Pergola Questions, Answered

A timber kit is €428 to €733, a steel louvred kit €1,075 to €2,155, an aluminium louvred kit €1,886 to €2,998 and a motorised roof €3,395 to €7,420. Made-to-measure aluminium, supplied and fitted, starts from €2,500. See pergola prices.

One with a roof that shuts. A louvred aluminium pergola turns open for sun and closed for a shower, and aluminium doesn't rot or rust. An open timber pergola gives shade and a frame for climbers, not shelter. See wind and rain.

Usually not. Behind the house, no more than 30 m² for all garden structures together, 25 m² of garden left, and no higher than 3 m.

A kit suits a standard size on a level, solid base. Made to measure suits an awkward space, a wall fixing or a big span. See pergola kits.

Yes, on wall brackets or on its own posts just clear of the wall. Insulated render and timber-frame walls need the right fixings.

A kit on a ready base goes up in a day. Made to measure takes a few weeks to make and one to two days to fit.

One pergola company that covers your county. One company only, not a list.

A garden structure of posts and beams with an open or louvred roof, freestanding or against the house.

A pergola with louvres that turn to control sun, air and rain. Another name for a louvred pergola.

All garden structures together can total 30 m², with 25 m² of garden left, and 3 m high.

Yes. Leave room to lift the cover, and have any electrics done by a registered electrician.

A well-built one makes the garden more usable, which buyers notice. We don't put a number on it.

Wash it twice a year, clear leaves from the gutters in the frame, and check the louvres turn freely.

Stain or oil it every two to three years and check the post shoes are clear of soil.

Yes, on its own circuit put in by a registered electrician.