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Gazebos are a wonderful piece of kit to have in the summer. They’re a great shield from the elements, whether that is from the sun, shower, or even snow, if the weather has decided to surprise you that day! They are all-weather protection for all seasons. Well, almost all weather. If you’re forecast to have strong winds and breezes, you may find that these sorts of conditions aren’t exactly ideal for your gazebo. This is especially the case for gazebos which are temporary structures that have been erected for a single event, such as a festival or a barbecue. These structures tend to be made out of some type of pliable or flexible material as well, such as plastic or fabric, which makes them particularly bad when it comes to staying on the ground. Many of us have seen videos on television and online of these gazebos catching a particularly strong gust and then flying off to who-knows-where (usually the next field, battered and broken). If this happens to you and your setup, you can kiss that shield goodbye. This is why we have put together this article. In this quick guide, we are going to show you some of the things you can do to keep your gazebo safe on terra firma, as well as stop the side of your gazebo canopy from flapping in the breeze. Securing Your Gazebo So, before you can start to worry about flappy sides getting in the way of a good afternoon or day out, you need to make sure that your gazebo is secure in the first place. Setting It Up On A Secure Surface This seems like it should be the first thought that comes to you. Make sure that the surface you are putting your gazebo on is stable enough. This sounds like an obvious thought, and that is because it kind of is. But many people often forget that putting your gazebo on different surfaces means that you’re going to have to take different measures to keep it fastened down. For example, concrete is a surface that gives your gazebo a nice flat area to sit on but can be difficult to keep in place if a strong breeze comes by. Grass, on the other hand, can be a lot less flat than plain old concrete, meaning it has the potential to fall over but is a nice surface that you can secure your gazebo to with some pegs or other tools. Sand is a similarly decent surface, as the natural weight of sand on a gazebo lightly dug into it can help weigh it down, as well as be nice and easy to flatten out with a little force. However, if a particularly strong breeze comes by, you may find that a little sand isn’t enough to stop it from flying off. Weighing Your Gazebo Down Right Once you have found a good enough surface to put your gazebo on, you need to start figuring out how you are going to keep it there. Fortunately, there are plenty of different securing tools that you can use to do this. Weights are a great method for securing your gazebo on virtually any surface, but they are particularly good for concrete surfaces, where there are relatively few anchor points to hold it. Pegs and anchoring kits are another popular method of securing these portable canopies, though they are only really ideal for nice and soft soil. Polypropylene is a very good option, as it takes a lot of wind to try and pull your gazebo off the ground when they are properly fastened with these. Stopping Your Gazebo’s Sides From Flapping So, you finally have your gazebo secured and stuck to the ground. Congratulations! However, despite knowing that your gazebo is safe and secure, you may have noticed that the sides of the canopy continue to keep flapping in the breeze. Not only is it making an annoying noise, but the repeated flapping may accidentally catch a larger breeze, and try and pull itself from your gazebo. And whilst it may not get free, it could still potentially rip or otherwise damage the fabric or material of your gazebo. If you are worried about this happening, then consider these ideas for keeping your canopy secure. Make Sure The Straps Are Secure Most gazebos with these types of covers tend to have some built-in method of fastening them to the gazebo frame. Whether it is with some type of hook system, or good old-fashioned Velcro, making sure that these are securely fitted from the cover to the frame will help make sure that any loose breezes or gusts will have nothing to get purchased on. Using Extra Weights Weights are another effective way to make sure that your gazebo cover doesn’t go flying. Whilst the larger weights you might use for holding gazebos in place probably aren’t the most appropriate weights to use, fishing weights will also work quite nicely to add a little extra weight. If you do choose to add fishing weights to your gazebo canopy cover, be careful where you are placing them. As many people will often accidentally hit their head when in contact with the cover, they may accidentally catch the weight and injure themselves. Using Washers If you have noticed that your cover has pockets, or feels handy with a sewing machine, adding some washers as extra weights will also work nicely. Simply put several of these in any available pockets, and you should see a reduction in flapping. Once again, be careful where you put them on your cover. You don’t want to hit your head on them, after all! Final Thoughts Gazebos can be a bit of a hassle to put up sometimes. But once you have them secure, and you manage to stop the flapping, there isn’t anything as useful as them in the summer!

