So what are the best designs to choose from?
If you’re looking to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space, adding a pergola can be a great choice. Pergolas offer shade and a stylish touch to gardens, patios, and backyards. But with so many designs to choose from, what are the best pergola designs? In this blog, we’ll go over some popular pergola designs and what makes them a great addition to any outdoor area.
1. Classic Wooden Pergolas
One of the most traditional and loved pergola designs is the classic wooden pergola. These are usually made from natural materials like cedar or pine, giving your garden a warm, natural look. Wood pergolas can be stained or painted in different colours to match your outdoor space.
A classic wooden pergola is perfect for anyone who loves a rustic or timeless design. It’s a great option for placing over a seating area or even in the middle of a garden to create a focal point. Wooden pergolas, like the ones available at Exterio, offer that charming, traditional feel, but you’ll need to maintain them by sealing or staining the wood regularly to protect it from weathering.
2. Modern Aluminium Pergolas
For those who want a sleek and low-maintenance option, aluminium pergolas are a great design choice. Aluminium pergolas are durable and resistant to rust, which makes them perfect for gardens that get a lot of rain. They have a modern look and can easily blend into more contemporary garden styles.
Aluminium pergolas also tend to require less upkeep compared to wooden ones, which means they can last longer without needing as much care. You can even get options like Exterio’s aluminium pergolas, which come in different sizes and designs to fit your garden space.
3. Pergolas with Retractable Canopies
If you want a pergola that offers flexibility with shade, consider one with a retractable canopy. These pergolas allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight you get by pulling the canopy open or closed. This design is perfect for people who want more control over their outdoor space. On sunny days, you can enjoy more shade, and on cooler days, you can let in more sun.
Retractable canopy pergolas are great for patios and seating areas, especially if you use the space for dining or relaxing. This design combines the best of both worlds—shade when you need it and open sky when you don’t.
4. Louvered Pergolas
Another popular design is the louvered pergola. These pergolas have adjustable slats (called louvres) that can tilt to control how much light and air come through. With a louvered pergola, you can easily switch between full shade, partial shade, or full sun by adjusting the louvres.
This type of pergola is perfect for those who want a modern and practical design. The Rota Louvered Pergola, offered by Exterio, is an example of a pergola that gives you more control over your outdoor environment. It's great for entertaining, as you can change the settings depending on the weather or time of day.
5. Freestanding Pergolas
Freestanding pergolas can be placed anywhere in your garden or patio, giving you flexibility with your outdoor design. These are not attached to a building, so you can use them as a feature in the middle of your garden, over a walkway, or by a pool.
Freestanding pergolas are often larger, which makes them ideal for creating a shaded spot for social gatherings or outdoor dining. You can customise these pergolas by adding curtains, plants, or lighting to create a cosy and inviting space.
6. Pergolas with Climbing Plants
If you love nature and want your pergola to blend into your garden, a pergola designed to support climbing plants is the way to go. Over time, plants like ivy, wisteria, or roses can grow up and around the pergola, creating a beautiful, shaded area covered in greenery.
Pergolas with climbing plants bring a natural feel to any garden. They not only provide shade but also enhance the look of the space by adding a natural canopy of leaves and flowers.
Conclusion
So, what are the best pergola designs? It really depends on your garden and how you want to use your outdoor space. Wooden pergolas bring a traditional, rustic feel, while aluminium pergolas offer a sleek, modern look. If you want flexibility, designs like retractable canopies or louvered pergolas give you control over light and shade. Freestanding pergolas and designs that support climbing plants allow you to get creative with where and how you use your pergola.
If you’re looking for high-quality pergolas in various designs, visit Exterio to explore options that fit your style and needs. For feedback from other homeowners, check out our Google My Business and Trustpilot pages.
To learn more about making the most of your outdoor space, read our other blogs. What’s the Difference Between a Pergola and a Gazebo? offers tips for garden layouts, while What is the best Pergola to buy? shows how to add stylish, functional features to your garden.