Types of Pergola: Which Pergola Roof Is Right for Your Home?
A pergola can completely transform the way you use your garden or patio. Whether you want somewhere to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine, create an outdoor dining area for entertaining friends or simply have a comfortable place to relax whatever the British weather throws at you, a well-designed pergola can effectively create an extra room outdoors.
A pergola can completely transform the way you use your garden or patio. Whether you want somewhere to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine, create an outdoor dining area for entertaining friends or simply have a comfortable place to relax whatever the British weather throws at you, a well-designed pergola can effectively create an extra room outdoors.
But not all pergolas are the same.
One of the biggest decisions when choosing a pergola is the type of roof. From adjustable louvres and retractable fabric to glass and fixed roofs, each option offers different benefits in terms of shade, shelter, light and flexibility.
So, which type of pergola is right for your home?
Pergolas: More Than Just Garden Shade
Modern pergolas have come a long way from the traditional timber structures often associated with climbing plants.
Today's aluminium pergolas are designed to provide a combination of shade, shelter, comfort and style, creating a genuine extension of your living space.
They can be installed against your home to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor areas or positioned elsewhere in the garden as a freestanding outdoor room.
Depending on the design, a pergola can become:
- An outdoor dining area
- A comfortable garden lounge
- An outdoor kitchen or entertaining space
- A sheltered area beside a swimming pool
- A home office
- A space for enjoying the garden throughout the seasons
The key is choosing a roof system that suits the way you want to use the space.
1. Pergolas with Louvred Roofs
For maximum flexibility, a louvred roof pergola is difficult to beat.
The roof is made up of adjustable aluminium louvres which can be tilted to control the amount of sunlight entering the space. Open the louvres to enjoy sunshine and ventilation or close them to provide shade and protection when the weather changes.
This makes louvred pergolas particularly versatile for the UK's unpredictable weather.
A high-quality system can also be combined with integrated drainage, lighting, heaters and side screens to create a much more comfortable outdoor environment.
Why Choose a Louvred Pergola?
Ideal for: Homeowners who want maximum control over sunlight, shade and ventilation.
Benefits include:
- Adjustable light and shade
- Excellent ventilation when the louvres are open
- Protection from rain when closed
- A contemporary architectural appearance
- Options for integrated lighting and heating
- Can be combined with ZIP screens and other side elements
- Available as attached or freestanding structures
Louvred pergolas are also particularly well suited to larger entertaining areas, where creating a flexible outdoor room is the priority.
2. Pergolas with Retractable Fabric Roofs
If you love the idea of a pergola but want something lighter and more flexible, a retractable fabric roof pergola could be the perfect solution.
The fabric roof can be extended when you want shade and protection, then retracted when you want to let the sunshine back in. This gives you many of the benefits of an awning, combined with the structure and presence of a pergola.
Fabric roofs also create a softer aesthetic than aluminium louvres, making them particularly appealing for homeowners looking to create a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired outdoor space.
Some modern fabric pergolas use ZIP technology to keep the fabric taut within the supporting rails, while motorised operation makes opening and closing the roof effortless.
Why Choose a Fabric Roof Pergola?
Ideal for: Homeowners who want flexible shade with a softer, more relaxed appearance.
Benefits include:
- Retractable roof for flexible shade
- Lets you enjoy maximum daylight when open
- Available in a choice of fabric colours
- Creates a softer, more contemporary outdoor environment
- Motorised operation available
- Can be combined with integrated screens and other accessories
Some fabric roof systems are also designed to provide protection from light rain, making them particularly useful for extending the amount of time you can spend outdoors.
3. Pergolas with Glass Roofs
If natural light is one of your biggest priorities, a glass roof pergola offers a very different approach.
Rather than being designed primarily around adjustable shade, a glass roof provides a permanent sheltered space while allowing daylight to flood through. This can be particularly effective when a pergola is attached directly to the house. A traditional solid roof could make the room behind it feel darker, whereas a glass roof helps maintain the connection between the interior and garden.