Soaking up the sun in your garden is one of the pleasures of having a deck. But on those particularly hot summer days, you might appreciate a bit more shade than the average raised deck offers. Perhaps leading you to consider the pergola. Pergolas add areas of dappled shade to a garden, and also make a fantastic design feature. However, these large structures also come with a lot of weight. Some raised decks can support a lightweight pergola, but many won’t be up to the task for heavier structures such as wooden pergolas. If you’re thinking of adding a pergola to your raised deck, this guide can answer all your questions. We’ll cover whether it’s possible to put a pergola on a raised deck, and some tips and tricks for installation. Can You Put A Pergola On A Raised Deck? A pergola can be put on a raised deck, but it isn’t always the best place for them. Raised decks may not have the strength needed to support a pergola. Before installing, there are several crucial factors that you have to consider. The Amount Of Deck Support Pergolas are best installed on decks that are close to the ground. If your raised deck is on stilts, you might want to skip the pergola. The weight tolerance of the deck is incredibly important, and higher support beams tend to have a lower weight tolerance. The Type Of Pergola The diverse designs of pergolas means you can often find an option that will work with your type of deck. Consider both material and structure, as well as the overall visual appeal of the pergola. Although attractive design is important, it shouldn’t be your foremost consideration. Design features can be added later, using lighter materials. The Pergola Weight For a raised deck, the best pergolas are lightweight. Look for those made from wood or composites, and consider smaller structures with fewer posts and beams. Avoid any pergolas with a heavy roof or enclosed sides. Instead, think about simplicity. The Condition Of The Raised Deck An old deck with weak supports is not a good foundation for a pergola, no matter how lightweight a design you choose. If you plan on updating your deck any time soon, do it before adding the pergola. The Best Way To Install A Pergola On A Raised Deck Stability is absolutely key when installing a pergola on a raised deck. Before you install, you have to be sure your deck can support the weight of the pergola. If you have old raised decking, it might be better to avoid installing a pergola. Begin by reinforcing the strength of your raised deck as much as possible. This might mean replacing old supports, adding new ones, and giving the old deck a thorough look over. Next, choose your pergola. Look for one that is made of lightweight material, and has a simple design. The roof is a key area to consider. Use an open lattice or light fabrics to add shade without weight. Install the pergola, making sure to attach the support posts to the joist structure of the deck. Don’t attach them to the deck floorboards, or they won’t have the support they need. What Decks Can You Put A Pergola On? Most decks are suitable for putting pergolas on, provided they have enough stability and strength to support the structure. Traditional wooden decks, with a slight raise to meet the line of the door, are typically suitable for putting pergolas on. They should have a sturdy base, and support from beneath that accommodates the weight. As the decks are close to the ground, the posts that form the sides of the pergolas can often be sunk into the foundations through holes cut into the deck. It might even be possible to replace the corners of the deck with the pergola posts. Concrete or stone decks can also support pergolas. The most simple option is adding a pergola directly on to the concrete. This is perfect for a temporary structure, although you should consider anchoring if you want to keep it up year round. Otherwise, holes can be cut into the concrete to sink the supports for the pergola. If you want a large structure, it might stretch out beyond the deck, and be sunk into the garden. If you are installing a pergola on an existing deck, no matter the type of deck, you should always consider stability. Installing A Pergola Alongside A Raised Deck Adding a pergola to a raised deck that’s already in place is difficult, and sometimes impossible. However, if you’re adding a raised deck to your garden and considering a pergola, you should have a few more options. Newer decks tend to have better strength and might be able to support even heavier pergolas. By factoring in the weight of the pergola at this initial stage, you can potentially design a raised deck with the stability for the pergola of your choice. Speak to your contractor about available options. Ideas For Gardens With Raised Decks If you’ve decided a pergola isn’t right for your raised deck, there are still plenty of options available. If your garden is big enough, you may prefer to install a pergola elsewhere on the property. Look for an area that catches the sun without feeling a glare. Pergolas are commonly installed over walkways. If you don’t have quite enough space for a raised deck and a pergola, you may prefer to install an arbour. An arbour is traditionally bench seating with a roof, often with lattice side panels. Arbours are typically smaller than pergolas, and fit easier into gardens. If your raised deck can’t handle the weight of a pergola, it might be able to support an arbour instead. Final Thoughts A pergola can be a lovely addition to a garden, but the heavy structures aren’t suitable for every type of decking. lthough it is possible to put a pergola on a raised deck, it’s rarely recommended. If you choose to go ahead, remember that stability is crucial.

