Find your perfect pergola! Here's the 6 best aluminium pergolas for sale in the UK...
Shopping for an aluminium pergola is hard, it's not always clear to the untrained eye what the core differences are, and you don’t want to make a mistake! We consult customers like you every day. And if you’re anything like them, you are ready to transform your outdoor space into a hosting haven, and start making wonderful memories with the people you love, inside your aluminium pergola.
But first, you need to understand which is the best aluminium pergola for you. Which can be easier said than done, with so many different models to choose from.
We often say aluminium pergolas are a bit like cars. On the surface, most of the brands and models will have the same core features, whether that's a 7 speed transmission and antilock brakes, or a louvered roof and deluxe blinds. But like cars, the difference in quality between different models can be stark.
So which is the Rolls Royce and which is the Ford Fiesta of aluminium pergolas? Great news, the answer is laid out for you below. We are self professed 'pergola nerds' - and we've done all the studying whilst living and breathing all the very best aluminium pergolas on the UK market, so you don't have to!
We've graded 6 of the most popular models, to make it really easy for you to choose your pergola. It will be clear which is the right option if you're looking for:
and much, much more!
So let us help you choose your perfect pergola.
Then, when you're ready, head over to our aluminium pergolas collection to choose yours!
Best Aluminium Pergolas 2023
(Click the links below to jump ahead)
Best Aluminium Pergola with louvered roof UK
Don't fancy reading the full list? Just want to trust our expertise and jump straight to the recommendation? Well here it is.
If you just want the best overall aluminium pergola on the market, it's the Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered Pergola.
Want more detail? Keep reading as we explain why it's our customer's favourite and compare it against the other market leaders.
Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered Pergola
Best overall option
Exceptional quality, great value, 9 different sizes - you can't go wrong! Looking for the perfect combination of quality and value, this is it.
The Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered Pergola is our best seller for a reason, it is the complete package. It is an absolute no brainer as the best aluminium pergola of 2023. It's exceptionally manufactured by the Suns Lifestyle team down in Essex, who are the clear market leaders in this category. We've sold an awful lot of Rota's and the customer feedback is constantly fantastic!
Sizes range from 3mx3m, all the way up to 7.2m x 3.6m - and plenty in between. The Rota is a European manufactured piece of engineering brilliance, and has been a cut above every other model for a few years now. It was recently featured on ITV as part of a hallmark Alan Titchmarsh garden design.
| Sizes | Extras |
|---|---|
| 3m x 3m | Deluxe Blinds |
| 3m x 3.6m | Louvered Sides |
| 3.6m x 3.6m | Solid Side Panels |
| 4m x 3m | Infrared Heaters |
| 4m x 3.6m | Wall Mounting Bracket |
| 5.3m x 3.6m | |
| 6m x 3m | |
| 6m x 3.6m | |
| 7.2m x 3.6m |
Pros
- The best blend between price and top quality
- Can be wall mounted and have legs removed
- Widest range of available sizes
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- Rounded legs rather than straight edged (for a sleak finish)
- Singular roof mechanism
- Sometimes too popular for their own good, stock can be tricky!
Nova Titan Pergola
Best option on a budget
If you're looking for a great quality aluminium pergola, on a more limited budget - the Nova Titan is the obvious choice.
The Nova Titan is the most sold aluminium pergola in the UK. It appeals to the mass market, because Nova have managed to brilliantly combine affordability whilst not over compromising on build quality. If you're looking for a very well made pergola at a great price, it's the Nova Titan.
The Nova Titan is the older (better) brother to the Nova Proteus Pergola. And in our opinion, the Titan is the only Nova model worth having. There is loads to love about the Titan. The main drawback in our opinion, is that any customisations void your 5 year warranty.
Sometimes our customers need to reduce the leg height, or want to remove the central leg on a 6 leg model (e.g. 6m x 3m), to ensure patio doors aren't obstructed. Currently it's only the Suns Lifestyle models where this is possible, without impacting your warranty.
| Sizes | Extras |
|---|---|
| 3m x 3m | Deluxe Blinds |
| 3m x 3.6m | Louvered Sides |
| 3.6m x 3.6m | Solid Side Panels |
| 4m x 3m | Infrared Heaters |
| 6m x 3m |
Pros
- Fantastic value for money
- Solid build quality
- Offer Grey, White and Wood Look
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- No ability to wall mount and remove legs
- Narrower leg profile, giving a less robust look
- Any alterations to the pergola (e.g. reducing leg height) voids the warranty
Suns Lifestyle Alvaro Pergola
The best, of the best
If you want the king of aluminium pergolas, it is the Suns Lifestyle Alvaro. Absolutely no doubt.
