How to Choose a Pergola for Your Garden?

Last summer, I finally decided to get a pergola. If you're like me - someone who loves spending afternoons in the garden but runs inside the moment it gets too hot - then you'll understand where I'm coming from.

At first, I thought I didn't need a pergola, but then those heat waves hit in July. I was sitting in the kitchen, looking through the window at my empty garden, thinking: "I could be out there with a cold drink if I just had some shade." That's how my "pergola journey" began.

Why get a pergola at all?

At our place, we have a smaller patio that gets full sun in the afternoon. My wife mentioned it would be nice if we could have lunch out there during summer, not just in spring and autumn. She was absolutely right - our garden pergola became one of the best investments we've made in our home.

Our neighbour has had a pergola for three years now and always says: "David, if you don't do anything else this year, at least do this." Now I understand why. The difference is really noticeable - having your own outdoor corner where the sun doesn't burn you.

Which pergola to choose?

This is where it gets tricky. There are so many options online that you can feel overwhelmed. Here's roughly how I made my decision:

Size: First, measure your space properly. I thought 3x3 metres would be too small, but it turned out to be just right for our garden. If you have a larger patio, maybe 4x3 is a better choice.

Material: Aluminium is practical because it requires no maintenance. A wooden pergola looks beautiful, but with all the rain we get here, I didn't fancy painting it every year.

Colour: Dark colours (anthracite, black) are modern and match most houses. Light colours optically enlarge the space if you have a smaller garden.

My buying experience

When we were choosing our pergola, I visited several suppliers. What convinced me most was one offer because they had free delivery (and trust me, a pergola isn't light!), and the assembly instructions were clear and understandable.

The installation wasn't as scary as I'd imagined. My son and son-in-law helped me, and we put it up in one afternoon. You need some basic tools, but nothing special.

What I learned

First tip: Don't delay too long with your decision. I waited until August and then regretted not buying the garden pergola in spring. I could have enjoyed the shade all summer long.

Second tip: Look out for pergola sales. I caught one at the end of May and saved quite a bit. It's best to buy in spring, before the main season starts.

Third tip: Think about accessories. I only bought the pergola itself, then realised that curtains would be useful for afternoon winds. Now I have to buy them separately.

Is it a good investment?

Absolutely. We now spend time outside almost every day from April to October. When the kids visit, their first comment is always: "Wow, you've got it really nice out here!"

Even our neighbour from the other side said he likes how beautiful our garden looks now. That's important too - a garden pergola isn't just practical, it also looks great.

If you're considering a pergola...

My advice is: if you have the space and enjoy spending time outdoors, don't hesitate. A pergola really changes how you use your garden.

Now is the perfect time to buy - there are still a few months until summer, so you have time for delivery and installation. Plus, prices are usually better now than in the middle of summer.

If you're looking for a reliable supplier, you can check out Tim-Dam here - that's where I bought mine and I was satisfied with everything, from ordering to delivery.

P.S.: I wrote this article because several neighbours asked me for advice when they saw our pergola. Hope it helps you too!