Compare pergolas: with louvred roof or sliding canopy

A pergola turns your patio into a shaded spot where you decide how much sun comes in. Here you compare aluminium pergolas and patio covers, with the current price at the shop. Prefer a closed roof with curtains? Then have a look at the gazebos.

Louvred roof or sliding canopy?

• Louvred roof: aluminium louvres that you tilt. Open, they let light and air through; closed, they keep out sun and rain. Some models have LED lighting.
• Sliding canopy: fabric that you slide open and shut over the frame. Lighter and more affordable, and the fabric gives soft shade. The Purple Leaf pergolas with a protective roof also have a protective roof above the canopy.

Size and position

Pergolas range from 3 x 3 m to over 7 m long. Measure the patio and check whether the pergola will stand freely or against the wall. Place the posts on a firm surface and anchor them as described in the manual. The Roof, Dimensions and Colour filters help you choose, and your local council can tell you whether you need permission.

Colour and finish

The frame is grey, anthracite, white or brown, and the fabric of a pergola with a sliding canopy is grey or beige. A white frame looks light and suits a white wall, while a dark frame blends in better with the greenery. When you compare, also look at LED lighting, which is mentioned in the title of some of the louvred roof pergolas. The Colour filter shows which finishes are available.

Brands

You can compare pergolas from Purple Leaf (with sliding canopy, protective roof or louvred roof), the Rota and Maranza from Suns with louvred roof, and the Ryan from Garden Impressions. Shade sails to hang under or next to a pergola are with the shade sails.