The freestanding and relatively compact design means this pergola can be installed almost anywhere. It measures 3 x 3 m so it’s perfect for standard gardens. It is 2.4 m tall which ensures there’s ample headroom underneath. Wood is combustible so fires may be a risk – especially if you are using a fire pit or BBQ near the pergola If your pergola is near to your property boundary, you’ll need to ensure it doesn’t affect your neighbours. Oftentimes in the UK, structures that are within 2 m of the property line need to be under 2.5 m high. Otherwise, planning permission may be required. If you’re unsure, it’s worth reading the regulations for your local area. Measuring the Space Where possible, Dunster House are committed to procuring wood products that have been certified against credible, internationally recognised standards for good forest management, to ensure that material originates from well managed forests. For classic, English country garden style choose a round or hexagonal pergola made of wrought iron. Don't forget a pergola can also be covered with climbing plants.

How you customise and decorate your product is up to you, however we would recommend that you use an appropriate water repellent treatment. This really helps minimise the amount of moisture that the timber can absorb. Therefore minimising the risk of any major movement. The canopy is made from polyester which is durable, UV resistant, fade resistant and water repellent. Light rain showers are no problem – the canopy can simply be pulled across if you’re determined to stay outside whilst the rain passes! The canopy can also be completely removed and stored when required. Beautiful planned and shaped rafters help to finish this pergola, a must to help you enjoy summer to the full this year! A pergola can be used to link buildings or can extend from a door into an open garden. Freestanding wooden pergolas are ideal if you want to create an area that can benefit from a refreshing breeze and provide protection from the harsh glare of direct sunlight. A pergola can look incredible when used to provide support for flowering climbing plants that grow over the top.

Whichever of our fantastic Pergola range you choose, all the timber contained within your garden structure is pressure treated. This treatment process means your garden structure will not only look amazing but is also incredibly low maintenance. In fact, we offer a 10 year guarantee against rot and fungal decay. We only ask that you add a water treatment once a year. 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. Dunster House commit to continuously improve the sustainability level of our sourcing, by favouring stricter more credible certification and verification standards, and sourcing requirements. We are committed to avoiding sourcing from unknown or unsustainable sources.

The downside to a louvred roof is that you can’t accommodate different people’s preferences under the same roof. This is because all the louvre slats move together, creating the same level of shade for everyone sitting underneath. Adjustable fabric canopies, on the other hand, can be pulled part-way across (providing a small amount of shade at one end). Aluminium pergolas usually have either an open roof, a louvred roof or an adjustable fabric canopy. Some pergolas can have a static fabric canopy which can’t be moved. A square or rectangular wooden pergola surrounded by exotic plants and bamboo is a perfect fit for a Japanese-inspired garden. As mentioned, pergolas consist of vertical columns and a roofing grid. They are usually relatively large with flat tops. Open roofs keep a sense of open air, and pergolas with this style of roof can look very stylish. Whilst these pergolas are simple, easy to install and will be bright inside, they don’t offer you much shade. The only coverage offered is from the slatted beams.Be aware that, as with all metal furniture, the metal can get very hot to the touch when the sun shines. It’s also advisable to keep an eye on the screws and connections during turbulent weather.

When the sun comes out, the canopy can be retracted to one end using the pulley system. It can be either fully retracted or secured part-way, creating a smaller shaded area. Sun worshippers can get their daily dose of vitamin D, while those who prefer the shade can sit underneath the canopy. There is a little bit of ‘bounce’ to the canopy, so you may find that even when it’s fully retracted it still produces a bit of shade. These easy-to-assemble, aesthetically-attractive garden structures can totally transform your outdoor space. Aluminium pergolas are loved for their ease of assembly and contemporary look. There’s a huge range on the market in various styles and designs. Unlike our competitors, we only use high-quality spruce timber in our wooden pergolasrather than cheap pine or mixed timber. Why do we use slow grown spruce rather than the much cheaper knot Pergolas can be either freestanding or attached to the side of your home. A ‘lean-to’ pergola is one that attaches to the side of the house, using an existing wall for support. Louvred roofs are made up of individual slats laid a small space apart. They work in a similar way to slatted window blinds. They can be tilted open or closed, depending on whether you want shade or sun. When the louvres are tilted open, you can enjoy fresh air and sunshine underneath the pergola. If you’re after full shade, the louvres can be tilted shut. Closing the louvres should also protect the inside of your pergola from rain. Some designs are completely waterproof.

Acoustic Barriers

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.