Guides
Plan
Size it to the furniture, then check the planning limits.
Standing comfortably under the beams, room for hanging lights and heaters, and why the advertised post height is not always the clearance you get.
BoundaryPutting a pergola next to a boundaryMeasuring to the fence properly, talking to your neighbour first, and why the height on the maker's drawing matters near a boundary.
PlannerPergola plannerRecommended pergola size and post-to-post space, a permitted-development traffic light, a sourced cost range and a supplier checklist.
PlanningDoes a pergola need planning permission?The England outbuilding limits a freestanding pergola is usually read against, the exceptions, wall-mounted pergolas, and how Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.
LayoutWall-mounted or freestanding pergola?What changes when a pergola is fixed to the house: fixings, flashing, drainage, door and window heights, and how planning may treat it.
SizingWhat size pergola do I need?Size a pergola from the furniture under it, not the patio. Nominal versus post-to-post size, walkways, overhang and height.
SitingWhere to site a pergola in your gardenSun, shade, wind, the house wall and room to walk round the furniture. How to choose the spot before you choose the kit.