The wooden terrace pergola is a solution that allows you to cover your terrace and effectively shield it from the sun, wind and rain. It allows you to create a functional outdoor seating area, whatever the weather. This guide will help you prepare for ordering a customised pergola.

If you are planning to build a pergola, the following information will help you to make an informed decision and choose a solution to suit your terrace. At the end you will also find information on how to take advantage of our customised pergola service.

What is a wooden pergola for a terrace?

Wooden terrace pergola is a construction made of structural timber (BSH), designed to cover a terrace or seating area at home. Its purpose is to protect the space from excessive sunlight, wind and rainfall.

In the pergolas we make at Otwrane.pl, the roof is always encased in 16 mm thick cellular polycarbonate. As a result, the structure remains lightweight, yet durable and resistant to weather conditions. Such a roof effectively protects the terrace from precipitation, limits the penetration of UV rays and allows the outdoor space to remain comfortable.

In line with current trends in garden space design, wooden pergolas are increasingly being designed in a minimalist style. The simple design, muted colours and natural finishes make it possible to create an elegant and coherent terrace enclosure. Neutral colours such as shades of grey, white and natural wood are easy to match with modern house architecture.

What is the difference between a pergola and a terrace canopy?

A pergola and a terrace canopy are two different structural solutions that are often confused. A pergola is an independent supporting structure that you can set up on your terrace or in your garden. It can be open or built in side louvres. The polycarbonate pergola roof acts as a canopy, which is hidden in the pergola structure. It is invisible from the outside. The water drains into a gutter system, which is an integral part of the pergola structure. This keeps the terrace dry and protects the entire structure from flooding.

Terrace roofing is usually a simpler and lighter structure that is attached directly to the building façade. It is usually supported by two legs and the house wall, which means it requires less space and is less elaborate than a classic pergola. The pitch of the roof is visible. The terrace canopy functions mainly as a sunshade and protects the entrance to the building from precipitation.

If you need a lightweight enclosure over a patio door, a canopy may be sufficient. If, on the other hand, you want to create a comfortable lounging space with the possibility of side buildings and better protection from the weather, choose a wooden pergola with polycarbonate cladding and patio louvres.

Which polycarbonate to choose for the pergola roof?

The roof of the pergola is made from 16 mm thick cellular polycarbonate. It is a material resistant to mechanical damage, UV radiation and the effects of changing weather conditions, including snow and strong wind. Choosing the right colour of polycarbonate affects the comfort of the space under the pergola.

If you want lots of light, choose transparent polycarbonate. If you want to reduce heat build-up on the terrace and get a gentle diffusion of light, we recommend milky (opal) polycarbonate. In areas particularly exposed to intense sunlight, smoky brown polycarbonate is best, as it gives the most shade and reduces heat transfer.

When is it worth choosing a pergola side development?

The wooden pergola can be extended with a side extension, which increases the protection of the terrace space against wind, rain and snow. This solution will work if you want to be able to use your terrace not only in summer, but also in spring, autumn and even on warmer winter days.

If your terrace is exposed to strong gusts of wind or you want to gain more privacy, siding made of louvres will be a good choice. We offer two solutions: fixed walls, made of movable patio blinds in which you can adjust the angle of the slats, and sliding or folding walls. The second option allows you to completely open the space to the garden on sunny days and close it when you need cover.

More and more people are opting for modular pergolas, which allow you to expand with additional elements at a later date. You can start with just the canopy and in subsequent seasons add louvre side walls or LED lighting This type of personalisation allows you to adapt the pergola to changing needs and usage conditions.

Wooden pergola as a multifunctional terrace space

Nowadays, a wooden pergola not only has a protective function, but also forms the heart of a relaxation area in the garden or on the terrace. Increasingly, an outdoor dining area, a place to work on warm days and a meeting space for family and friends are being set up under the pergola. Customers like to integrate pergolas with garden kitchens, barbecues, as well as outdoor fireplaces and lighting systems. In this way, the pergola is not just a canopy, but becomes part of everyday outdoor life.

Style of pergola to match the architecture of the house

The wooden pergola is most often chosen by homeowners with a classic, rustic or Scandinavian style. Wood goes well with facades finished with textured plaster, clinker bricks, stone and cladding boards. Depending on the type of wood and its finish, the pergola can be an element that harmonises with the house or, on the contrary, provides a stronger, contrasting accent.

