A pergola can provide shade for your outdoor area without making it too dark, creating a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere. Made of wood, bioclimatique (with adjustable aluminium slats) roof louvers, attached or freestanding, with fixed roof – here you can find out how to choose the right pergola.
What is a pergola?
A real compromise between an awning and a winter garden, the pergola has two main functions: firstly, it provides stylish shade for the terrace; secondly, it provides support for climbing plants, which will make your garden even more beautiful.
The modern pergolas nowadays have practical features such as a roof with louvers and lighting. This way, you can transform the patio into an additional lounge space that you can enjoy using throughout the summer and even most of the year.
Four variants of pergolas
A gazebo can be:
- detachable (or foldable);
- an extension of a wall;
- freestanding;
- or intelligent with blinds.
Detachable pergola
A lightweight, detachable gazebo is suitable for occasional use. It can be removed at the end of the summer and is ideal for small 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
It has at least four supporting posts fixed to the ground and is also known as a freestanding pergola. This type of pergola can be placed anywhere, but is particularly suitable for creating a comfortable and inviting place to relax in the middle of the garden.
Bioclimatique pergola with adjustable louvre roof
Its slats can be flexibly adjusted to provide optimum comfort as required. Whether manual or automatic, the bioclimatic pergola makes it very easy to control solar radiation and natural ventilation.
You can easily control the alignment of the slats, lighting, heating and even the opening of the side panels. As this variant provides more or less shade depending on the inclination of the slats, you can benefit from the pergola all year round.
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?
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Wood | Everyone can afford it. | Must be treated every two years to prevent moisture. Must be treated regularly to prevent insect damage. |
| Has a lifespan of 15 years or more. | ||
| Natural and warm. | ||
| Timeless. | ||
| Worought iron | Stable and shock-resistant. | Must be treated every two years to prevent rust. Very heavy construction. |
| Has a lifespan of 15 years or more. Charming and elegant. | ||
| Plastic | Inexpensive material. Simple and quick to care for. Modern. | Lifespan 5 to a maximum of 8 years. |
| Aluminum | Optimal heat resistance. Has an unlimited lifespan. Easy to care for. This material is trendy. | More expensive than other materials. |
Which type of roof to choose?
The roof of the gazebo is an integral and indispensable part. Choose according to your intended use: should it provide protection against the rain, primarily shade the terrace or serve as an extension of the living space?
| Roof type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Wood | Easy to assemble. Natural and warm. Good UV resistance. | Must be treated every two years to prevent mold. Must be treated regularly to prevent insect damage. Lattice roofs are not rainproof. |
| Glass or plexiglass | Robust material. Translucent, but color-fast. | Susceptible to hail. |
| The sound of raindrops hitting the ground. Plexiglass is easily scratched. | ||
| Polycarbonate sheet | Lightweight but sturdy roof. Good weather resistance. Good UV resistance. Translucent. | Prone to scratching. |
| Susceptible to hail. | ||
| Cotton or polyester fabric | Cost-effective. Good sun protection. | Short lifespan. |
| light-permeable | Not very durable outdoors. | |
| Acrylic fabric | Good weather resistance. | Fairly expensive. |
| Rainproof. Enhanced sun protection. | Average lifespan. | |
| Microfiber fabric | Good weather resistance. | Not waterproof. |
| Very good sun protection. | More expensive. |
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.
Does a pergola increase value to the house?
Yes, a pergola can increase the value of your home. Pergolas can improve outdoor living spaces, increase appeal, and offer a return on investment (ROI) of about 30-40%, depending on the quality and customization of the installation. They are especially attractive to buyers who value stylish and functional outdoor spaces.
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 market because it is really low-cost compared to its competitors, and they offer customization to their customers. Get certified companies and ask for samples on the platforms like Alibaba or Made-in-China, to check the quality before purchasing. Choosing aluminum pergolas is the best way to ensure that your pergolas serve you for long and are environmentally friendly. On top of that, engaging a professional freight forwarder to manage logistics can help mitigate the risks of transportation on the one hand and guarantee on-time delivery on the other hand.
Is aluminum pergola good?
Aluminum pergolas are a great choice because of their durability, low maintenance and modern aesthetic. They are rust-, insect- and rot-resistant and last longer than wood. Aluminum pergolas can also be finished with custom wood-grain textures to create a classic look. However, they can absorb heat in direct sunlight and offer fewer options for natural beauty than wood.
What benefits do pergolas have?
Pergolas offer several benefits:
- Extend the outdoor living space for relaxing or entertaining.
- Add value to your home by improving its aesthetics and functionality.
- Use optional coverings or retractable canopies to provide shade and protect from wind and rain.
- Beautify the garden by supporting climbing plants and creating visual interest.
- Can be integrated with solar panels for energy efficiency
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.
It can be 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?
Yes, you can build a pergola on an existing deck. It needs to have the posts securely fixed to the joist structure of the deck, not just the surface boards, to ensure stability. Prefabricated kits or custom-built are both viable options, depending on your preferences.
How much does a 10×10 pergola cost?
The cost of a 10×10 pergola varies depending on the materials and labor:
Prefabricated kit: $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the materials (e.g., aluminum vs. cedar).
Construction: $5,000 to $7,000 (including labor for high-end designs or materials such as teak).
Labor typically accounts for about 20% of the total cost
