support a ceiling grid. This grid can either be left open, or covered with a canopy. Whilst a canopy will provide full shade, leaving the ceiling grid open will offer more sun. Pergolas with louvred roofs (like tilting window blinds) are often more expensive but they are good if you want more rain protection . When tilted open, louvres allow sunshine and fresh air into the pergola. If you want more shade, they can be partially closed. Fully closing the louvres should protect you against rain showers.