In the garden, the pergola provides a shaded area protected from the weather. Freestanding pergolas are built on your land without being mounted to the house facade. To mark out a patio, a dining area or even for a vegetable patch, garden pergolas exist in a variety of models. Discover the different possibilities to choose the version that suits you best.
What are the different pergola materials?
Traditionally, the pergola was made from wood and many pergola models are still made from this material today. It is one of the cheapest materials, but wood requires regular maintenance to protect it from moisture and insects.
For more resistance over time, you could opt for an aluminium or stainless steel model. These materials are being used more and more, mainly because of their durability. These models offer great versatility in terms of design and therefore aesthetics. They are also associated with a wide choice of optional elements.
You can also find PVC pergolas. This material is the easiest to maintain, but it is less hard-wearing than metal.
Finally, wrought iron pergolas are more classic in style. They need to be treated regularly to prevent rust and ensure they lose none of their original beauty.
However, these materials are just for the structure, the posts which support the pergola roof. The roof can be made from different materials depending on your needs.
What types of roofs are there for pergolas?
Depending on what you intend to use your pergola for, you can choose from a range of different types of cover.
Firstly, there is the canvas cover, which can usually be rolled up or retracted. It enables you to control the amount of sunlight under the pergola and you can remove it in winter to prevent any damage from bad weather. The canvas must obviously be waterproof. Note that it is not necessarily recommended for very windy regions.
Next, rotatable slats, for example for a bioclimatic pergola. These enable the roof to be completely closed to protect the covered surface from the rain, or opened to make maximum use of the light. This modularity, however, requires a specific mechanism.
Finally, you can opt for a polycarbonate roof. This fixed cover provides complete shelter and effective protection from the rain. This enables you to use the covered surface whatever the weather. This glazed roof can be completely transparent to allow the sun to pass, or be covered with a waterproof canvas to mark out a shaded space.
What are the ideal dimensions?
The garden pergola can be made in different dimensions depending on your needs. However, to ensure you get the most out of it, certain measurements should be borne in mind.
With regard to height, aim for at least 2m20, to be able to move around freely without feeling confined. Avoid anything over 3 metres though, to be fully protected from the rain.
In terms of length, to be able to really make the most of the space, 1m20 should be the minimum. You need to be able to move comfortably around any furniture you install under your pergola.
For the same reasons, it is recommended that the pergola is at least 3 m wide. However, if your garden is small, make sure your pergola does not exceed one third of its size.
For added comfort, you can also choose to close off one or two sides of your pergola. This helps to create a real living area in your garden. It is also a way of creating a winter garden, for example, or protecting your tender plants. There are also light systems which can be attached to the pergola posts, so you can enjoy being outdoors after nightfall too.
Don't hesitate to contact us for personalised advice and guidance with your project.
