Pergolas are sophisticated free-standing structures that have many benefits.  The main benefit of installing a pergola is that it will extend your living area, providing you with an additional al fresco space in which to entertain friends and family.  Pergolas offer shelter from the elements and are a helpful structure on which you can trail climbing plants.  In our handy guide, we explore what a traditional pergola is used for and offer a few helpful alternative structure you may wish to consider.

What is a pergola and what is it used for?

So, what is a pergola and what is it used for?  A pergola is a permanent structure typically built from upright wooden posts and horizontal beams.  Typically, a pergola is used as an extension of your living space and built above a patio or garden area.  

Pergolas are attractive structures that offer some shade during the summer months and are ideal for trailing climbing plants such as pretty clematis and wisteria.

Verandas are a great alternative to traditional pergolas.  Verandas offer even more benefits to a pergola.  As well as providing shelter and a focal point to your outside space, verandas offer additional protection from harmful UV rays.  With their strong canopy covers, installing a veranda also means that you have more shelter above your patio or garden area throughout the year, meaning you can enjoy your outside space for even longer.  

Read our guide on what is a veranda to learn more about the benefits of purchasing a luxury veranda.

What is the point of a pergola with no roof?

Pergolas are almost always built with an open roof.  The wooden horizontal beams that create the roof of a pergola are spaced apart, leaving room between each.  This enables the sunlight to cascade down, warming up the living area underneath.  The open roof design of a pergola also makes them ideal for trailing climbing plants, with many gardeners choosing to cover their pergola in grape vines.

Whilst it is common for pergolas to have no roof, there are drawbacks to this design.  Harmful UV rays and rain can easily filter through a pergola’s wooden beams.  An easy way to prolong outdoor living throughout the year is to opt for a luxury veranda instead.  Almost all veranda styles feature closed rooves, making them ideal for helping to protect you and your family from harsh sun rays.  Rainwater will easily slide off the closed roof of a veranda too, meaning you can still enjoy outdoor life come rain or shine.

Why use a pergola vs a gazebo?

A pergola offers partial shade and shelter over a patio or garden space.  A gazebo on the other hand provides full coverage from the elements.  Many choose to install a pergola because it allows some sunlight to filter through its slatted roof onto the outside living area below.  Whilst a gazebo is a great alternative to pergolas, the ultimate outdoor structure has to be a veranda.  

Verandas are available in a wide choice of sizes, styles and colours to suit all budgets, tastes and garden schemes.  Offering full coverage from all weather conditions throughout the year, they are long-lasting and a great investment for any homeowner.

Is a pergola worth the money?

Like all outside garden structures that offer protection from the elements and offer additional living space, pergolas are worth their investment.  However, it’s worth looking all all of the options available to you before you commit.  

Pergolas, verandas and gazebos all offer different benefits, depending on how you would like to use them.  Whatever you choose, you can be sure that your garden structure will help you to enjoy your garden with friends and family day after day.