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What is a pergola?
Pergolas are constructions made of wood or stone without a closed roof, providing dappled shade to a terrace or patio. Climbing plants – often, but not always, vines – are grown up the pergola, creating an attractive, shady, productive or fragrant space.
Pergola, gazebo or carport: what is the difference?
At first glance, a pergola may look like a gazebo or carport covered with plants. However, there are clear differences:
Pergola
Traditionally pergolas were connected, at least on one side, to a building such as a house or garage. They were usually square or rectangular, and consisted of columns supporting a roof of beams, on which climbing plants grew. They were left bare at the sides to allow a breeze to pass through the structure. However, nowadays they can be freestanding and include beams laid across one or more sides so plants can be grown to create shelter from wind if necessary. The basic structure remains, however, which is a square or rectangular frame made using posts and beams that support plants.
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Gazebo
A gazebo is either a freestanding, light structure that's open on all sides, or an addition to a house that stands out from the rest of the building with a dome-shaped, closed roof. Usually circular or octagonal in shape, a gazebo can either stand on a concrete foundation at ground level, or it can be placed on a pedestal-like structure, in which case it can be accessed by steps (similar to a band stand). Like the pergola, a gazebo can also be decorated with climbing plants, although the sides are often left free so that the gazebo can be entered through them. Classic gazebo plants are roses.
Carport
A carport is a protective parking space for cars, similar to a pergola but usually with a rain-proof roof. Its columns provide vertical climbing support for plants, while wires can be stretched between the posts to provide 'walls' of foliage and flowers.
Does a pergola require planning permission?
Most pergolas don't need planning permission, as long as they're built within the following rules:
- They must be no taller than 2.5m if they are within 2m of a boundary. If more than 3m from the boundary they can be 3m in height
- A pitched-roof can be up to 4m high
- Your pergola mustn't cover more than half of your garden
- You will need planning permission to build a pergola at the front of your house
- You will need planning permission if your house is listed
- You may need planning permission if you live in a conservation area
If in doubt, it's a good idea to check with your local authority before planning your new pergola.
How can I design a pergola?
Pergolas can be made of wood, stone, concrete, metal or several materials combined. You can also use wire to fashion a low budget pergola above a balcony or patio.
To make the most attractive display, always use climbing plants that have flowers, colourful autumn leaves or scented foliage.
Under a garden pergola you can easily create a barbecue corner or a spot for a large dining table. For romantic summer nights or garden parties, why not decorate your pergola with lights?
Best plants for a pergola
Traditionally grapevines were grown up pergolas, and the developing grapes would hang from the roof beams, making them easy to prune and harvest. However, there are plenty of plants that can be used to climb up pergolas, both with additional support or left to scramble up a simple support frame.
- Honeysuckle is an attractive climber with fragrant summer flowers. It will need tying into a support frame
- Passion flowers can give pergolas an exotic look. They are self-clinging but will need a trellis or wire frame to climb up
- Clematis are popular climbers to grow up a pergola. There is a huge variety of clematis to choose from, although Group 3 clematis need annual pruning back to ground level, so choose clematis from Groups 1 or Group 2 instead. Most will need tying into a frame
- Climbing and rambling roses can smother a pergola with fragrant, summer flowers, and repeat-flowering types provide fragrance and beauty for several weeks. Tie them to a support frame and prune them annually for the best results
- Wisteria is a popular climber for a pergola. It needs training into support and pruning twice a year
For more pergola ideas visit our page best plants for a pergola.
Can you have a pergola without plants?
A pergola without plants is an option if you'd rather keep it low maintenance. To create shade, you can simply attach a sun awning to the underside of the roof frame.
How to erect a pergola
No matter what type of pergola you choose, you must make sure it withstands wind and other weather conditions. Most need a concrete foundation, which you sink the posts into to make the whole structure sturdy.
Which wood is suitable?
For a classic wooden pergola, the best woods to use are spruce, Douglas fir or larch. You can also buy ready-to-make pergola kits from DIY stores, where the type of wood isn't always specified. Some suppliers offer softwood as either 'rough sawn' or 'planed and chamfered', depending on the look you have in mind.
For a pergola between 2.2 and 2.5m high you will need posts and beams to support the weight of the plants and any snow that falls in winter – a diameter of 12cm per beam is ideal. The distances between the beams varies depending on the pergola's overall size and height. In general, the cross beams for the roof should be 1.5-3m apart. The longitudinal beams are mounted onto these. On to them, you can then attach lattice trellises with meshes between 30cm and 50cm to provide further support and help the plants to stay on the line you want.
Can I build a pergola myself?
In principle, it is possible to build your own pergola. Look online for good instructions that match your DIY skill level or buy a ready-made pergola kit, where all the measurements are done for you and you will be provided with step-by-step assembly instructions.
Pergola ideas for the home garden
Walled pergola
Use wooden beams to create a simple structure under which you can add a seating area for al fresco dining. This particular design has walls on three sides to provide additional shelter from wind, and has potted plants inside and a hanging basket hanging from a beam. For a greener look, try growing honeysuckle up one of the posts, which will create a fragrant side wall and roof around your dining area.
Outdoor room pergola
Bring the inside out with a pergola that feels like another room in your house, by adding plants, ornaments and patterned cushions and rugs. This stylish design features bamboo pergola beams as well as bamboo furniture, red metal support walls and large-leaved plants for a tropical look. But you could add whatever feels right for your home and garden.
Sturdy, modern pergola
A simple framework using metal beams can add a modern twist to the traditional pergola design. Here, grapevines and summer jasmine grow up the supporting posts and hang down from the metal support beams above.
Statement pergola
This statement yellow pergola draws other yellows out of the garden, making a garden-wide design spectacle. Choose a colour you like, use it to paint some or all of your pergola, and then grow flowering plants around it to settle it into the garden. Choosing furniture in the same colour will further enhance your look.
Relaxing pergola
A comfortable seating area or 'day bed' makes the most of this space, which also features a small fish pond for maximum relaxation. This bespoke design uses the same wood for the beams and posts as the furniture, but you could add your own design touch by mixing styles and colours to suit you.
Wildlife-friendly pergola
What's better for a wildlife lover than relaxing in your pergola as birds and bees feed around you? Cover your walls in flowering plants and make sure there's plenty of space for nesting birds, and then hang bird feeders, bee hotels and other wildlife habitats from the beams. The wildlife will flock to the space, where you'll get a great view of all the action.
Ornate pergola
Looking for something more ornate? Try using pillars to support your pergola frame, rather than posts. Any combination of materials and styles can work in this situation, just make sure the posts are securely fitted and can safely support the weight of the beams, with and without plants.
Water feature pergola
A pergola needn't have a seating area if you don't want it to. This design features a rill running through it, drawing the eye to a central body of water, while wisteria and clematis grow up the outer posts and over the roof. For a smaller version you could add a small container pond, and there's no reason why you couldn't also add a dining or seating area.
Rose arch pergola
For rose lovers, a pergola offers the opportunity to expand your growing space. Forego the traditional design and use a series of arches, with a seating area in the middle. Imagine the fragrance surrounding you as you dine on summer evenings – a spectacular focal point for the garden.
Rustic pergola
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While we don't always have an amazing view like this one, there's a lot to be said for a plain, traditional design. Use plain wooden beams and furniture to make the most of whatever setting you have. Train grapevines as single stems to keep the posts clear, and let your pergola blend seamlessly into your garden environment.