If the house has a light-coloured façade, it is advisable to opt for a pergola made of wood in warm tones, such as oak, larch or pine, stained in a natural colour. In modern buildings, where grey tones predominate, pergolas in anthracite or dark brown will work well to emphasise the minimalist style of the building.

It is also important to match the structure with the window and door frames. If the house has walnut-coloured windows, a pergola in a similar shade will create a consistent visual effect. On the other hand, with white frames, wood treated with a clear impregnation or painted white looks good.

Finishing details - how to enhance the style of the pergola?

SW modern developments are dominated by simple lines, no ornamentation and maximum functionality. The design should then be smooth, without unnecessary additions, and the wood can be brushed or stained to create a natural texture effect. The matt finish maintains an elegant and calm appearance that does not dominate, but discreetly emphasises the modern body of the house.

In the pergolas we make, it is possible to personalise the colour of the structure - from light, natural shades through grey to dark browns and anthracite. Every detail, including the type of cross-section of the beams or the type of fixings, can be tailored to the customer's aesthetic requirements.

Year-round convenience - additional systems (lighting, side panels)

A modern wooden pergola is not only a structure that protects you from sun and rain, but also a space that you can use for most of the year. Increasingly, builders are choosing to add systems that increase the functionality of the pergola.

If you also want to use your terrace after dark, it is worth planning the LED lighting already at the design stage. In our pergolas, we install integrated LED strips in the structural beams.

In order to use the terrace in changing weather conditions, it is worth considering lateral cladding of terrace blinds. We propose two systems:

• Fixed walls with movable slats to regulate light and shield the space from the wind.
• Sliding or folding louvre panels that can be opened completely on warm days and quickly closed the space when it starts to rain or a cool wind blows.

With these solutions, the pergola becomes a multifunctional space. It can serve as a garden lounge, an outdoor dining area or a place to work and relax whatever the weather.

Regulations and paperwork - when do you have to report a pergola?

Before ordering a wooden pergola, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the current building regulations to avoid formal problems.

• If the pergola has an area of up to 35 m²and you are building it on a plot of land with a single-family dwelling, it is sufficient to notification of construction to the municipality or town hall.
• The application must include a location plan of the pergola, information on the area and function, as well as the distance from the plot boundary.
• On each plot you can put up to two such facilities, provided that they do not conflict with the sunshine regulations of neighbouring plots or restrictions in the local development plan.

If the pergola is to be larger than 35 m², the following will be required building permit. In addition, if the plot is covered by a local development plan, there may be additional restrictions related to the maximum height of the structure or the location of the development in relation to the plot boundaries.

For free-standing pergolas, it is worth remembering that the distance from the plot boundary should be at least 3 metres, unless otherwise stated in the local plan.

How much does a wooden terrace pergola cost?

The cost of constructing a wooden pergola for a terrace depends on the dimensions of the structure, the chosen colour of polycarbonate, possible side development and the scope of installation. We price each project individually, taking into account the technical parameters of the pergola, the building conditions and the needs of the user. If you would like to know the exact cost of constructing a wooden pergola for your terrace, please contact us. We offer a free quote and advice.

Wood or aluminium pergola - which is better to choose?

A wooden pergola is a solution that brings natural character to a terrace. Wood blends well with the façade of detached houses, especially in a classic, rustic or Scandinavian style.

If you prefer modern solutions and want a structure that requires no maintenance, an aluminium pergola is worth considering. In our offer you will also find aluminium pergolas with the possibility of installing movable louvres and slats, which act as a roof and side walls. For details, please visit: Terrace canopies.

Why should you order a wooden terrace pergola from Otwrane.co.uk?

We specialise in the construction of timber and aluminium pergolas to size. Each pergola comes as standard with a guttering system to drain water from the roof. We also offer the option of side development with terrace louvres, either in a fixed, folding or sliding version. Thanks to the modular design, you can expand the structure in the future with additional elements, such as heating systems or lighting.

Order a customised wooden terrace pergola

If you want to build a wooden pergola for your terrace, contact us. We offer a comprehensive service and tailor the structure to your needs.

Call or write to arrange a free quote and design:
Tel: +48 530 336 595
Mail: wycena@otwierane.pl
See our realisations: Realisations of terrace pergolas