If you're somebody who likes the very best, then it's the Suns Lifestyle Alvaro. We often compare aluminium pergolas to cars, the essential features and functionalities might be the same between brands, but there are still stark differences in quality! The Suns Lifestyle Alvaro is the Rolls Royce! And it's ok to want the best, this is going to be a part of your home for the next 10 years, or more!
The Alvaro can go as large as you like, with sizes from 3m all the way up to 10m+. It truly ticks every single box. It is a thing of pure beauty, and is a must in any high class design. It's what I would have in my garden!
| Sizes | Extras |
|---|---|
| 3m x 3.6m | Deluxe Blinds |
| 4m x 3.6m | Louvered Sides |
| 6m x 3.6m | Solid Side Panels |
| 7m x 3.6m | Infrared Heaters |
| 8m x 3.6m | Wall Mounting Bracket |
| 9m x 3.6m | LED Lighting |
| 10m x 3m |
Pros
- The best build quality in the category
- Can be wall mounted and have legs removed
- A finish so sleek and sexy
- Sizes up to 10m+
Cons
- It's the best, but the most expensive too!
- No 5m size available, the Rota Louvered is the best 5m option
- Stock can be scarce in the up season
The Westminster Summit Pergola
Sleek and Modern
A strong competitor to the Suns Lifestyle models, great build quality and a classy look
Winner of a red dot design award, there's no doubt that the Westminster Summit is firmly in the conversation when it comes to the best aluminium pergolas in the UK. It's got a very sleek finish, with a lovely robust leg profile and a sharp angular roof louvre shape. A high quality unit, at home in the finest gardens.
The Westminster is more limited on sizes, and so it's only going to be a match for you if you're after a 6x3, 4x3 or 3.6x3.6. It has some strong features, like the option for integrated LED lighting into the roof louvres and a fully wall mounted (2 legs) 3m x 3.6m model.
| Sizes | Extras |
|---|---|
| 3.6m x 3.6m | Deluxe Blinds |
| 4m x 3m | Louvered Sides |
| 6m x 3m | LED Lighting |
| Infrared Heaters |
Pros
- A very modern finish
- Usually good stock throughout the season
Cons
- Limited sizes
- A bit of a price jump compared with the Rota Louvered
The Suns Lifestyle Maranza
Multiple Roof Sections For Ultimate Flexibility
Brother to the Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered, the Maranza is another top grade model.
The slightly shorter (2.3m vs 2.5m) brother to the Rota Louvered Pergola, the Suns Lifestyle Maranza makes a strong case for the best freestanding aluminium pergola. As you'd expect with a Suns Lifestyle model, the build quality is first rate. That distinctive feature of the Maranza is it's dual roof sections. This means that even on a 4 leg model (4m and below, you get 2 independently controlled roof sections. Cooking in the shade on one side, whilst your guests sunbathe on the other, becomes a reality!
The Maranza might not be the right pergola for you if it's going to sit above patio doors. The underside of the roof beam is 2.15m, which can sometimes be insufficient to clear those patio doors depending on their height. The roof louvres are also slightly thicker than the Rota Louvered and Alvaro, with slightly less degress of rotation. This means the Maranza lets marginally less sun light through when the louvres are fully open.
| Sizes | Extras |
|---|---|
| 3m x 3m | Deluxe Blinds |
| 3m x 3.6m | Louvered Sides |
| 3.6m x 3.6m | LED Lighting |
| 5.4m x 3.5m | Infrared Heaters |
| 7.2m x 3.5m |
Pros
- Multiple roof sections for ultimate flexibility
- Suns Lifestyle model, so top quality
- Great freestanding option
Cons
- Can have insufficient height to clear patio doors
- Slightly thicker roof louvres (compared with the Rota / Alvaro) with fewer rotation degrees
The Maze Pergola
All 4 Blinds and LED Lighting Included
If you're looking for an aluminium pergola with sides all the way round, and LED lighting, at an economical price - it's the Maze Pergola.
Whilst the Maze isn't the highest quality model available, it's certainly the best value bundle, with sides and LED lighting included, unlike all other aluminium pergolas, which have side blinds as an optional extra.
The Maze Pergola is also the only 4m x 4m aluminium pergola we are aware of, so if that is the size for your space, the Maze Pergola is ready.
The Maze Pergola is just under 2.3m in height, and so is often a better freestanding option, with the lower height sometimes insufficient to clear the top of patio doors. The Maze only comes in three 4 leg variants: 3x3, 4x3 and 4x4.
