How to build a garden pergola: materials and inspiration

Why build a pergola?

A pergola is that rare garden element that's both functional and romantic. It provides shade on scorching days, creates a sense of room and supports climbing plants that look spectacular after a few years. A bare patio suddenly becomes an outdoor living room.

Tools like GardenWorld let you visualise how a pergola would look in your garden. Try different styles and positions before investing in materials.

Materials compared

Timber

The classic choice. Oak, larch or cedar beams bring warmth and character. Cedar offers the best value: £700–2,200 for a complete 3 x 4 metre pergola, depending on timber thickness. Oak costs more but improves with age. Treat annually with oil or stain, unless you prefer the silver-grey weathered look.

Aluminium

Maintenance-free, lightweight and modern. Aluminium pergolas often come as flat-pack kits you can assemble in a weekend. Price: £1,300–4,500 depending on specification. Louvred versions let you adjust shade — clever but pricey.

Steel

Corten or powder-coated steel gives an industrial edge. Strong enough for heavy climbers like wisteria. Have steel fabricated bespoke: budget £1,800–5,500. An investment, but it lasts generations.

Size and position

A pergola over the patio is most popular. Keep at least 2.2 metres of clear headroom — lower feels oppressive. Width depends on your patio: at least 3 metres if you want a dining table underneath.

A freestanding pergola in the garden works too, as a framed vista or a secluded seating nook. Connect it to the house with a path for a cohesive design.

Climbing plants for pergolas

Top climbers for a pergola:

• Wisteria: spectacular but vigorous — needs a strong frame
• Grape vine: shade in summer, bare in winter — ideal if you want winter sun
• Honeysuckle: fragrant, fast-growing, some varieties are evergreen
• Climbing rose: romantic, flowers all summer, semi-evergreen

Visit RHS partner gardens to see mature climbers on different structures before you choose.

Do you need planning permission?

In the UK, a pergola is usually permitted development if it:

• Is in the rear garden
• Doesn't exceed 3 metres in height (or 2.5 m within 2 m of a boundary)
• Doesn't cover more than 50% of the garden area

Rules vary, so always check with your local planning authority. An open-topped pergola is more likely to be permitted than a solid-roofed structure.

DIY or professional?

A timber pergola is a solid DIY project if you're comfortable with woodwork and a spirit level. Anchor the posts with ground spikes or concrete. Use at least 120 x 120 mm posts for a sturdy frame.

Aluminium and steel are better left to professionals. Precision fabrication and levelling require experience, and steel involves welding.

Cost summary

Curious how a pergola would look in your garden? Upload your photo on GardenWorld and receive a custom design within a minute.