Metal Pergolas

Metal pergolas (steel or aluminium) have grown from the architectural-end of the market into the household pergola pick, they last decades without maintenance, take a louvered or retractable roof option that wood doesn't, and suit contemporary gardens. Aosom UK, Cherry Lane Garden Centres and Choice Furniture Superstore between them cover £29-£7,038 across the range. Powder-coated steel is the cost-effective build (lasts 15-20 years before the powder coat flakes at corners); marine-grade aluminium lasts 25-30 years and resists coastal salt-spray. Louvered roofs (slats that rotate to open or close) are the premium feature, opening to let light through and closing tight against rain, at £2,000+ for a 3x4m system. Manual louvers cost less than motorised. Retractable canvas-roof pergolas push a fabric panel across the roof on a track; cheaper than louvers, less weatherproof. Most metal pergolas need concrete-foundation post bases or surface-mount plates with masonry anchors.