How to find the right pergola

A pergola can provide shade for your outdoor area without making it too dark, creating a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere. Pergolas are available in various forms, including wood, bioclimatic models with adjustable aluminum louvers, attached or freestanding structures, and those with fixed roofs. This guide will help you choose the right pergola for your needs.

What is a pergola?

A pergola offers the benefits of both a winter garden and an awning, enhancing your terrace’s elegance and providing an inviting space for relaxation. It delivers pleasant shade and serves as an ideal support for climbing plants in your garden.

Contemporary pergolas often feature adjustable roof slats, allowing you to control the amount of sunlight or shade. Many modern designs also incorporate integrated lighting, making them comfortable outdoor spaces suitable for year-round use.

Four variants of pergolas

Pergolas come in several variants, including detachable (or foldable) models, wall-attached extensions, freestanding structures, and smart designs with adjustable blinds.

Detachable pergola

A lightweight, detachable pergola is suitable for occasional use. It can be removed at the end of the summer and is ideal for those with limited budgets.

Attached pergola

It is also known as a wall pergola and is built in such a way that some of its weight is supported by the wall of the house to which it is attached directly. Depending on the size, it may have only a few supporting posts at the front, as the frame is firmly fixed to the wall.

Freestanding pergola

A freestanding pergola is an excellent way to enhance your landscape. Supported by at least four sturdy posts, this type of pergola is not attached to any walls, offering flexible placement options. It creates a comfortable and inviting area in your garden where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Bioclimatique pergola with adjustable louvre roof

The slats of a bioclimatic pergola can be adjusted manually or automatically to provide optimal comfort, allowing precise control over sunlight and ventilation.

ou can easily adjust the alignment of the slats, as well as control lighting, heating, and the opening of side panels. This flexibility ensures year-round usability, tailored to your specific design preferences.

With this model, you can regulate the heat in the summer and make the most of the warmth of the sun in the winter.

What material should your gazebo be made of?

For a detailed comparison between aluminum and wooden pergolas, consult our comprehensive material guide.

Which type of roof to choose?

For the structure to merge and balance, the roof is essential. When making your decision, consider how you plan to use the area. Do you need it to improve your living area, provide shade on the terrace, or protect you from the rain? A pergola’s roof is always essential to its desired level of comfort.

Some alternatives to a pergola

Other structures can replace the pergola：

• Pavilion: easy and quick to install, and highly effective (there are also so-called cantilevered umbrellas with a mast that deflects sideways). Another advantage of sun umbrellas is their low price.
• Gazebos: a gazebo or pergola is usually smaller than a pergola, but practical and affordable! It is ideal for a small budget as an additional place for relaxing in the summer or for small garden parties.
• Sun sail: Easy to install, yet elegant and modern, with excellent UV protection.
• Pergola: A little more expensive, but it does offer the opportunity to create a comfortable place to relax in the garden. The pergola blends harmoniously with your garden landscape.
• Awning: Awnings are a practical and powerful alternative that can add brilliance to your home. They require no ground fixing.

You can find the difference between them from this article.

Does a pergola increase value to the house?

Indeed, a pergola raises the value of a house. It improves your outdoor space, which raises the desirability of your property. Potential customers will find it more appealing as a result. When properly designed and constructed, you will undoubtedly receive a decent return on your investment, with an average ROI of 30 to 40 percent. Pergolas also draw purchasers who value a tasteful yet practical outdoor area.

Where can I find a trusted pergola manufacturer?

If you want to buy a sturdy pergola, you should think about popular companies like Gibus from Italy, as well as Baldwin Pergolas and PERGOLUX that are from the United States. But at the same time, the relatively new brand called Grandsea is popular in the 

PERGOLUX from the US, Baldwin Pergolas, and Gibus from Italy are a few brands you may already be familiar with. It’s hardly surprising that they succeed in the market given the positive reviews their products receive.

For consumers who favor lesser-known products, there is good news. Despite being a more recent brand than the others, Grandsea is renowned for its reasonable costs. They don’t skimp on quality when building their pergolas. They also provide customization as an extra service.

Remember to request samples prior to making a final purchase. Choose aluminum if you want a pergola that is both environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

Lastly, hiring a professional to handle the logistics will make your life much easier. This will guarantee a shipping experience that is stress-free. Your pergola will arrive on schedule.

Is aluminum pergola good?

Aluminum pergolas are fashionable and low maintenance. They are resistant to rust, rot, and insect damage. For a timeless appearance, wood-grain textures might be used. In direct sunshine, aluminum can absorb more heat. But its fashionable look justifies the additional maintenance. For people looking for a low-maintenance solution, aluminum is a fantastic choice.

How to install a modern aluminum pergola?

Installing an aluminum pergola involves the following steps:

• Plan the dimensions, design and location while ensuring the ground is level.
• Prepare the tools and materials such as posts, beams, screws, brackets, etc.
• Secure the vertical posts firmly to the foundation or deck
• Install the beams and rafters to provide structural support
• Add decorative or functional features such as lighting or sunshading elements.

You can refer to our installation guide to DIY-installed, but hiring a professional can ensure compliance with local building codes and precise work

Can you build a pergola on an existing deck?

You could definitely construct a pergola on your current deck. Verify that the pergola pillar is fastened to the joists supporting the deck. It should not be fastened to the surface boards. It remains secure and stable as a result. A premade kit that can be customized or one that is manufactured just for you are also options. 

How much does a 10×10 pergola cost?

Hiring someone to construct a 10’×10′ pergula or the type of materials used will greatly change the price. Though it may differ from business to business or location, here’s a rough guide to start from.

A kit that is prefabricated will range between $1000 -$4000. Based on the materials selected, aluminum will generally be on the lower end while wood can rack up the price.

For custom construction, going for a custom design and high-end materials with labor pushes 10×10 pergolas to be around $5000- $7000.

Keep in mind: roughly 20% of the price will be due to labor costs.