Pergola With a Roof: 4 Roof Types Compared for UK Gardens (2026)

A classic pergola is an open frame of rafters that filters sunlight but lets the rain straight through, so a pergola with a roof means adding a covering that keeps the space usable whatever the weather. You have four main options: an adjustable louvred aluminium roof, a fixed polycarbonate roof, a fabric or canopy shade roof, and the traditional open-slatted timber roof you cover yourself. Louvred roofs give the most control, polycarbonate the most reliable waterproofing, fabric the lowest cost, and open-slatted the most natural look. This guide compares all four on weatherproofing, shade, sides and price so you can match one to your garden.

In this article

• Can a pergola have a roof?
• What types of pergola roof are there?
• Pergola roof types compared
• Which pergola roof is actually waterproof?
• Can you get a pergola with a roof and sides?
• Do you need planning permission for a pergola with a roof?
• FAQ

Can a pergola have a roof?

A traditional pergola is an open framework of rafters that filters light rather than blocking rain. Modern garden pergolas with a roof add a covering to that frame so the space stays usable in a shower or a heatwave. The covering can be fixed or adjustable, solid or soft, and it changes what the pergola is for: light shade for dining, full cover for an all-weather room, or something in between. The right answer depends on how waterproof you need it, how much control you want over sun and airflow, and your budget.

What types of pergola roof are there?

1. Adjustable louvred aluminium roof

An aluminium pergola with a roof of rotating louvres is the most versatile option. The blades tilt from fully open for sun and airflow to fully closed for a weathertight seal, and better models channel rainwater through the posts via integrated drainage. This is the "bioclimatic" style, controlled by a manual crank or an electric motor. It is the roof our Pergola Bundles are built on, so you can have the adjustable louvred roof already outfitted as a finished outdoor room. For the detail on manual versus motorised control, see our louvred roof control guide.

2. Fixed solid or polycarbonate roof

A fixed polycarbonate roof on an aluminium frame is fully waterproof and low maintenance. Rigid clear or tinted panels let daylight through while blocking rain, UV and hail, and the sloped design sheds water fast, which suits frequent UK showers. It is a common patio cover for a spot against the house. The trade-off is that it does not open, so you cannot dial in airflow the way a louvred roof can. A closed louvred roof gives you a similar weathertight seal with the added flexibility to open up on a dry day.

3. Fabric or canopy shade roof

A fabric or canopy roof stretches a shade sail or retractable cover across the frame. It is the most affordable way to add cover, softens the light beautifully and is easy to fit to a timber pergola. Fabric gives good sun protection and handles light rain, but it is not a substitute for a solid roof in heavy weather, and canopies need taking down for winter storms.

4. Classic open-slatted timber roof

The original garden pergola with roof rafters left open is still the most natural look, and it is the heart of our wooden range. On its own it filters sun rather than stopping rain, but it is the ideal host for climbing plants, a shade sail or a retractable canopy added later. If you love the timber aesthetic and want dappled shade you can build on, this is the one.

Pergola roof types compared

Here is how the four roof types stack up on the things buyers actually weigh up.

Roof type	Waterproof	Adjustable	Maintenance	Best for
Louvred aluminium	Yes, when closed	Yes, fully	Low to medium	All-weather control of sun and rain
Solid polycarbonate	Yes, always	No	Low	Reliable rain cover, patio against the house
Fabric or canopy	Light rain only	Some (retractable)	Medium	Affordable shade, softer light
Open-slatted timber	No	No	Medium (re-treat timber)	Dappled shade and climbing plants

For a second opinion on the trade-offs, Harbour Lifestyle's roof comparison is a useful external read.

Which pergola roof is actually waterproof?

A closed louvred roof and a fixed polycarbonate panel are the two waterproof options. A louvred aluminium roof seals weathertight when the blades shut and drains through the posts, with the bonus that you can open it up on a sunny day, which is why it is the roof our bundles use. A fixed polycarbonate roof is always sealed but never opens. Fabric copes with a passing shower but should not be treated as a rain roof, and an open-slatted timber pergola is not waterproof without a cover added on top. If staying dry through a British summer is the priority, the adjustable louvred roof on a bundle is the most flexible way to get there.

Can you get a pergola with a roof and sides?

Yes. A pergola with a roof and sides adds screens, curtains, blinds or glass to the covered frame, turning it into a sheltered outdoor room. Side panels block wind and low sun, add privacy and keep a covered space usable on cooler evenings. Our louvred-roof bundles come with pull-down privacy blinds for exactly this reason, and our timber pergolas can take privacy panels or a shade sail if you want to build up cover over time. If you are weighing a standalone frame against one attached to the house, our freestanding vs wall-mounted guide covers the decision.

Do you need planning permission for a pergola with a roof?

Most garden pergolas fall under permitted development, but adding a solid roof can change how the structure is assessed, and height, boundary distance, listed status and conservation areas all matter. A fixed, enclosed roof is more likely to raise questions than an open frame, so check before you build. Our pergola planning permission guide walks through the current UK rules in full.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pergola have a solid roof?

Yes. A closed louvred aluminium roof or a fixed polycarbonate panel turns a pergola into a covered structure that keeps rain out. A louvred roof has the edge for most gardens because it seals shut in the wet but opens up for sun and airflow.

What is the best waterproof pergola roof?

For all-weather use, an adjustable louvred aluminium roof is the most versatile waterproof option: weathertight when closed, open when you want sun. A fixed polycarbonate roof is also fully waterproof but cannot open. Fabric and open-slatted timber roofs are not designed to keep heavy rain out on their own.

Can you put sides on a pergola with a roof?

Yes. Screens, curtains, blinds or glass can be added to a roofed pergola to block wind, add privacy and extend the season. Our louvred-roof bundles include pull-down privacy blinds, and timber pergolas can take add-on privacy panels.

Is an aluminium pergola with a roof better than a wooden one?

Aluminium pairs naturally with a louvred or panel roof and needs little upkeep, so it suits an all-weather covered room. Timber offers a warmer, more traditional look and an open-slatted roof you can dress with plants or a canopy. Our aluminium vs wood comparison weighs up cost, lifespan and upkeep.

Do pergola roofs let rain through?

It depends on the type. A closed louvred roof and a polycarbonate roof keep rain out; fabric handles only light showers; and an open-slatted timber roof lets rain through unless you add a cover on top.