Gazebos, Pergolas and Shade Sails

A parasol opens and closes, but sometimes you want a spot that stays in the shade all summer. That is where a gazebo, a pergola or a shade sail comes in. On this page you compare them side by side, with the key specifications and the current price at the shop. Boender Outdoor does not sell anything: you always order from the shop, with their delivery and terms.

What is in this category?

• Gazebos: freestanding garden gazebos with a hard top, an aluminium frame and often curtains or a mosquito net all round.
• Pergolas: aluminium pergolas and patio covers with a louvred roof or a sliding canopy that you open and close.
• Shade sails: triangular, square or rectangular sails, retractable shade sails that slide along wires, and the fixings to put them up.

Gazebo, pergola or shade sail?

A gazebo is the most complete option: the roof is closed, so you stay dry in a shower, and the curtains close off the sides against wind and prying eyes. It stands on its own in the garden and needs a fixed spot. A pergola is more open. With a louvred roof you tilt the louvres to let light in or close the roof; with a sliding canopy you slide the fabric open or shut. A shade sail is the lightest solution: you tension it between a wall, posts or trees. It gives a lot of shade for little money and you take it down for the winter.

Which size do you need?

First measure the spot where the gazebo, pergola or sail will go, and allow for the space around it. For gazebos and pergolas the size is given as length x width, for example 3.65 x 3 m or 4 x 3 m. For a table with six chairs you usually need at least 3 x 4 m. A shade sail hangs at an angle and the fixing points are further apart than the sail itself, because you tension it with turnbuckles or chains. The Dimensions filter lets you choose an area, from under 10 m² to over 20 m².

Material and roof

Almost all gazebos and pergolas on this page have an aluminium frame, which does not rust and needs little maintenance. The roof differs: a hard top of (galvanised) steel, tilting aluminium louvres or a canopy you slide open. Shade sails are mostly made of HDPE or polyester. An HDPE sail, such as the Coolfit sails from Platinum and Nesling, lets air through. A coated polyester sail, such as Dreamsail or Prosail, is described as waterproof in the title and also keeps out a shower. The Roof, Shape, Material and Colour filters quickly show you what is available.

Installing and fixing

Place a gazebo or pergola on a flat, firm surface and anchor the posts well, especially in an open spot where it can get windy. Check the manual to see whether you need a foundation or ground anchors, and whether your local council has rules for a patio cover in your spot. Hang a shade sail from solid points: a wall with the right plugs, a concrete post or a post with a ground anchor. Hang the sail at a slight angle so rainwater runs off. Separate fixing kits, turnbuckles and posts are listed with the shade sails.

Brands

The gazebos and pergolas mainly come from Purple Leaf (hardtop gazebos and pergolas with louvred roof or sliding canopy) and Suns (aluminium pergolas with louvred roof). Shade sails and fixings come from Platinum and Nesling. Prefer a freestanding parasol? Then have a look at the parasols.

Comparing prices

The prices on this page come from the shop and are updated daily. When you compare, check what is included: curtains, LED lighting or a fixing kit are not part of the price for every model. With an alert you can see when a product gets cheaper or is back in stock.