The Pergola Questions Most People Ask Before They Buy

Buying a pergola is a considered decision. It's not an impulse purchase - it's something you live with, entertain under, and enjoy for years. So it makes sense to have questions. Lots of them. We hear the same ones regularly, and we think you deserve honest, straightforward answers - not a sales pitch. Here are the questions people ask most before they buy, answered plainly.

How does it attach to the ground?

Pergolas are bolted directly into the ground through their posts. The type of foundation beneath those bolts is where you have options. Most installations use a concrete strip foundation, which offers the strongest and most durable base. Alternatives include earth screws, paving slabs, and decking - each suited to different garden setups. 

If you want to understand which foundation works best for your situation, our full guide to pergola foundations covers everything in detail.

How stable is it?

A properly installed pergola, anchored securely to the ground, is not going anywhere. The key word is "properly installed" - the foundation is doing as much work as the structure itself. In terms of the structure, material matters enormously. 

Our pergolas are built from high-grade aluminium, which combines strength with low weight. Once bolted down, they are rigid, solid, and designed to stay put.

Will it handle the weather?

This is really two questions in one: weight from above, and force from the side.

For snow, the benchmark most people look for is the snow load rating - essentially how much weight the roof can bear per square metre. Our Sundream S3 is rated to 250 kg/m², which is roughly the equivalent of three adults standing on every single square metre of roof. For context, average UK snowfall sits well within that range, even in Scotland. You can read more about what snow load ratings mean in practice.

For wind, our pergolas are rated to withstand speeds of over 100 km/h - storm-force conditions. To put that in perspective, the UK's most severe named storms typically hit around 80-90 km/h at their peak. That gives you a meaningful margin of safety.

Is it genuinely all-weather, all year round?

Yes. Our pergolas are designed in Scandinavia, where "all-weather" means something considerably more demanding than a grey British autumn. The aluminium framework does not rust. The AkzoNobel powder coat finish is UV stable and colour-fast through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The louvred roof closes to create a sealed barrier when the weather turns. Whether it's July or January, the structure performs the same way.

Does it need much upkeep?

This is where aluminium really earns its place. Unlike timber - which needs staining, sealing, and repainting on a regular cycle - our pergolas need almost no maintenance at all. An occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth is enough to keep everything looking sharp. If you use a BBQ nearby, a slightly more regular clean to clear any soot build-up is worthwhile, but that's genuinely the extent of it.

How long does installation take - and can I do it myself?

Our pergolas are designed to be installed by our customers. With two people and basic tools, most can be built in three to five hours - realistically, up on Saturday, in use on Sunday. 

Everything arrives pre-drilled and labelled, with clear instructions and video guides to support you throughout. If you'd prefer to hand it over, professional installation is also available and can typically be completed over an afternoon.

What warranty does it come with?

Our pergolas come with a 10-year structural warranty, which reflects the confidence we have in the quality of the build. For full details on what's covered and for how long, our warranty guide has everything you need.

Can I add lighting, screens, or heating later?

Yes - all our pergolas are built to be future-ready. Our SnapFit system means that any accessory we make can be added at any point after installation, without modifying the structure. So if you start simple and want to add LED lighting, privacy screens, or a heater down the line, everything will fit. You can browse the full range of accessories whenever you're ready.

Freestanding or wall-mounted - which is right for me?

It often comes down to personal preference and how you want to use the space. That said, some properties aren't straightforward candidates for wall-mounting - a low soffit or a pebbledash exterior can both make attachment more complicated. Freestanding models avoid that entirely and can be positioned anywhere in your garden. Our guide to wall-mounted vs. freestanding pergolas walks through the key differences to help you decide.

What size should I get?

It depends on your garden, how you plan to use the space, and how much of it you want the pergola to occupy. A pergola for two morning coffees needs a different footprint to one hosting a dinner table for eight. 

If you're unsure, we're happy to help you think it through. We also offer custom design options for spaces that don't fit neatly into standard dimensions.

Will I need planning permission?

In most cases, no. Under the UK's Permitted Development Rights, pergolas are typically treated as garden structures and don't require formal council approval. That said, specific circumstances - such as living in a conservation area, owning a listed building, or installing in a front garden - do change the picture. 

We've put together a detailed 2026 guide to pergola planning permission that walks through the rules clearly, including regional differences across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you have any doubt at all, a quick call to your local planning authority will give you a definitive answer.

Still have questions? That's completely fine.

There's no rush. The right pergola for your space is one you've thought through properly. If something isn't covered here, our team is always happy to help - without pressure, and without a script.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pergola be installed on an existing patio or decking?

Yes, in many cases. Paving slabs and decking are both viable foundation types, though concrete provides the strongest and most permanent base. The right approach depends on your specific surface and setup.

Are PERGOLUX pergolas freestanding or wall-mounted?

Both options are available. Freestanding models sit independently anywhere in your garden, while wall-mounted models attach to an exterior wall of your home. If your property has features that make wall-mounting difficult - such as a low soffit or a pebbledash finish - a freestanding model is usually the simpler route.

Do accessories have to be bought upfront?

Not at all. Every PERGOLUX accessory is designed to integrate with our structures at any point after installation. You can add lighting, heating, screens, or slat walls whenever it suits you.

Can I get a pergola in a custom size?

Yes. If a standard size doesn't fit your space, we offer custom design options built to your exact dimensions. You can find out more on our custom design page.