What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure that provides shelter, shade, and architectural interest to your garden. Traditionally featuring columns and a slatted or open roof, modern pergolas have evolved dramatically, offering both function and flair. They can now come with high-tech features, flexible roof systems, and stylish side panels, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living environment.

Types of Pergolas: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of pergolas to suit different spaces and needs:

• Freestanding Pergolas: Perfect for larger gardens or open patios. These are standalone structures that can define an outdoor kitchen, hot tub area, or seating space, creating a ‘room’ within your garden.
• Wall-Mounted Pergolas: Attached directly to your house or an external wall, these are great for smaller spaces or to extend your indoor kitchen or lounge into the garden.

Roof Options: Fixed, Retractable or Rotating

Today’s pergolas are a far cry from their traditional wooden predecessors. The latest roof designs offer control, flexibility, and weather protection:

• Fixed Roofs: Provide permanent shade and shelter—ideal if you’re looking to protect valuable outdoor kitchens or furniture from the elements.
• Rotating Louvered Roofs: Offer the best of both worlds. Open the slats for sun, close them for rain. Some systems even allow for part of the roof to remain open while the other stays closed.
• Fully Retractable Roofs: Let the sunshine in on warm days or retract for full coverage during poor weather. These are perfect for people who want total control over their outdoor space.
• Manual vs Motorised Control: While manual cranked systems are budget-friendly and easy to use, motorised pergolas are now leading the way.

The latest innovation in this space? Solar-powered, voice-activated motorised systems (such as those by Royalcraft). Imagine saying, “Open the roof,” and your pergola responds—no wires, no fuss, and fully powered by the sun.

Side Options: Shelter, Privacy, and Style

Modern pergolas go far beyond a basic overhead canopy. With the right side options, you can turn your pergola into a fully enclosed, comfortable, and weather-resistant garden room—perfect for year-round enjoyment.

These customisable sides not only provide shelter from the elements, but they also offer privacy, style, and climate control, making your outdoor space feel like a seamless extension of your home.

Here are the most popular options:

Fixed Panels

• Ideal for more exposed sites or boundaries
• Often constructed from aluminium, composite, or timber-look materials
• Can be powder-coated to match your pergola frame
• Help anchor the structure visually and physically

Fixed panels are a great way to create zoned areas—perfect for hiding a utility space or creating a backdrop behind your outdoor kitchen.

Roller Screens

Retractable roller screens offer on-demand privacy and shading, making them one of the most flexible additions to any pergola.

• Lower them for shade, privacy, or wind protection
• Raise them to open up the view completely
• Available in various opacities, colours, and UV ratings
• Manual or motorised options—some voice or sensor controlled

Roller screens are particularly effective when entertaining or dining outdoors, giving you the ability to adjust light and visibility in seconds.

Glass Panels

For those who want year-round protection without losing the view, glass is an elegant and practical option.

• Frameless or framed sliding systems
• Keeps out wind, rain, and cold air while maintaining light and visibility
• Can be combined with integrated blinds for sun protection
• Ideal for enclosing pergolas used for dining, work-from-home, or garden lounges

Glass turns your pergola into a true garden room—perfect for use in all seasons while maintaining an open, airy feel.

Louvered Walls

Louvered side walls offer the same versatility as a rotating roof, allowing you to control airflow, light, and privacy with ease.

• Can be opened or closed depending on sun direction or wind
• Match the same design aesthetic as the roof louvers
• Often adjustable manually or via motorised control
• Great for side protection without completely blocking off the space

Perfect for modern gardens, louvered walls give your pergola architectural edge and responsive function.

Integrated LED Lighting – Dimmable & Colour Changing

Lighting plays a huge role in how you enjoy your pergola—especially after sunset. That’s why many modern pergolas now come with built-in LED lighting systems that can be tailored to your mood, time of day, or event.

• Warm white dimmable lighting for relaxed evenings or dining
• Cool white for task lighting or focused cooking areas
• RGB colour-changing options for parties, entertaining, or setting a mood
• Controlled by remote, app, or voice (in smart systems)
• Seamlessly integrated into the pergola roof structure or frame

Some systems even allow zoned lighting, so you can light only the areas you’re using—making your pergola feel truly like a high-spec room outdoors.

Why Add a Pergola? The Key Benefits

Installing a pergola is more than just a design upgrade—it’s a lifestyle investment. Whether you’re transforming a small patio or building a large-scale outdoor kitchen, a well-designed pergola can redefine how you use your garden space. Here’s a deeper look at the key benefits that make pergolas a must-have for modern outdoor living:

1. Year-Round Use of Outdoor Spaces

A pergola gives your garden structure, shelter, and usability through every season. With the right roof design—fixed, louvered, or retractable—you can:

• Fire up your outdoor kitchen rain or shine
• Enjoy cosy evenings outside under cover
• Add outdoor heaters or lighting for winter entertaining
• Stay shaded and cool during summer heatwaves

With optional side panels or retractable screens, you can also block wind and trap warmth, turning your outdoor space into a true all-weather room.

2. Work From Home—With a View

Remote work is here to stay, and so is the need for peaceful, inspiring spaces. A pergola creates the ideal “garden office” by offering:

• A quiet retreat away from the main house
• Protection from sun glare, wind, and sudden showers
• A well-ventilated space with plenty of natural light
• Room for a desk, comfy seating, or even an outdoor Zoom setup

With the addition of roller blinds or glass panels, you can enjoy privacy while still feeling connected to nature.