The most tangible downside with the build of the Maze pergola, relates to its side blinds. These are on a weighted system, rather than in aluminium runners attached to the legs. This leaves a gap between the side and the leg for wind and rain to sneak through, and means that the blinds are more prone to 'flapping' in the wind, with draft and rain sneaking through.
| Sizes | Included Features |
|---|---|
| 3m x 3m | All 4 Blinds |
| 3m x 4m | LED Lighting |
| 4m x 4m |
Pros
- Great price for 4x blinds and LED lighting
- Offers a 4m x 4m model, which is a unique size
Cons
- Inferior side blind design can cause 'flapping' in the wind
- Lower height often unsuitable for above patio doors
What to look for in your perfect pergola
Quality
Quality is the absolute key. There are some exceptional models on the market, but the devil is in the detail. The welding points, visibility of fixings, the finish – it all combines to define the quality of your pergola. This aluminium pergola is going to define your outdoor space, and be the centre some of your greatest evenings over the next 10 years. Let us help you get it absolutely right. Feel free to give us a call right now if you’d like, on 020 3835 8311.
Customisation
Done right, this aluminium pergola is going to absolutely transform the way you spend time outdoors with the people you love. The perfect pergola for you, is one that perfectly suits all your entertaining needs. That might mean a certain size or shape. It might mean the ability to remove certain legs to create seamless access from patio doors. Or it might mean the right combination of sides, lighting , and heating - in order to create that outdoor haven that you love to be in, whatever the weather.
Longevity
Aluminium Pergolas are a large investment, and often going for the highest quality can increase the cost. However, your new pergola should be a wonderful addition to your garden for the next 10 years plus, requiring virtually no maintenance. That's why you want a fantastic model that is going to look just as exceptional in 10 years time. That said, the highest price tag isn’t always essential. Let us help you strike the right balance between quality and value for money!
How to build your requirements list
Right, let’s build a requirements list together for your aluminium pergola. Let’s take you from “I think I want one” to, “I know exactly what I need, and I’m ready to transform the way I spend time in my garden.”
Below is every requirement you need to consider when assessing aluminium pergolas. It's also what one of our wonderful team of experts will run through with you to help you find your perfect pergola.
Feel free to walk through it on your own, or with one of our team by giving us a call now – 020 3835 8311.
Here's every factor you need to consider before buying...
- What size?
This is the logical place to start, how big is the space you're looking to cover / create, and let's find the perfect structure to fill it. We are very lucky here at Woodlark Garden Luxury, our partner brands offer us a very wide variety of sizes, with everything from 3m x 3m, up to 10m x 4m. We've even done bespoke structures like 12m x 6m, there's always a way. Start by measuring your area in width and depth, and if you need some overhang, we can always get creative. Attaching a pergola leg to a concrete pad in a flower bed for example is always a possibility.
- Wall mounted or freestanding?
Is the pergola going up against your house, or will it be standalone? If it's going to freestand, that's quite straight forward. If it's going against the house there are a few things we need to consider. First an foremost, is do we need to replace a central leg with a wall bracket? All pergolas wider than 4m, require a central supporting leg, which can be a problem if you're looking to have say a 6m pergola, spanning patio doors, because there would be a leg in the middle! Luckily Suns Lifestyle have solved this problem for us. That central leg can be removed, giving you unobstructed spans across any patio doors, and the pergola is instead mounted to the house to give support. You just need 23cm of clear solid (normally brickwork) to attach the roof beam to. Feel free to consult one of our team with a photo or two.
- How are you going to live inside your pergola?
This is so important! Afterall, we are installing this pergola to transform the way you spend time outdoors, so we've got to get this right! Pergolas are perfect for cooking, dining and lounging - we just need to find the perfect configuration for you. There are a couple of considerations here. If you're going for a dual purpose space, for example with an outdoor kitchen in one zone and a seat dining table in the other, we might want two different roof controls, so that you can cook in the shade whilst your guests bask in the sun. Why not have one of our team sketch you the perfect configuration for your pergola, with your garden furniture positioned perfectly underneath.
- Understanding the louvred roof
All aluminium pergolas worth having comes with a fully weatherproof louvered roof. This means that in the bad weather, you can close your roof in seconds, and create a completely waterproof and cosy enclosure.
- What sides do you need?
Sides can often make the pergola, deluxe blinds particularly can really help you unlock prime indoor-outdoor living. If you put our 6m x 3m pergola on the back of your house, with deluxe blinds around the perimeter, you've now instantly got 190 square foot of living space - a brand new room! The deluxe blinds give you complete flexibility. When the weather is great, they are out of sight, and you're enjoying the sun and open air. But when the weather is less perfect, you can create a cosy enclosed room, protected from the wind or rain within seconds.
- Integrated heating or lighting?
