Expert advice

How to Choose an Aluminium Pergola

How to choose an aluminium pergola: compare size, roofing and shading, and learn why recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of primary-production energy.

Aluminium pergola

In short: An aluminium pergola is a terrace or shelter with a metal load-bearing frame, where the cover that protects against sun and rain can be fabric, glass, polycarbonate or aluminium. When choosing one, weigh up the size of the area you want to protect, the type of cover and the method of shading. Aluminium is light, resists corrosion, needs minimal maintenance and offers enormous design freedom.

An aluminium pergola is a terrace or shelter with a metal load-bearing frame. The cover that protects against sun or rain can be fabric, glass, polycarbonate or aluminium. Its main advantages include:

  • A bright, lightweight structure
  • Resistance to corrosion
  • Easy maintenance

Aluminium pergolas are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for elegant, modern and durable solutions for their gardens and terraces. When choosing the right aluminium pergola, though, it’s important to weigh up a few factors.

Materials for an aluminium pergola

One of the most important things when choosing an aluminium pergola is the material. Aluminium has excellent resistance to the weather and stands up well to corrosion. That resistance is boosted further by an anodic oxidation surface finish, which forms a hard, protective oxide layer on the surface. Combining aluminium with other materials, such as wood or glass, can create an aesthetically pleasing result.

An aluminium pergola for shade

Aluminium pergolas can provide effective shade from the sun while also protecting your garden from the rain. It’s worth considering how often you’ll use your pergola and choosing the right type of shading to match.

How long does an aluminium pergola last?

Aluminium pergolas are known for their long life and minimal maintenance. Depending on quality and care, an aluminium pergola in your garden or on your terrace can last for several decades.

When choosing an aluminium pergola, it’s important to consider all the options and find the solution that best suits your garden and your needs.

An aluminium pergola is a great addition to any garden, offering durability, low maintenance and a modern look. When choosing one, it pays to consider several aspects — size, shape, roof and material — to make sure your new shelter fully meets your needs and your sense of style.

In this blog post we’ll look at the main factors to weigh up when choosing an aluminium pergola and share some useful tips to help you make the right decision.

Applications

These structures are free-standing or partially supported by a building — next to a house or another building, or adjoining a terrace. You’ll also find them in private flats, as well as in restaurants, hotels and other public terraces.

Technology

Aluminium is widely used for exterior structural components. It’s light yet robust, resistant to corrosion and needs minimal maintenance. It’s also very easy to work with and can be recycled — what’s more, recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium.

What to look for when choosing an aluminium pergola

The choice depends on the size of the area you want to protect. Micro-perforated fabric is a good option when all you need is shade. A solid, transparent cover (such as polycarbonate) offers shelter from the rain while still letting the sun light up your terrace. The cover can be removable or foldable.

How to choose an aluminium pergola

Aluminium pergolas with a curtain are so pleasant that you’ll want to keep them in your garden all year round.

That said, exposure to extreme weather can damage the outer layer. That’s why we recommend that the gazebo be taken down in windy conditions and before winter.

You can also place your garden furniture under this kind of pergola.

The curtains can easily be joined together with a zip. This style is very popular because it’s simple and practical.

Aluminium pergolas sometimes include ground spikes that make the pergola very easy to anchor in the ground and simple to dismantle.

The aluminium structure gives you maximum design flexibility, and its architecturally pleasing profile really stands out. There are plenty of options with an aluminium pergola — curves, steel beams, arches — it all comes down to your imagination.

All our aluminium pergolas are made to your requirements. We’re happy for you to bring us your own design, so we can work alongside you, or we can come up with a design that meets your needs. You can see the prices of our ready-designed aluminium pergolas on our website.

Features and specifications

  • Free-standing or structurally attached models available
  • Custom production to your requirements
  • Easy installation with the instructions provided
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Precisely manufactured to the given specifications
  • Made with decorative welded ends
  • Also includes stainless steel pergolas

Every aluminium pergola is made by hand, from premium structural components, to guarantee lasting quality.

Our commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship shows in every single piece.

A solution for every design and budget

We have so many different materials to choose from that there’s something to suit whatever ideas you have. Gazebo will help you put together a structure that matches your design and your budget. We offer products across a wide range of prices and styles to meet your needs. Take a look at the products section on our website, or get in touch and we’ll give you more information about the materials.

You can see all our products on the products page. Feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you the same day.

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of wood as a pergola material?

Wood is a traditional material for building pergolas. Its natural beauty and charm give a garden a unique atmosphere. Wood is also easy to adapt and personalise to your requirements. On top of that, wood is generally durable and can last a long time, provided you look after its protection and maintenance.

What are the advantages of aluminium as a pergola material?

Aluminium is a modern material that’s becoming ever more popular for building pergolas. Its advantages include its light weight and high resistance to the weather. Aluminium also lets you create a pergola in a range of modern designs that can be ideal for your home or garden.

Do I need a professional to install a pergola?

While installing a pergola can of course be done with your own two hands, a professional with the expertise and experience of building pergolas can make sure your pergola has a firm, stable structure that stands up to the weather over the long term. What’s more, a professional can be a useful source of ideas and suggestions on how best to use the space in your garden with a pergola.

How much do your garden gazebos cost?

Gazebo prices are at the higher end. It always depends on the gazebo’s optional extras. Each one is a work of art with exceptional design and quality of workmanship.

František Kečkéš — founder of Gazebo, custom gazebos and pergolas
About the author

František Kečkéš

Founder of the family firm Gazebo. He has designed custom pergolas, gazebos and winter gardens since 2009 — from the first sketch through production to installation.

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