General Questions
Do pergolas provide full shade?
It depends on which type of pergola you choose, most open and close the roof louvers (slats) either manually or electronically. We also supply louvered sides and screen blinds to suit your specific needs
Does a pergola add value to your house?
Yes! A pergola can add value to your house, but the real benefit depends on how it improves your lifestyle and how well it fits your home.
We work with a number of property developers who add pergolas to increase "curb appeal"
Can a pergola be used as a car port?
Yes, it is possible for a pergola to be used as a carport, but only if it’s designed and built specifically for that purpose. Contact our team to discuss this further to see if this is something we can accommodate.
Call us 020 3835 8311 or email us at sales@woodlarkgardenluxury.co.uk
Does adding a pergola darken my house?
Not necessarily, contact one of our team members to help with proper design and placement to keep natural light flowing. We also stock lighter colours, which can reduce the effect of over-shading.
Where’s the ideal placement for my pergola?
The ideal placement is down to your preference! We suggest southwest of the house to balance shade and light throughout the day, but East or West work well too.
How to find the right size pergola for my house?
Finding the right pergola size isn’t just about measurements; it’s about making sure it fits your space, your home’s scale, and how you plan to use it. If you would like our opinion to help you narrow down your options, reach out to one of our experienced team members! We also have a pergola selector tool on the website that you can use!
Can you make me a mockup design to show me what it will look like before I buy?
Yes! We offer a free computerised design to help you visualise the pergola with your space. Click here to claim your complimentary design.
Which pergola material lasts the longest?
Our aluminium pergolas have a 20-30+ year life span. If looked after properly, your pergola could be with you for a long time! We don't recommend wood pergolas for the British climate as they often fail after 3-5 years. All our units come with a 5 year gurantee on the structure
How big should a pergola be?
It all depends on your preference and if it will be attached to your house, but a standard height for a pergola would be roughly 2.5m to align with UK planning limits, but it is important to check your local rules and regulations.
Call us 020 3835 8311 or email us at sales@woodlarkgardenluxury.co.uk
How tall should a pergola be?
It all depends on your preference and if it will be attached to your house, but a standard height for a pergola would be roughly 2.5m to align with UK planning limits, but it is important to check your local rules and regulations.
Are pergolas hard to maintain?
Not usually! Aluminium pergolas are very low-maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Are pergolas good for hot climates?
Yes, especially when designed properly. Pergolas provide shade while still allowing airflow. Adding louvres, retractable roofs, or shade screens can significantly reduce heat!
What are common pergola mistakes?
Common mistakes include choosing the wrong size, ignoring sun direction, not checking council rules, selecting the wrong material for the climate, and not planning for drainage or future upgrades. By chatting with our team, we can easily avoid all these issues by planning everything out and accounting for each of these things.
Will a pergola actually make my garden more usable?
Pergolas are great for spring and summer, when you would like to soak up the sun in your very own designated space where you can be comfortable. You can also get side pannels or blinds plus a heater to offer more share or warmth depending on the weather. We even offer LEDs so you can continue to enjoy the unit after the sun has gone!
Is a pergola better than an umbrella or awning?
Pergolas provide a more stylish look to your property, and they are almost completely customisable! In our opinion that beats an umbrella as they won't blow away!
How much maintenance will I need to do?
Our aluminium pergolas require minimal maintenance, just a little clean every now and again! Ensure you clean the rain channels once a year to remove any debris that may block the rain channels
Do pergolas work in small gardens?
Yes. Pergolas can be custom-sized to fit compact patios, balconies, and small outdoor spaces. One of our pergolas can elevate your small space, making it feel more than just a small garden space.
Do verandas work in small gardens?
Yes, verandas can work beautifully in small UK gardens, as long as they’re designed with proportion and purpose in mind. In fact, in the UK (where we value year-round usability and shelter from the rain!), a veranda can make a small garden feel more usable, not smaller.
What is the difference between an open-roof and a closed-roof pergola?
Great question, especially in the UK where weather plays a big role in how much you’ll actually use your garden. The main difference between an open-roof and a closed-roof pergola comes down to protection, light, and year-round usability. We offer both fixed and retractable louvered roofs to best suit your preference.
Can I add a retractable roof to a pergola?
Yes! We offer manual and motorised louvred roofs. They are great when you want full control over your preferred shade! Click HERE to see our range of electric pergolas
Can pergolas be designed for commercial spaces?
Yes! Pergolas can absolutely be designed for commercial spaces, and in the UK they’re increasingly popular for businesses that want to maximise outdoor space year-round! The key is making sure they’re designed properly for commercial use, not just adapted from a domestic garden model. Speak to our dedicated team so we can help you elevate your business space!
Do pergolas need gutters?
Pergolas with closed or louvered roofs typically don’t need traditional gutters because the roof system itself often has an integrated drainage system that channels rainwater safely through the structure (often down the legs). Speak to one of our experienced team members who can advise you what the best option will be considering what extras you choose.
Are motorised pergola roofs available?
Absolutely, Woodlark offers motorised aluminium pergolas where the roof slats or panels can be opened and closed with a remote control or app. These electric options give you effortless control of shade, rain protection and ambience.
How do I clean and maintain a pergola?
To ensure you are treating your pergola with the best care, we would advise you to clean it occasionally with mild soap and water to keep it looking fresh. Regarding moving parts, we recommend lightly lubricating hinges and mechanisms on louvred or retractable roofs periodically. Make sure to also regularly check any fasteners and components for wear, especially if your pergola has screens, blinds or motorised elements. It's better to monitor these things to catch any issues sooner rather than later!
Can a pergola be relocated?
Pergolas (especially aluminium ones) are deconstructable and can be taken apart if you want to move them to a new location; they become lightweight and easier to re-install elsewhere once disassembled. We recommend this be done by a professional to avoid potential issues.