3. All-Weather Entertaining

There’s nothing more frustrating than planning an outdoor gathering only to be rained off. A pergola ensures you can host confidently, whatever the weather:

• Louvers open for fresh air and close instantly during showers
• Integrated LED lighting and heaters extend your evenings
• One side open, one side closed = perfect airflow with protection
• Add built-in speakers or a fire pit for year-round atmosphere

Whether it’s brunch in spring, a summer barbecue, or festive drinks in December, your pergola makes entertaining effortless.

4. Enhances Property Value

A professionally installed pergola can significantly increase the value and appeal of your home:

• Adds functional square footage to your outdoor space
• Improves kerb appeal with architectural interest
• Appeals to modern buyers who prioritise lifestyle upgrades
• Especially valuable when paired with outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, or garden rooms

Buyers see pergolas as a luxury upgrade that’s already done—no planning required.

5. Stylish Architectural Statement

Beyond functionality, pergolas are visually striking and add structure and balance to your garden design:

• Sleek aluminium frames offer a contemporary look
• Wood-effect finishes blend beautifully with traditional homes
• Available in a range of powder-coated colours to match your aesthetic
• Minimalist, modern, or Mediterranean—design it your way

With integrated lighting, concealed drainage, and crisp lines, your pergola becomes a statement piece as well as a practical solution.

6. Energy-Efficient and Smart Home Ready

Many modern pergolas now offer sustainable and smart features:

• Solar-powered motorised roofs mean no electricity costs
• Voice-activated controls integrate with Alexa or Google Home
• Automated louvers adjust to weather sensors (imagine it starts to rain and you’ve left the roof open – no worries with the rain sensor it will automatically close the roof, saving you from running down the garden)
• Optional solar panels for lighting or charging stations

This tech-savvy approach not only saves energy but adds a futuristic edge to your garden

What Sizes Do Pergolas Come In?

One of the great advantages of modern pergolas is the flexibility in sizing. Whether you’re covering a compact BBQ setup or creating an expansive outdoor lounge and dining space, there’s a pergola to suit your needs.

Standard Pergola Sizes

Manufacturers typically offer a range of standard pergola sizes that cater to most garden layouts:

• 3000mm x 1500mm – Ideal for smaller patios or to cover a compact outdoor kitchen or BBQ area
• 3000mm x 2500mm – A comfortable option for a seating area or 4-person dining set
• 3000mm x 3000mm – A popular square footprint perfect for entertaining or relaxing
• 4000mm x 3000mm – Great for larger kitchens or mixed-use spaces
• 5000mm x 3500mm – Offers room for outdoor dining and lounge areas together
• 6000mm x 3000mm – Long enough to cover a full-length kitchen with bar seating
• 8000mm x 3000mm – A showstopping pergola that creates a true outdoor room

These sizes suit both freestanding and wall-mounted pergolas and can often be combined side-by-side for even more coverage.

Bespoke Pergola Sizes

If you need a custom fit for an awkward or unique space, bespoke pergolas are the way to go. You can specify exact dimensions to suit your layout, materials, colour, and even roof configuration.

However, it’s important to note that going bespoke may sometimes require compromise—especially when it comes to the roof. Louvered roof systems (particularly rotating or retractable) are manufactured in specific modular sizes, so obtaining a perfect fit in custom widths or depths can be tricky, unless you’re working with a specialist supplier who can fabricate made-to-measure roof sections.

That said, many premium suppliers are now offering flexible modular systems that help bridge the gap between off-the-shelf and fully bespoke.

So, How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

Pergolas are available at a wide range of price points, and the cost can vary dramatically depending on:

• Size
• Roof style (fixed, rotating, retractable)
• Materials (aluminium, steel, wood-effect, etc.)
• Features (motorisation, lighting, heating, screens, drainage)
• Brand and build quality
• Installation requirements

Guide Prices:

Pergola Size	Type & Features	Approximate Price
3000mm x 1500mm	Fixed roof or manual louvered	From £1,499
3000mm x 3000mm	Solar-powered rotating roof, no screens	From £3,000
4000mm x 3000mm	Motorised louvers, optional side panels	From £4,500
6000mm x 3000mm	Premium frame, louvered roof, manual sides	From £9,000
8000mm x 3000mm	**Fully retractable roof, auto screens	From £18,000+

At the top end, pergolas become a full architectural investment—equipped with automated roof systems, LED lighting, infrared heating, and motorised side screens that respond to wind or sun.

Ultimately, the question of “how much does a pergola cost?” is like asking “how long is a piece of string?”—because it really depends on what you want it to do, how you want it to look, and how you want it to perform.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. A well-designed pergola not only extends your living space, but it creates a usable, enjoyable environment that can be appreciated for years to come. Whether you spend £3,000 or £20,000, you’re investing in your lifestyle, your home’s value, and how you experience your garden every single day.

Final Thoughts

A pergola is more than just a covering—it’s an investment in your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to protect your outdoor kitchen, enjoy more time outside, or simply add value and elegance to your home, the options have never been more exciting.

From voice-activated roofs to glass-panelled sides, your pergola can be tailored exactly to your needs, your home, and the British weather.

So why wait for summer? With the right pergola, your garden is always open.