Pergolas

A pergola should be designed around the space, not dropped onto it.

Freestanding pergolas stand on their own posts in the garden or beside the pool. Attached Pergolas connect to the building, usually over a patio or outdoor dining area. Corner and L-shaped layouts follow two walls where a plain four-post rectangle does not fit.

• Polycarbonate, shade material or fixed slats over the frame
• Cantilevered awning layouts as well as post-supported frames
• Frame colour chosen to suit the building and the exposure
• Rain cover for patios, shade by the pool, braai areas and commercial seating

Decide what the area has to do first. Rain cover over a patio, shade beside a pool and a covered commercial seating area lead to different spans, roofs and drainage.

Roof and frame go together

The covering changes the loading, drainage, light, maintenance and cost. So the frame and roof are designed as one, before any steel is cut.

What we check

For an attached pergola: the existing wall, the waterproofing where the frame meets the building, and the drainage. For a freestanding one: post positions, footings, levels and access. On every job we also look at sun direction, wind, drainage direction and nearby doors and windows.

Approvals and engineering

Municipal, estate and structural requirements depend on size, position, the connection to the building and local rules. They are resolved per project.

What affects the price?

Span, the number and position of posts, the layout, section sizes, the roof or shade material, drainage, finish, engineering and site conditions. A measured design quote tells you more than a square-metre rate.

Finish and maintenance

Choose powder coating, sandblast and primer, electroplating or hot-dip galvanising. The paint warranty runs from one to five years depending on the finish, and galvanising adds rust cover of up to ten years inland. Robo Door attached, freestanding, corner and awning pergolas carry a 2-year manufacturing warranty. The full table is on the warranty page.

Look after the metalwork and roof parts as their supplied instructions say.