Looking at a pergola, you probably wouldn’t think it provides much shade at all. It’s just wooden beams after all, right? Well, even the bare structure of a pergola provides a moderate amount of shade, and you can also easily create more shade as well with the addition of vines and other plants. You can also easily attach a cover to your pergola to protect yourself from the elements when the sun gets too much or a light drizzle is wrecking your barbeque plans (as happens so often in the UK). However, on its own, no. A typical wooden beam pergola will not provide you with a fully shaded space. That begs the question, why bother getting a pergola at all? Benefits Of Getting A Pergola It looks great - Getting a pergola installed in your garden is a great way to create a purpose-built space for lounging in the sun during the summer or a place to easily decorate with fairy lights and a fire pit during the colder months. They’re cost-effective - Getting a pergola and styling some outdoor furniture is always going to be a cheaper option than building a conservatory or another room in the home. It’s a great way to maximise your outdoor space and create another area to relax in. They’re easy to customise - If shade is your top priority, it’s easy to customise a pergola to accommodate! Think weather-proof muslins, growing vines, and flowers, or hanging lights to create that extra bit of shade. Defining space - Pergolas are a great way to utilise your garden, especially if the kids are a little older now and that once sought-after football grass is now looking a little worse off. Pergolas can be a good way to add an additional space to your garden without making it feel cramped or confined. As there are no solid structures like a conservatory, it also doesn’t shut off the rest of the garden either. Plants love them - If you’ve always wanted some gorgeous creepers, having a pergola is a great way to give them a solid support structure to cling on to. Especially if you have an old house that you'd rather not wreck with climbers that can pull out essential mortar, you can train your plants to cling to your pergola instead! Low maintenance - Pergolas are really durable, and low maintenance. As long as you invest in a pergola that has a good-quality finish, there’s no reason why your pergola should last for many years. All in all, pergolas are a perfect way to show off another area of style and comfort outside of the house. How Much Shade Does A Pergola Provide? Whilst there are many different styles of pergola available, the traditional design is made from multiple wooden beams attached to four corner posts. On average, just a beamed pergola will provide around 20 -30 % shade to your area. This can be all you need to escape a little of the sun’s rays. The dappled light that a pergola provides is great for chilling out in the garden and doesn’t cover you completely, meaning you can still bask in the warm glow of the sunshine. In the UK, we love to embrace the hot weather whenever we get the chance, and a pergola is a great way to enjoy it without being overwhelmed by the direct sunlight. The really great thing about pergolas is that you can easily customise the amount of shade that they provide. Perfect if you want to keep kids out of the sun whilst enjoying the outdoors, or you want a little added protection from the elements when the British barbeque season takes a turn for the worst. How To Add More Shade To A Pergola There are so many ways to maximise your pergola and create a homely, shaded area to hang out in. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular ones. Plants Growing creepers and plants up the four posts of your pergola is a great way to incorporate a bit more shade into your space. Great ones to go for include ivy, wisteria, star jasmine, grapevines, or even roses. The downside of growing plants is that they require the most upkeep. For example, you’ll want to make sure that ivy doesn’t grow onto the house as it can really mess up your brickwork. Plants like wisteria and grapevines can also get incredibly heavy and affect the stability of your pergola, so they'll need to be trimmed every year or so as well. The other obvious downside of plants is that you have to wait for them to grow in order to get the shade you want from them, but they are also the best way of getting natural dappled light that doesn’t completely block out the sun. Fake Plants For an instant fix that doesn’t require any waiting or much maintenance, fake vines, and plastic leaves can be a great option for creating that same dappled shade without all of the waiting around. We think it’s worth investing in good quality fake plants if you do choose to go this route, however, as some of the cheaper options can look a bit plasticky. With that being said, you’d be surprised how many great-looking fake vines you can find on the market! Latices Or Reed For a natural look that provides you with a bigger level of shade, why not try adding some garden lattices or reeds to your roof? You can pick up good-looking ones from the garden centres and home improvement stores pretty easily. The great thing about these is that you can install them with a staple or nail gun, and remove them when you fancy a change without too much faff. Final Thoughts Whilst there are many ways you can upgrade your pergola if you fancy a bit more shade, a traditional wooden beamed pergola looks fantastic just as it is, and will still provide you some respite from the hot summer sun.

