When designing your outdoor area, the choice of a pergola with louvered roof or a retractable roof pergola plays a crucial role. A pergola with a louvre roof provides protection from wind and rain all year round and allows you to control the light in a flexible way, while a retractable pergola with a sun sail is characterised by its attractive design and sun protection.
This guide will explain in more detail the most important differences between the two freestanding pergolas – so you can make the right choice!
What is a louvered pergola?
A pergola with louvres is a roof structure made of adjustable panels. These are usually made of high-quality metal, but slats made of wood or plastic are also common. Pergolas with these slats are often referred to as “bioclimatique pergola” due to the movability of the slats.
Adjustable louvered pergolas are characterized by their ability to allow air to escape, thus ensuring optimum ventilation. In contrast, under a rigid, immovable roof, the summer heat can build up to unbearable levels, and relaxation is certainly not possible.
What is a retractable pergola canopy?
Wikipedia describes a retractable pergola canopy as a “retractable protective roof made of canvas for sun protection”. Unlike slats, this variant is a textile structure that is primarily used for sun protection. This does not necessarily have to be made of canvas; polyester is also a popular and frequently used material. The so-called “sails” are attached and stretched at several points to form a covered area.
A pergola with retractable canopy is therefore a structure that includes a roof made of a textile structure. It can be opened and closed flexibly using straps, for example.
Comparison of the two pergola roofs: slats and sun sails
Both types of pergola provide shade and protection from the sun. They create a covered outdoor area that combines design and quality. Here are the main differences between them:
| Louvered pergola | Retractable pergola |
| louvres made of aluminium or steel | roof canvas made of polyester with PU coating |
| posts made of steel or aluminium | steel columns |
| crank-operated adjustable louvers | adjustable sail with tie straps |
| year-round sun protection | temporary, seasonal sun protection |
| integrated drainage system included | includes polycarbonate panels for protection against dust and rain |
| robust aluminium louvers in trendy pearl grey | decorative sail in champagne or stone |
| available with basic or deluxe functions | generally an affordable gazebo |
| more expensive | cheaper to buy |
Grandsea offers a variety of gazebos with louvered roofs in different sizes: 10′ x 10′, 10′ x 12′, 12′ x 12′ and 10′ x 16′ – there is something for every outdoor area! Of course, you can also choose to have the gazebo custom-made to your own measurements!
Features of aluminum louvered pergolas
The feature of louvre pergolas is their flexibility of use. Like pergolas with awnings, pergolas with louvre roofs are usually used independently in the garden, but are particularly used as a balcony or terrace roof. This is because the slats are made of aluminium or steel and are therefore suitable for use as a terrace roof all year round.
Especially the terrace roof with louvre roof can be individually adjusted for the amount of sunlight and protection from the weather. Our slats have a maximum opening angle (in line with the luxury gazebos) of around 135 degrees, so you can perfectly adjust them to the sun. If you want shade, you can easily close the steel or aluminium slats using a crank. When closed, your terrace roof also protects your privacy – from your neighbours upstairs.
And, each of our pergolas with a louvre roof is equipped with an integrated drainage system, making it 100% waterproof and effective against rain. Rainwater drains through the slats into the internal gutter and finally into the posts. Thanks to the “drip-free” design of the pergola, not even the last drop of rain will drip from the slats onto your garden furniture.
You can enjoy your time in the garden or on the terrace, whatever the weather!
Features of the retractable pergolas
The great thing about a gazebo with a sun sail is its aesthetic appeal and versatility. The range of colors and materials available for sun sails is very wide, so the gazebo can be perfectly adapted to your individual design wishes. There are a huge number of sun sail colors available on the market. You should ideally opt for a PU-coated sun sail with UV protection of 50+ – perfect for sunny days!
Like the awning roof for gazebos, the awning for gazebos is adjustable. You can flexibly adjust the desired amount of shade depending on the time of day and the position of the sun.
The awning is lightweight and easy to install or attach to the gazebo.
Conclusion
Both freestanding gazebos are ideal for use in the garden and offer optimum protection from the sun. However, if you want to use your gazebo as a roof for your terrace or in the garden all year round, we recommend that you buy a louvre roof. The aluminium louvre roof provides effective protection against wind and rain, prevents sun and rain from getting in and offers privacy. However, a gazebo with a louvre roof is more expensive than one with a sun sail.
If you have a small budget, it is best to choose a roof made of textile fabric. However, it should be noted that this product is not designed for year-round use, but can provide you with efficient and reliable UV protection in the summer.
