What Is A Pergola And What Is Its Use?
For many, gardening remains more than just a hobby – it’s a passion that connects us with nature. In the UK, around 27 million people enjoy gardening. The enthusiasm is reflected the £8 billion that UK households spent on retail garden products in 2023. Among the many garden enhancements gaining popularity, pergolas have emerged as a standout feature, effortlessly blending style, functionality, and comfort. These elegant structures, with their open-lattice roofs and sturdy posts, create inviting spaces for relaxation, dining, and entertaining, making them a very sought-after addition to modern outdoor living.
Homeowners seem to be embracing the versatility of pergolas like never before. Whether it’s a classic wooden design draped in lush greenery, or a sleek model equipped with smart technology, these structures are transforming gardens into stylish retreats. But what exactly is a pergola, and why has it become such a staple in contemporary garden design? In this guide, we discuss its purpose, benefits, and the many ways it enhances our outdoor spaces.
What Is A Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure made up of vertical posts and columns that support an open lattice or slatted roof. It’s similar to a gazebo, but with a twist; gazebos have a solid roof, whereas pergolas are designed to provide partial shade while still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. They are typically positioned on a patio or deck to provide shade and are often used as an extension of a building. However, sometimes, they are purely for decorative purposes, providing a great focal point in a garden. They are a real conversation starter!
As with most unusual names, the word “pergola” comes from the Latin term pergola, which referred to a projecting eave or an extended arbour. As you would expect, the concept of pergolas dates back to ancient Rome, where they were used in gardens and courtyards to provide shade and support for impressive climbing plants.
The name stuck as the design evolved over centuries, particularly during the Italian Renaissance, when pergolas became a popular feature in grand garden landscapes. Today, the term still reflects the original purpose—an elegant, open structure that enhances outdoor spaces while offering partial shade and beauty.
What Is A Pergola Used For?
Despite its architectural beauty and ability to create a stunning focal point in an outdoor setting, pergolas also have practical benefits too:
- Define pathways and entrances – they are useful for highlighting pathways or marking a pathway entrance.
- Pergolas make great partitions and green screens when trying to add privacy or create division within your garden.
- Providing shade – pergolas can provide stylish yet practical shaded areas to enjoy.
- The perfect structure for growing and displaying climbing plants – this will also create shade.
- Dining and relaxation – pergolas provide areas of retreat for reading, relaxing, observing nature, and enjoying alfresco meals and entertaining guests.
Why Are Pergolas Popular?
Here at National Timber Buildings, we know that a pergola is no ordinary outdoor feature. It adds character, charm, and a touch of elegance, instantly making your outdoor space more inviting. More than that, it creates a natural extension of your home, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living. If you need a bit of shade on a hot day, a pergola gives you just the right amount – letting in dappled sunlight while keeping things cool and comfortable.
And the best part? You can make it completely your own. Whether you love the classic beauty of timber draped in climbing plants or want something more modern with a retractable cover and built-in lighting, we can help. Plus, a well-crafted wooden pergola isn’t just about looks – it adds value to your home too, making it a stylish and smart investment. Whatever your vision, we’re here to bring it to life with high-quality craftsmanship and expert design.
Check out this gorgeous pergola recently completed by the National Timber Building team:
- 6m x 5.2m with a max height of 2.5m
- 150x150mm Oak Support Posts
- 150x150mm Oak Support Lintels
- 150x75mm Oak Front Rafters
- Scalloped and Dowelled Oak Arch Bracing
How Do Pergolas Fit Into Current Garden Trends?
Sustainability At The Forefront
In today’s world, sustainability is key to preserving our planet. Homeowners are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly choices, and this trend extends to outdoor spaces as well. Pergolas made from sustainably sourced wood provide a natural and eco-conscious option. When paired with climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines, they create a lovely green garden space that blends beauty with environmental responsibility.
Minimalist And Sleek Style
Minimalist design is all about simplicity, clean lines, and uncluttered spaces—and a pergola is a perfect fit for this aesthetic. Its straightforward, open-frame structure avoids excess decoration, allowing for a sleek, modern look. Pergolas also maintain the sense of openness that defines minimalist interiors. Their open roofs and side frames let natural light filter through, preserving an airy, expansive feel that connects you to the outdoors.
Bringing The Outdoors In
The open-plan living trend continues to thrive, with more homeowners seeking ways to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Pergolas are ideal for this, extending living areas while maximising natural light and offering the benefits of outdoor living. Modern designs often incorporate features like built-in seating, lighting, and fire pits, transforming pergolas into hubs for socialising, relaxation, and entertainment.
Multi-Functional Outdoor Spaces
As our lives become more fast-paced and multi-faceted, the need for flexible, multi-use spaces has grown. Pergolas can serve as an extension of the home, offering areas for everything from yoga sessions to home offices in the garden. Whether it’s creating a peaceful retreat or a productive space, pergolas provide the perfect setting to blend work, relaxation, and everything in between.
What Is The Best Pergola Material
Call us biased, but wood, especially sustainably sourced and pressure treated wood like ours, is an ideal material for pergolas due to its natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness. It creates a warm, organic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with outdoor spaces, enhancing the garden’s overall design. Tanalisation makes wood resistant to rot, insects, and decay, extending its lifespan with minimal maintenance. Wood is strong, stable, and customisable, allowing for flexibility in design while providing solid support for climbing plants and additional features. Plus, it’s an environmentally responsible choice, as it’s renewable, biodegradable, and often locally sourced. With its timeless appeal, wood offers a connection to nature and ensures your pergola will last for years, weathering beautifully over time.
Wooden Garden Pergola By National Timber Buildings
A custom made patio pergola by National Timber Buildings
Plants For Pergolas
Here are some top pick plants to grow on pergolas, each offering a mix of beauty, fragrance, and coverage:
- Wisteria – known for its cascading clusters of purple or white flowers, wisteria thrives on pergolas and creates a stunning, fragrant display.
- Clematis – a versatile climber with a variety of flower colours and forms, clematis can cover a pergola beautifully and add a touch of elegance.
- Rose (climbing or rambling) – climbing roses, with their fragrant and colourful blooms, are a classic choice for pergolas, adding romance and charm.
- Grapevine – a great option for producing fruit, grapevines provide shade and texture while giving off a rustic, Mediterranean feel.
- Bougainvillea – its vibrant, papery bracts in purple, pink, or red, bougainvillea adds a burst of colour to a pergola.
- Hops – if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, hops vines grow quickly, providing dense foliage and an interesting texture.
- Jasmine – fragrant and beautiful, jasmine vines are perfect for adding a sweet aroma to your structure, with white or yellow flowers that bloom in the warmer months.
- Passionflower (Passiflora) – with its striking, intricate flowers and fast growth, passionflower is an eye-catching choice that will quickly cover the timber and add visual interest.
If you are thinking of adding a pergola or solid oak Gazebo to your garden, the team at National Timber Buildings would love to help. Our many years in the business will ensure that we design and craft a beautiful structure for you to enjoy for many years to come. Request a brochure today.
