Are pergolas waterproof?

Open-rafter timber pergolas are for shade. Aluminium louvered pergolas are 100% waterproof when closed, featuring internal gutter systems that channel water through the legs.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola?

In most cases, no. Pergolas are typically permitted development if under 2.5m tall near a boundary or under 3m tall otherwise. Always check local council rules for listed buildings or conservation areas.

Can a pergola be attached to a house?

Most are freestanding, but can be placed flush to a wall. For structures physically bolted to the house, our Patio Covers range is recommended.

What sizes do your garden pergolas come in?

Our pergolas range from compact 3m frames up to 10ft and 12ft spans. A small one frames a patio seat, while the larger sizes shade a dining set or hot tub. Most are cedar or pressure-treated timber.

How much does a garden pergola cost?

Prices start at around £1094 for a Power wooden pergola. Larger spans and cedar models cost more. They all arrive ready to bolt onto a patio or deck.

Garden Structures
Garden Pergolas

Garden Pergolas

A Garden Pergola is the ultimate architectural centre piece for modern outdoor living, offering a sophisticated balance of sun and shade. Our collection spans from traditional pressure-treated timber structures to contemporary bioclimatic aluminium pergolas featuring manual or motorized louvered roofs. Unlike a static roof, an adjustable pergola allows you to regulate airflow and light levels with precision, creating a weather-responsive environment for dining, lounging, or sheltering a hot tub.

Bioclimatic Control Adjustable Louvered Roof Systems

Heavy-Duty Frames Wind Rated Aluminium & Timber

10-Year Warranty Long-Term Structural Guarantee

Free UK Delivery UK Mainland Shipping Included

Verified Customer

Excellent communication, well packed when delivered.my husband did find some of the instructions unclear when fitting the doors but overall quite good.
All looking very good,I am pleased with this product and would recommend this company.

Verified Customer

Very satisfied needed to call for technical support and received prompt and helpful response

Verified Customer

Very happy with greenhouse/shed combo. The guys put it up quickly.

Verified Customer

Very helpful. Great delivery. Looks good:
we will see after I’ve built it.

Verified Customer

The greenhouse parts plus glass arrived safely packed.
We erected the greenhouse ourselves and after a couple of initial errors we got into the swing of it and are really pleased with the results.
The diagrams in the instruction manual could be clearer but we got there, though it did seem to take many hours.

Verified Customer

Unfortunatly has not been put together yet,

Verified Customer

great comminication throughout and a great product

Verified Customer

We haven’t even opened it yet - waiting for greenhouse to be erected 😂

Verified Customer

Extremely helpful, could answer all my questions and give advice. Delivery was first class, one of the best delivery companies I've dealt with if not the best.
Product is fitted and looks great.

Verified Customer

It was easy to choose the greenhouse itself and then the extras. Hassle free and it was delivered when expected. I would however advise that you may want to hire someone to put it together for you, unless you are good at following this sort of instructions. The greenhouse looks fantastic and I am very happy to have bought it. I would recommend the Greenhouse Stores.

Verified Customer

Great service, arrived when expected greenhouse excellent quality easy to assemble no items missing

Verified Customer

Very good great greenhouse put up in a day

Verified Customer

Delivered on time and the fitters they recommended were excellent.

Verified Customer

I have done this twice??????

Verified Customer

ordered a 4x6 greenhouse which was delivered on time. My son put it up in a day and it looks lovely. Can't wait for the next spring growing season.

Verified Customer

Great in communication. Attentive. Concrete base layer needed and link to him enabled him to do it. Lean to greenhouse efficiently assembled. Highly recommended

Verified Customer

Brilliant service from start to finish and a slight issue with my order was resolved extremely quickly great service

Verified Customer

Great product and straight forward to assemble, would suggest a few addition 3D views in the assembly manual but thats only so you can confirm which orientation you are working on. Also make sure the base is securely fixed prior to the build and ensure you are within 1mm on corner to corner measuring so you know you are square before you start building up. Some of confusion on some of the instructions as the description can be read several ways. All in all a very simple build. Only concern is how it acts in strong winds, I have positioned mine adjacent to a fence on one side and a structure at the rear to try and reduce the potential for wind causing damage

Verified Customer

Absolutely love my greenhouse. Fast delivery, very helpful friendly delivery driver. Good communication. Fast to get back to me when emailed with problem putting together. Thank you

Verified Customer

All arrived as planned. Elite not so good wih missing parts that had to be chased up. Delivery time was perfect, as arranged.

