Pergola Buying Guide: Materials, Sizes and Styles Explained

Maximise Your Outdoor Living Space with a Pergola

Do you want to maximise your outdoor living space? Pergolas could be the answer.

As sheltered garden structures, they provide the perfect shaded setting for alfresco coffee, evening parties, or those rainy summer days when you still want to enjoy the outdoors while being protected from the elements.

When chosen carefully, pergolas are a beautiful and valuable addition to your home. In this pergola buying guide, we’ll take you through the types on the market, the materials available and how to choose the right size.

Why Are Pergolas So Popular?

The popularity of pergolas has soared over the years. They offer the perfect balance of a shaded and sheltered space that doesn’t interfere with the freshness of being outdoors.

Additionally, pergolas are a stunning way to introduce structure to a garden, providing a dedicated area for dining, seating or relaxation. They are versatile and can be enhanced with privacy screens, lighting and furniture.

What Are the Different Types of Pergola?

The two main types of pergola are freestanding and attached. Here’s a look at their differences:

• Freestanding pergola: This self-supporting structure doesn’t require attachment to a building. Freestanding pergolas feature a sheltered roof, which may be solid or fitted with adjustable slats, like our oak and white option. They’re great for creating tranquil garden areas away from the home.
• Attached pergola: Connected to your house, this type extends your living space outdoors and is perfect for creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

With a range of sizes, materials and custom options available, it’s easy to find a pergola that suits your household and garden style.

What Is the Best Material for a Pergola?

Pergolas come in various materials to suit different garden styles. A rustic garden might benefit from a wood-effect finish like our oak pattern pergola, while modern spaces look great with sleek, dark galvanised steel designs.

Discuss your ideas with a pergola expert or visit the Hills Home & Garden showroom to explore your options in person.

How Big Should My Pergola Be?

When choosing the size of your pergola, consider the following:

• Available space: Smaller gardens benefit from compact pergolas that don’t dominate the area.
• Intended use: For quiet coffee mornings, a small pergola will suffice. For entertaining or BBQs, a larger structure ensures enough shade for guests.
• Height: Make sure you stay within UK planning restrictions. Pergolas within 2 metres of a boundary can be up to 2.5m tall; those further away can reach up to 3m.

Always confirm dimensions and restrictions with your pergola provider before installation.

Pergola Accessories

Enhance your pergola with accessories that boost comfort and usability. Add privacy screens for seclusion or fit louvre panels for better ventilation and shade control. Complete the space with stylish garden furniture and lighting to create the ultimate outdoor retreat.

Relax into your garden with a pergola from Hills Home & Garden. Shop online or visit our Kent showroom to discover your perfect pergola setup.