Are Pergolas Worth It? Pros, Cons & Costs Explained
Pergolas are no longer a rare sight in UK gardens. Over the past few years, they’ve become a standout feature in outdoor design, blending architectural presence with everyday practicality. Interest has surged, and social media feeds are filled with inspiration ranging from sleek aluminium frames to rustic wooden builds draped in climbing plants.
More than just adding shade, a pergola can define a space for dining, frame a sofa set for lazy afternoons, or provide shelter so you can enjoy the garden even when the weather turns. On the flip side, cost and upkeep can all influence whether it’s the right move for your space.
Discover the real benefits of a pergola, get a clear picture of typical UK costs and see how accessories such as lighting, blinds and heating can extend its use before taking the plunge.
What is the point of a pergola?
A pergola is an open-sided outdoor structure made of upright posts and a roof of beams or louvres. You might place one in the middle of a garden as a focal point or attach it to a wall to create a natural extension of your existing living space.
Beyond the visual appeal, a pergola casts welcome shade on bright days, creates distinct zones for dining or lounging and can be easily styled with plants, lighting and other accessories to match the mood and season.
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey
Key benefits of a pergola
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Offers cooling shade when the sun is strong: Louvres or slatted beams filter sunlight, giving you a cooler, more comfortable spot to relax on hot days.
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Helps divide the garden into purposeful areas: Makes a dining space feel separate from a lounging area without blocking the flow of your garden.
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Adds structure and architectural character: Instantly upgrades a plain patio or lawn with a structure that looks purposeful and inviting.
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Supports climbing plants: Ideal for training vines, roses or wisteria, bringing seasonal greenery and natural shade overhead.
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Provides weather protection: Keeps light rain at bay so you can stay outside longer, even when the forecast changes.
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Keeps your garden inviting throughout the seasons: With soft furnishings, lighting, greenery or heaters, a pergola can keep your garden usable from spring through to winter.
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Increases property appeal: A well-placed pergola can make a home more attractive to potential buyers by creating a stylish outdoor living area.
What are the disadvantages of a pergola?
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Upfront cost: High-quality pergolas, particularly those with adjustable louvres or integrated lighting, often come with a higher price tag.
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You’ll need to factor in upkeep: Wooden models may need regular sealing or staining to protect against rot and fading.
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Planning permission may be required: Larger or unusually positioned pergolas might require approval, adding time and admin to your project.
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Limited shelter in basic designs: Open-roof styles won’t block heavy rain or strong winds without added side panels or covers.
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Space considerations: Smaller gardens can feel cramped if the pergola’s proportions aren’t carefully matched to the plot.
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Potential wear over time: Cheaper models or poor-quality materials may warp, rust or discolour with constant exposure to the elements.
What’s the point of a pergola without a roof?
Open-roof pergolas create a light, airy frame that adds structure without fully enclosing a space. Slatted beams cast dappled patterns across the ground while keeping the open sky in view, ideal for seating areas where you still want to feel the sun.
They’re perfect for training climbing plants like wisteria or roses, turning the structure into a living feature as the seasons change. Often suiting smaller gardens and budgets, roofless designs are a great addition in decorative gardens or spaces where full weather protection isn’t essential.
How much does a pergola cost in the UK?
The cost of a pergola in the UK ranges anywhere from £500 to over £10,000, depending on materials, design and extras. A modest DIY timber kit might sit at the lower end of the scale, while a fully motorised aluminium model with integrated lighting can push the figure well into five digits.
Factors that influence pergola costs in the UK include:
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Size and design: A compact 3 × 3 m aluminium frame costs less than a large custom structure with glass panels or automated features.
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Material choice: Wooden models cost less initially but need regular care, whereas powder-coated aluminium costs more at first, but offers greater longevity.
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Your choice of roofing: Roofed pergolas from Harbour Lifestyle range between £1,249–£10,100, including drainage and drop sides, and motorised pergolas start at £8,000–£20,000, depending on customisation and tech features.
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Accessories like lighting or blinds: Built-in LED strips, drop-side blinds, or drainage systems all contribute to higher costs.
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Pergola Installation and groundwork: Professional fitting and groundwork, like levelling or laying foundations, can easily add several hundred to thousands of pounds.
Popular accessories that make pergolas more versatile
Adding accessories transforms a standard pergola into a welcoming outdoor space you’ll want to use in every season. Here are some of the most popular choices that we see time and time again:
Drop-side blinds or curtains
Drop-side blinds or curtains block strong winds, filter harsh sun and add privacy, turning your pergola into a sheltered nook without feeling closed off.
LED lighting
Abierto Motorised 3m x 4m Frame Only Pergola with Retractable Roof and LED Lighting in Grey - £5,549
Built-in LED lighting extends use well into the evening, with adjustable brightness or colour settings to set the mood for lively dinners and relaxed nights in.
Outdoor heaters
PergoSTET Wifi & Bluetooth Heater in Grey - £449
Outdoor heaters, like wall-mounted patio heaters or fire pits, take the chill off crisp autumn dinners or keep guests comfortable during winter drinks. Climbing plants weave naturally up and over the frame, creating natural dappled shade while adding fragrance, texture and seasonal bursts of colour as the year unfolds.
Outdoor seating and dining furniture
From spacious corner sofa sets designed for luxurious lounging to full-on fire pit dining sets for alfresco meals, outdoor seating and dining furniture make the area functional as well as stylish, encouraging everyday use rather than occasional gatherings.
Soft furnishings
Weather-resistant rugs, pouffes and cushions make your seating area feel as welcoming as your indoor living room by introducing warmth and texture.
For more inspiration, check out our modern pergola ideas guide
Real examples of pergolas in UK gardens
“Excellent Product, love the automatic louvres the motor sounds smooth unlike other models I have seen. It's a very strong and sturdy product.” - Harbour Lifestyle Customer
PergoSTET Plus 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £5,249.00
“Fantastic product, does everything we need. A great product that has extended our home, bringing the outside in… Great quality!!!” - Harbour Lifestyle Customer
PergoSTET Plus 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting with Wood Effect
“Absolutely love our pergola. The quality is amazing and it looks so nice. It was quite easy to put together, it took me and my husband a few hours to do it together. Can’t wait to furnish it.” - Harbour Lifestyle Customer
Is a pergola worth it for your garden?
A well-designed pergola offers shade, shelter during weekend bbqs and plenty of style in equal measure, making it one of the most versatile additions to a garden.
Beyond creating a focal point, it extends outdoor living into cooler months, increases property appeal and provides a structure for accessories such as blinds, lighting, soft furnishings and heaters. For many homeowners, the benefits outweigh any cons when the pergola is built using durable materials and matched to the correct size and style for the space.
Harbour Lifestyle creates pergolas built to last, cleverly combining modern and on-trend design with all-weather performance. Adjustable louvres, built-in lighting and smart drainage are just some of the features that turn each model into a year-round retreat, ready for everything the weather throws at it while adding lasting style and value to your home.
Browse our pergola collection today to find the perfect match for your garden, and explore accessories that will help you enjoy it in every season.
