How to Revive an Older Pergola

In short: You can revive an older pergola in a few steps. First, work out what needs repairing or replacing (a frayed cord, say, or cracks). Clean, sand, prime and repaint a wooden structure. A change of colour, a new roof or decorations such as flowers and lighting will give it a fresh look too. An aluminium pergola is maintenance-free — you simply clean it with soapy water.

Pergolas are an ideal place to relax and unwind in the garden. But as they stay exposed to the weather over the long term, they often lose their original look and need renovating. If you decide to revive your older pergola, you can gain a cosy, welcoming place to sit outdoors.

The first step in restoring an older pergola should be to identify the problems and which parts are in a state that needs repairing. It may be that a cord has simply come loose, which is why the pergola no longer looks as good as it once did. In that case you just need to swap the cord for a new one. If the structure has cracks or other damage, you’ll need to repair them or replace the damaged parts.

Which material should you choose when renovating a pergola?

When renovating an older pergola, it’s important to choose the right material. The usual options are wood, metal or plastic. Wood is a popular material that gives a pergola a natural look, but it requires regular maintenance — its natural resistance to rot is graded by the EN 350 standard on a scale from 1 (most durable) to 5. Metal pergolas are weather-resistant but can overheat and need more frequent maintenance. Plastic pergolas are light and inexpensive, but they don’t have a natural look.

Transforming your space with a pergola

A pergola can transform the space and the way you use your garden. You can use it as a place to relax, barbecue or gather with friends. And you can put it anywhere in your garden, creating a cosy spot to unwind and relax.

When renovating a pergola, you can opt for a new design or colour to create a fresh look and add elegance and style to your garden. With new accessories such as lights or curtains, you can also add more privacy and a more intimate feel.

If you want to revive your pergola and give it a new lease of life, there are a few simple tricks you can try. The first is a lick of paint. Painting your pergola can be a simple, effective way to give it a fresh new look. Choose a colour that suits your home and garden and apply it to the pergola. If the pergola has a wooden structure, remember to strip off the old paint first and clean it thoroughly. Then apply the new paint and wait for it to dry.

If painting feels too risky, you can give your pergola a lift with flowers instead. Floral garlands attached to the pergola can be a beautiful addition and a lovely source of colour. As well as flowers, you can use other decorative touches, such as hanging baskets or lanterns.

If you want to modernise your pergola and give it a new look, you could also try changing the roof. A new roof can be translucent or coloured, transforming the whole character of the pergola. And if you’re thinking about a bigger change, you could also take inspiration from converting an existing shelter into more modern, practical seating.

Pergolas and gazebos are a beautiful addition to any garden

As is so often the case, even the best products can wear out over time and lose their original look. If you have a pergola that’s several years old and no longer to your liking, you don’t have to throw it straight in the skip. In this article we’ll show you how to revive an old pergola simply and cheaply and give it a fresh new look.

A garden pergola is constantly exposed to the elements — be it frost, rain, snow or sunshine. It’s no wonder this takes its toll on its appearance over time. If you’re worried your pergola will look shabby after just one season, don’t be. Our wooden garden pergolas are built to genuinely top quality. That’s why we can guarantee your pergola won’t need refreshing for at least 6 to 8 years. So what will you need to do?

How to restore a wooden pergola

Unless your pergola suffers mechanical damage or is destroyed by a natural disaster, your wooden pergola will serve you for many years with no change in function. The weather may leave a slight mark on its appearance. After about eight years, a wooden pergola will need a new coat of paint. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Clean the pergola thoroughly. Remove dirt and any grease. Use a brush and water with washing-up liquid.
2. Sand the pergola down. Gently, so that it’s perfectly clean and the wood isn’t greasy or wet. That way you can be sure the paint will “take”.
3. Priming. A primer prepares the surface for the finish that follows — that is, the next coat. It’s the bond between the base (the wood) and the surface finish (the top coat). For priming, use a wood stain applied to the pergola in a single thin layer.
4. Top coat. If you’ve decided to cover the original wood texture, use a top coat. It must be suitable for outdoor use and resistant to the weather.

Apply the individual coats with time in between so they can dry completely. Work in warm weather and ideally apply the paint at temperatures of 15–20 degrees in still conditions, so that dirt doesn’t settle on the wood as you work and the coats dry well. Avoid direct sunshine.

Does an aluminium pergola need maintenance too?

Every aluminium pergola of ours is maintenance-free. That means no repainting is needed, even after years. All you need to do is clean the aluminium pergola when necessary, using soapy water and a cloth. For more detailed advice on caring for different materials, see our guide to maintaining pergolas and gazebos.

If you’ve bought an aluminium or wooden pergola from us in the past and need advice on maintaining it, get in touch and we’ll be glad to help. And if you own an old garden pergola that has reached the end of its life, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll help you choose a new one.

Renovating an older pergola can be a great way to improve your outdoor space and create a new place to relax and unwind. By choosing the right material and location for your pergola, you can make the most of everything your garden has to offer and create a cosy, welcoming space for yourself and your family.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to renovate an older pergola or buy a new one?

Whether to renovate a pergola or buy a new one depends on the condition of your pergola and your budget. If the pergola is still in good condition, it may be cheaper and more effective to renovate it. But if it’s in poor condition or no longer serves its purpose, it may be better to invest in a new pergola.

Which material is best for a garden pergola in Slovakia?

The best material for a garden pergola in Slovakia depends on the climate and your preferences. Wood is a popular material for its natural look, but it requires regular maintenance. Metal pergolas are weather-resistant but can overheat and require more frequent maintenance. Plastic pergolas are light and inexpensive, but they don’t have a natural look.

How do you choose the right spot for a pergola in the garden?

When choosing a spot for your pergola in the garden, consider its position relative to the sun, the wind conditions and your needs. The ideal spot should be sheltered from wind and sun so you can relax comfortably in pleasant surroundings. Also make sure the spot is big enough for your pergola and any extras such as chairs or tables.