Pergolas are used to create a shaded area or to provide a framework for climbing plants on a patio or in the garden. From pop-up and freestanding pergolas to lean-to and bioclimatic models, there are lots of options to choose from. The main characteristics to bear in mind when making your choice are dimensions, structure materials and roof type. If you're looking for a small outdoor shelter a gazebo will be your best option. Pergolas fulfil a primarily decorative role in the garden. But they can also provide shade for a garden lounge set, a walkway or a chill-out zone. Your pergola should provide some protection against bad weather without altering your experience of your garden. The majority of fabric canopies will be shower resistant but won’t offer full protection from rain. Some louvred roofs can be fully waterproof – look out for a streamlined gutter system to allow rainwater to drain away.

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!). For more information read Martyn Loach's news blog here: Pergola Featured on 'Love Your Garden' TV Programme Why Buy From Us? Pergolas are usually made from either wood, vinyl or aluminium, and there are pros and cons to each of these materials. Wooden PergolasAfter building your timber product, this natural construction will begin to ‘settle’. This means that you will likely see some natural timber imperfections appear. These types of natural imperfections can include: Finally, we come to aluminium pergolas. These are our top choice for garden pergolas, for good reason. Aluminium offers the stability of a wood coupled with far less maintenance. They are rust-resistant and are available in a range of colours to suit both traditional and contemporary gardens.

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. This pergola is capable of offering protection even in rainy weather. When the louvres are closed, the roof doesn’t let water through – likely to be a useful feature during our variable UK summer weather! This pergola has an integrated water drainage system on its flat roof that gently directs the water off the sides as opposed to down on top of you.

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Whilst fabric canopies are often UV resistant and water resistant, they aren’t generally fully waterproof. This is important to bear in mind if you are planning on leaving your garden furniture underneath your pergola.