Pergolas in Beckenham
Lunch in the shade, drinks in the drizzle.
A frame over the seating area that gives shade, shelter and a sense of a room, without walling the garden in.
Why a pergola
A ceiling for the terrace.
A pergola turns an open patio into a defined space. It can carry a clear roof against the rain, climbing plants for shade, or lights and heaters for the evenings.
Fixed to a solid base
Posts are bolted to the paving or set into footings, so the frame stays rigid in wind and under the weight of a roof or plants.
Planned with the paving
Building the pergola with the terrace means post positions are set out in advance and the paving is cut neatly around them.
Shade or shelter
Open rafters for climbers and dappled light, or a clear roof so the seating stays dry in a shower.
Materials
Timber or aluminium.
The frame sets the tone of the terrace. Both can carry a roof, lights and a heater.
Softwood timber
Pressure-treated pine. Warm, natural and easy to match to timber fencing and garden rooms.
- Upkeep
- Re-treat every few years
- Best for
- Natural, relaxed gardens
Hardwood timber
Oak and other hardwoods. Heavier sections, a richer colour, and weathers to a silver grey if left untreated.
- Upkeep
- Low
- Best for
- Statement pieces
Aluminium
Powder-coated, slim and crisp. Often fitted with louvred roofs that open and close.
- Upkeep
- Very low
- Best for
- Contemporary terraces
What’s included
Everything, start to finish. One fixed price.
The same way of working on every job, from the first conversation to the handover.
- A design visit at homeWe look at the space with you, talk about how you’ll use it and sketch out the options.
- Samples in your own lightSee the materials against your house before you choose.
- A plan drawn to scaleLayout, levels and materials shown in place, with any lighting and planting your project needs.
- One fixed quoteClear and itemised, with no surprises halfway through.
- One number to callA single point of contact from the first visit to the handover.
- Handover and care guideA walk-through when we’re done, and simple tips to keep it looking new.
- Our written guaranteeUp to 10 years on our workmanship, in writing.
Do I need planning permission for a pergola?
Usually not. A freestanding pergola is normally treated like other garden structures: under 2.5m high if it is within 2m of a boundary, no further forward than the front of the house, and together with other buildings covering no more than half the garden. Listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules.
Can it have a roof?
Yes. A clear polycarbonate or glass roof keeps off the rain while letting the light through, and aluminium frames can take an adjustable louvred roof.
Can a pergola sit on an existing patio?
Often, if the patio has a sound base. Posts are bolted down on base plates, or the paving is lifted locally to set footings beneath it.
How do I look after a timber pergola?
Pressure-treated timber benefits from a protective coat every few years. Keep climbing plants trimmed off a clear roof and out of gutters.
Often paired with pergolas
All services →Start your pergola
Shade, shelter and a sense of place.
Book a free design visit. We’ll look at where the sun falls and how you use the terrace, and talk through timber and aluminium.
- Written guarantee of up to 10 years on our workmanship
- Fully insured
- A family team. We never subcontract
Thank you, there.
Your enquiry is with our design team. We’ll be in touch within one working day to book your free visit.