Verified Customer

Great product , just what I was looking for . Delivery was faster than expected too

Verified Customer

Great products, great prices. Delivered when suitable to me.

Verified Customer

Great service lovely greenhouse !

Verified Customer

I'm 100% happy with product and the company that sold it the delivery driver was a very helpful nice man and nothing was too much trouble I would recommend definitely thanks

Choosing the perfect garden pergola

A pergola is more than just a decorative frame; it is a structural investment in your outdoor lifestyle. Whether you prefer the natural, traditional charm of a timber kit or the sleek, bioclimatic versatility of an aluminium louvered system, our collection is curated for durability in the British climate. If you are looking for a structure to attach directly to your property, explore our Patio Covers, or for a fully enclosed waterproof solution, browse our Garden Gazebos.

Timber vs. aluminium pergolas: technical comparison

Deciding on the right material depends on your maintenance preferences and desired functionality. Below is a breakdown of how our ranges compare:

Feature	Timber Pergolas	Aluminium Louvered
Maintenance	Requires annual treatment/staining	Zero maintenance (Powder-coated)
Weather Protection	Shade only (Open rafters)	100% Waterproof when closed
Longevity	10-15 years (Pressure treated)	25+ years (Rust-proof)
Price Point	Entry-level / Budget-friendly	Premium / Investment

Why We Chose This Range

“We’ve curated this pergola range to solve the biggest issue with outdoor structures: the British wind. Many budget pergolas use thin-walled aluminium that rattles or buckles in a gale. We chose the Palram Canopia and bioclimatic ranges because they utilize thick-gauge, powder-coated aluminium and reinforced rafters. These aren't just decorative; they are engineered structures designed to withstand 75mph winds when the louvers are open, making them a permanent upgrade rather than a seasonal accessory.”

, Matt, Founder of Greenhouse Stores

Matt's installation tip: hidden drainage & footings

Modern aluminium pergolas feature clever internal guttering systems where water drains through the legs. To ensure this works, your base must be 100% level; even a 5mm tilt can cause water to pool in the rafters rather than flowing to the downpipes.

Importantly, do not sit a pergola on top of paving slabs. The 'sail effect' in high winds is significant. We recommend concrete pad foundations (400mm x 400mm x 400mm) under each leg, even if you are tiling or decking over the top later. This ensures your pergola stays grounded during winter storms.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pergolas waterproof?

Traditional timber pergolas with open rafters are designed for shade, not rain protection. However, our Aluminium Louvered Pergolas are 100% waterproof when the slats are fully closed. They feature integrated guttering that channels water down through the legs, keeping the area beneath dry during rain showers.
Do I need planning permission for a pergola?

In most cases, pergolas fall under 'Permitted Development' and do not require planning permission, provided they are under 2.5m tall if placed within 2m of a boundary, or under 3m tall elsewhere. Always check with your local council if you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building.
Can a pergola be attached to a house?

While most of our pergolas are freestanding, many can be positioned flush against a wall. If you require a structure that is physically bolted to your house wall for a 'lean-to' effect, we recommend viewing our dedicated Patio Covers range.
What sizes do your garden pergolas come in?
Our pergolas range from compact 3m frames up to 10ft and 12ft spans. A small one frames a patio seat, while the larger sizes shade a dining set or hot tub. Most are cedar or pressure-treated timber.
How much does a garden pergola cost?
Prices start at £1,094 for a Power wooden pergola. Larger spans and cedar models cost more. They all arrive ready to bolt onto a patio or deck.

£50 off eligible orders

Garden Pergolas

Lichfield 3m x 3m Garden Pergola

Power 10x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 10x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 10x14 Wooden Pergola

Power 12x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 12x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 12x14 Wooden Pergola

Power 14x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 14x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 14x14 Wooden Pergola

Power 16x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 16x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 16x14 Wooden Pergola

Power 18x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 18x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 18x14 Wooden Pergola

Power 20x10 Wooden Pergola

Power 20x12 Wooden Pergola

Power 20x14 Wooden Pergola

Lichfield Shield Wooden Garden Shelter

Lichfield Shield Fire Wooden Garden Shelter

Lichfield Shield Leisure Wooden Garden Shelter

Palmako Betty 3x3m Wooden Pavillion

Palmako Betty 3x4m Octagonal Wooden Pavillion

Palmako Betty 4x5m Octagonal Wooden Pavillion

Norfolk Collection Ottawa 3.6m x 4m Cedar Wood Gazebo with Double Roof

Choosing the perfect garden pergola

Timber vs. aluminium pergolas: technical comparison

Matt's installation tip: hidden drainage & footings

Frequently Asked Questions