A glass roof pergola can therefore be an excellent choice if you want protection from rain without sacrificing brightness.
Why Choose a Glass Roof Pergola?
Ideal for: Homeowners who want a permanent sheltered space while maximising natural light.
Benefits include:
- Excellent natural light
- Sleek, timeless appearance
- Permanent protection from rain
- Keeps outdoor furniture sheltered
- Particularly effective when attached to the house
- Can be combined with ZIP screens or other shading solutions
For some homeowners, the combination of a glass roof with additional blinds or screens offers the best of both worlds - plenty of natural light when required, with the ability to control heat, glare and privacy when necessary.
4. Pergolas with Fixed Roofs
Sometimes, flexibility isn't the priority. You simply want a permanent, weather-protected space.
A fixed roof pergola provides a solid overhead covering, creating a more permanent outdoor structure that can be used throughout the year. This can be particularly useful if you want to create a covered terrace, outdoor storage area, sheltered seating area or even a covered parking or bicycle storage space.
Modern aluminium fixed-roof pergolas can have a very clean, architectural appearance, making them suitable for both contemporary and more traditional properties.
Why Choose a Fixed Roof Pergola?
Ideal for: Homeowners looking for permanent protection and a robust, multifunctional outdoor space.
Benefits include:
- Permanent protection from the elements
- Robust and durable construction
- Contemporary architectural appearance
- Suitable for attached or freestanding installations
- Can provide useful year-round storage or shelter
- Can be enhanced with screens, lighting and heating
A fixed roof is also worth considering if your primary objective is creating a space that remains protected rather than one where you regularly want to switch between sun and shade.
Attached or Freestanding Pergola?
The roof isn't the only decision to make.
You'll also need to consider where your pergola will be positioned.
Attached Pergolas: An attached or lean-to pergola is connected to your property and effectively extends your existing living space into the garden. This is an excellent option for patios directly outside kitchens, dining rooms or living rooms, creating a natural transition between indoors and outdoors.
Freestanding Pergolas: A freestanding pergola can be positioned anywhere in the garden, giving you much more freedom over its location. It could create a secluded seating area at the end of the garden, a poolside retreat or a dedicated entertaining space away from the house.
The right option ultimately depends on your garden layout and how you intend to use the space.
Don't Forget the Sides!
Choosing the right roof is only part of creating a genuinely usable outdoor room.
Adding side screens, sliding glass walls or other enclosure options can dramatically increase the comfort and versatility of your pergola. For example, ZIP screens can provide additional protection from low sun, wind and unwanted views. Sliding glass walls can provide shelter while retaining the view of your garden, creating a more enclosed space when temperatures drop.
You can also add features such as:
- Integrated LED lighting
- Patio heaters
- Outdoor speakers
- Power outlets
- Side screens
- Sliding glass walls
These additions can turn a simple covered patio into an outdoor room that works well into the evening and across much more of the year.
Which Pergola Should You Choose?
There's no single pergola that's right for every home. Instead, think about what you want your pergola to achieve. Check out the table below to help you work out which pergola is right for you. But remember, the most important thing is to consider how you'll use the space rather than simply choosing the pergola that looks the nicest!
| Your priority | Pergola to consider |
|---|---|
| Maximum control over sun and shade | Louvred roof |
| Flexible shade with a softer aesthetic | Retractable fabric roof |
| Maximum natural light and permanent shelter | Glass roof |
| Permanent, robust protection | Fixed roof |
| Creating an extension to your home | Attached pergola |
| Creating a separate garden retreat | Freestanding pergola |
Create Your Perfect Outdoor Space
A pergola is an investment in your home and your lifestyle, so it's important to choose a system that works with your property, garden and how you actually want to use the space.
Here at Broadview, we can help you explore the different pergola options and find the right combination of roof, structure, screens and accessories for your outdoor space. Whether you're looking for adjustable shade, a sheltered entertaining area or a complete outdoor room, there are more options available than ever before.
Ready to make more of your garden? Contact our team on 01202 679012 to arrange your no obligation consultation or complete the enquiry form and we will be in touch.
