Covered Pergola

So, when we moved in 10 years ago, the garden came with a pergola. On the site of the old garage (so a decent base), 4.8m x 4.5m (so a decent size), on some decking. Good 2.5m up to the cross beams

Not unlike this

The decking is beginning to go rotten (as it does). So we’ll get that taken up, and put slabs on the old garage base. But while we’ll do it, I think we should put a roof on it – make a covered area (but no sides). Gives us a little protection for stuff in winter, bit more sheltered etc. Somewhere to sit on the summer evenings, with fairy lights and all that jazz, stove going.

Something like

Cover

I like it. The kids like it. The wife thinks it’ll be too dark, and doesn’t see the point (“why do we need covered storage?”).

So – hive mind – can anyone come up with some reasons why it’s essential we get a roof? Something to finally convince her it’s a good idea. And we can move forward it.

Check planning requirements I think in England garden buildings cannot be over 2.5m without planning permisson. Don’t know specifics but scuppered our plans on having a covered outdoor area to see family – we wanted sides though and not sure if that changes things.

But it would be an ideal spot to keep as covid safe as you can whilst seeing others (when allowed again), when the weather isn’t great.

I’m agree with your wife.

I don’t understand when I’d want to sit under that .

I’d have a clear roof of some kind on it. Proper triple cell poly carb or similar. Sit out in it in the sun , great to sit under in the rain. Not visually a blot on your land Scape.

thanks – should be fine on planning, as our boundary is about 10m away

Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof.

Permitted development apparently says:

Must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5mtrs and a total height of less than or equal to 4mtrs for a pitched roof or 3mtrs for any other type of roof.

Within 2mtrs of a boundary the maximum height cannot exceed 2.5mtrs.

So you are ok, we were knackered by the 2m from boundary bit.

Ah beat me to it.

Clear roof

I did think of a polycarb roof – and I quite like the idea – but it draws parallels with my grandfather’s old carport…

but it draws parallels with my grandfather’s old carport…

See I thought the same with the ops original roof idea

well, it was a garage I guess!

I don’t mind a temporary roof. Something that takes a couple of hours to put up/take down each winter. But i’m struggling to find anything

I keep threatening to do something like this to hang washing under! 🤣

yeah, that doesn’t work as an argument. Trust me

What about a canvas sail under tension

canvas – possible. Depends how waterproof. And how it withstand a decent wind

Seen the Americas cup ?

I’ve seen the price of their sails and masts, yes

we’re probably at the cheaper end of the market to that

:)… Dunno where you are but if I was in the market for such a thing id speak to Montrose rope and sail. Or bisset and Ross

interesting – thanks.

I’ll have a look

You can get/make retractable pergola canopies

and indeed something like this

https://www.coversandall.co.uk/custom-pergola-cover.html

but the retractable one looks even better!

A Waterproof shade sail would work. This one would give about a 2’ gap right round for the ropes.

Tell her it is less intrusive than the other option. Always give them choices, just make sure that the one they want is your choice

we’ve been together too long for her to believe any option is something she wants!

we’ve been together too long for her to believe any option is something she wants!

Well you said you were going to lay some slabs down and it is not impossible that your wife took a surprise trip away at the same time…

Just explain that you are too sentimentally affected to allow them to raise the new patio and all will be fine

Grow loads of ivy and wisteria and shit all over it.
Gives you some cover and looks great (although not instant obvs)
Maybe you could have some unobtrusive clear covering under the actual plants?

I was tasked with building one in the first lockdown.
I put a shade sail in ours which can be removed during winter.
Turnbuckles to tension it.
It gives great protection from the sun in summer but isn’t dark.

We had something very similar, when we moved in our neighbour had a huge leylandi ‘hedge’ down the boundary that overhung the garden by several meters. We originally only put the roof on to stop leaves and bird crap falling on us when sitting outside but the addition of the roof made an area we could use for 3/4 of the year. The trees were felled a few years ago but we kept the roof as it was so useful.
We had some canvas panels made up which we could attach to the side if it was windy and kept it warmer into the evening for sitting out.
Being able to have a party or BBQ and not worry if it was going to rain was also really useful.
We had it taken down last year and a garden office put in its place to allow us to wfh but will definitely be making a covered area at the other end of the garden this year.

See @mikeg , that does sound ideal, and what I’m after. Just need to work on Mrs P

I don’t understand when I’d want to sit under that .

At the start of the first lockdown when the weather was grade bangin’ I would have worked outside everyday but I’d have been a little crispy after day one. Or when it was warm but wet the laptop would have been a bit complainy. I got round it to a point with a tarp for a few days but something more permanent would have been amazing.

I can totally see the advantage in it.

those retractable covers are the ticket. I’ve been designing something in my head very similar for the pergola that is not yet made, for the patio that does not yet exist – it’s mainly becuase we’ve got stupid sized bi-folds that heat up the main room something cronic, so it will be a feature that continues from the house. I was going to do canvas with nice hooped holes that wire can thread through, and stretch the distance, with a motorised (with sun sensor) winch system… the plans are awesome, the ability to make is lacking..