All the best aluminium pergolas allow you to spend more time outdoors, and integrating heating and lighting into your pergola is a great way to do that. We are a fan of adding particularly infrared heating. These can be seamlessly attached to the roof beams of your pergola, and we can set you up with the power profile to heat your entire pergola. So the cold setting in will never stop you, or your guests having a wonderful evening!
- Which colour?
Anthracite Grey, Matt White and even a Wood effect are all available. Which is going to suit your design? We can also give you aluminium RAL codes, allowing you to match your pergola colour any other aluminium garden furniture, such as you sofa or dining table!
- Who's going to install it?
This is a pretty simple question, but it's worth thinking about. We can always assist you with installation, so feel free to reach out. Luckily, all of our products are a nice simple installation, and many customers complete this themselves. Others have a landscaper, handyman or builder etc. install it. This will take less than a day and we are always on hand to answer questions and support! Need more info? Here's the complete guide on how to install your aluminium pergola.
- Do i need planning permission
The simple answer is no. Aluminium pergolas are seen as "semi permanent structures" and therefore any pergola that is less than 2.5m high (as all our models are) does not require planning permission.
- What is the budget?
We have the widest variety of aluminium pergolas on the UK market, and with that comes options to suit every budget. When considering your budget, we would encourage you to see this as a minimum 10 year purchase, and if you buy the right model that is easily achievable, with minimal maintenance (you can also move your pergola from house to house). If you want more info around setting your budget, here's our guide - "how much are aluminium pergolas?"
Summary - which is the best aluminium pergola?
Well, put simply...
- If you want the best of the best, it's the Suns Lifestyle Alvaro
- If you want the perfect balance between quality and price, it's the Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered
- And if budget is a little tight, the Nova Titan is the best option
Simple really! Why not make it even more simple? Just reach out to one of our pergola experts (nerds)!
Here at Woodlark Garden Luxury, we are self professed 'pergola nerds' - we've done all the studying, so you don't have to.
Give us a call on 020 3835 8311 - and let one of the team guide you on the perfect pergola for your individual requirements.
The Final List of the 6 Best Aluminium Pergolas 2023
If you want a quick view of how we've ranked them, here it is!
Take a look at some of our favourite installations...
An "L-shape" enclosure...
Beautifully designed to compliment the shape of the house, this customer added hundreds of square footage to their living area, and reached peak indoor-outdoor living.
A seamless 10m run
With the use of wall backets, this customer enjoyed a 10m continuous pergola, with no obstruction to their bifolding doors. The pergola powder coating was also matched perfectly to their window and door colour.
A cosy corner
With the use of side blinds on the perimeter, this customer created the flexibility to have a sun trap or a cosy corner. Whatever the weather they can enjoy their seat dining area.
Installed on an elevated decking
This aluminium pergola stood pride of place on the customer's raised decking, creating a statement on the back of their house and a first class entertaining space.
The perfect pond cover
This customer used our Suns Lifestyle Maranza Pergola as a beautiful cover for their carp pond.
The perfect corner installation
This customer extended their living space off the back of their house, by having their Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered Pergola corner mounted above their bifolding doors. This sheltered patio area is now the perfect home for their rattan garden furniture.
A golf course levelled up
An exceptional golf club in Essex has created an incredible all season sheltered patio area, with the 9m Suns Lifestyle Alvaro. Allowing their members to utilise the space all year round!
A freestanding haven
This customer created the perfect firepit dining and lounging zone, perfect for entertaining long into the evening.
Our best aluminium pergola reviews
In this aluminium pergola review, one of our happy customer's Stuart shows you round his Suns Lifestyle Rota Louvered Pergola
Peter's perfect cooking area
"We just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done and always helping, product and installation are really good. Very happy will definitely recommend."
Ray's extension solution
"We'd been considering an extension, instead we just put the pergola on the back of our house, installed within 2 weeks - now we have the best of both!"
Dale's multipurpose patio
"We wanted to create an area that we can enjoy the sun, but also close off when the wind or rain comes, and still enjoy our garden. We are delighted with our pergolas, can't wait to get the hot tub in!!
Other content we think you'll love
You might also be wondering which are the best wooden pergolas in the UK, if so, a good place to start is our article comparing wood vs aluminium pergolas!
Now you know which is the perfect pergola for you, you might be wondering how to build an aluminium pergola. If so, checkout our comprehensive guide.
What about the cost of an aluminium pergola? This piece lays out the average cost of an aluminium pergola, and all the different varieties.
Lots of people ask us about electric vs manual controls, and this is a great question. In this article, we've looked at retractable canopy, vs those with a louvred roof, and assessed the benefit of electric vs manual controls.
Or maybe it's just time to speak to the experts! If so, give us a call on 020 3835 8311!