Is there a greater staple of British summer than the humble gazebo? It is the perfect way to escape from the sun if it is getting too much for us, as well as a haven when the summer showers inevitably hit us (come on, it’s Britain. Of course, it is going to rain on barbecue day!) They’re pretty much ready for most weather that the summer can through at you, barring a windy storm coming over the horizon. And who’s silly enough to do that? However, many people, when they are putting up their gazebos, feel like their prized summer sun shield just doesn’t look…. Bright enough, you know? Most gazebos kind of look the same or similar to each other. More often than not, many of them feel cut from the same cloth (or sheet of metal/glass, if that’s the material you are working with). Most of them look quite similar to each other, with four legs and a point at the top. Which makes sense. The water that hits your gazebo needs to run off the side, not collect and fall through! But it leaves many of them looking identical to one another. There’s just no way for you to tell your next-door neighbours. Well, that’s what we’re here to talk about in this article! We’re going to be discussing just some of the ways that you can decorate your gazebo to make it stand out from anyone else on your street, for a whole range of different gazebos. They’ll help your little summer shelter stand out! Adding String/Fairy Lights For our first suggestion, we recommend using string lights to decorate both the legs and canopy of your gazebos. Not only is this a great way to add a little new life to your gazebo, but they can be very helpful as well. Many barbecues and meet-ups have gone on from the afternoon into the evening, and even into summer nighttimes. These little lights will help give that little extra illumination for you, your family, and your guests, to keep moving around without a worry. All while looking great and adorable at the same time! Not only that, but because these lights can come in virtually any colour, you’re free to choose what light you want to glow under your canopy. An ordinary bright light, a warmer yellow, a cool blue, or even a moody red. Pretty much all of these options are on the table for you! The only thing you will need to consider when considering putting up fairy lights is how they are being powered. There are both battery-powered and plug-in light options. Plug-in will somewhat restrict where the gazebo can be about where the lights are, but you won’t have to worry about your lights running out of power. Battery-powered lights can be easily moved with your gazebo, but may only have a few hours' worths of power in them. Hanging Planters Or Baskets One of the things that can add a flourish to your gazebo is by hanging up a few planters that are filled with flowers. Having flowers that are bright colours can complement a gazebo’s appearance, especially if it is relatively featureless beforehand. Plus, they add a certain rustic charm to your gazebo. If you are looking for a more classic aesthetic to your gazebo, and want to avoid adding too many modern features to it, then flowers in hangers or baskets will help add a little more decoration without becoming too overwhelming. If you aren’t exactly a big fan of woven flower baskets, then hangers are a great alternative, as they can be made out of almost any material. Plastic, wood, even metal. All of these can add different sensory experiences to your gardens, so make sure that you consider your options carefully. Something to keep in mind when looking for hanging baskets or hangers is to remember that you will need to maintain the flowers or plants that you choose to hang up, which can be a little difficult for some to add into their garden care routine. Still, it is an addition that everyone will be able to appreciate when they are out in your garden! Adding Vines If you have a gazebo that is a permanent fixture in your garden, there are plenty of opportunities that you have for permanent fixtures to it. For example, if you love the idea of hanging flowers or plants under your gazebo, but want to take it to its logical extreme, then you can try and cultivate vines to grow over and around your gazebo’s canopy and legs! This is the perfect way to both flex your gardening chops, as well as to show off to any guests that come around. The colourful vines and flowers that decorate them will make a beautiful addition to any gazebo they are under. The only thing you’ll need to consider is how much time are you prepared to put aside to care for them. If you are worried that the answer is ‘not enough’ then you can simply use dried vine stems instead to get a similar result! Lantern The perfect compromise between rustic charm and modern utility. If you love being under your gazebo after dark, then you should consider using lanterns. Not only do they add some much-needed light to an otherwise dim gazebo, but the twinkle of their lights sets the mood for a relaxing evening under them. The only thing that you may need to take into account is that the candles you light them with can burn pretty quickly and fill up with dirt. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are plenty of ways for you to add a new lease of life to your garden gazebos!

Picture the scene: you’ve found the perfect pergola. It’s going to look great in your back garden, offering shade and style to anybody who relaxes underneath it. However, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you install it, namely the fact of its height. How high should a pergola be? Well, we’ve got the answers for you. In our helpful guide below, you’ll find out how to get the height of your pergola just right, as well as the things to consider when deciding on it. What Is A Pergola? Firstly, let’s look at what a pergola is. These are outdoor structures that have a roofing grid on top made out of rafters or beams. That roofing grid is held up by some columns, and the grid can either be covered or left open - usually depending on the weather! A pergola can either stand on its own, or it can be attached onto a house. What Is The Height Of A Typical Pergola? The typical height of a pergola is usually anywhere between 8 and 12 feet tall. However, it can all depend on the individual elements, and how much head room you want. If you want 9 feet of head room, for example, the roof beams will add another foot, as will the rafters - bringing it to about 11 feet tall. The Downsides Of Getting Pergola Height Wrong You may think that there’s not much downside to having a tall pergola, but there can be if you have one that’s too high. If the pergola is built too high, then it may not offer you the proper protection from the weather - it won’t give you the shade you need from the sun, or shelter you from any rain. On the other hand, having a pergola that is too low is also bad. If your pergola is too short, it might be really dim underneath in it, ruining your relaxation. Additionally, it can compromise the ventilation of the pergola, meaning that being under the pergola becomes a stuffy affair. On top of all that, you don’t want to constantly be bending down, or bumping your head on the roof of the pergola. What To Consider When Picking Pergola Height The height you go for will depend on what works best for you, and offers you the most of what you want. A lot of it will depend on the style and roofline of your home, because it needs to line up with it and not look too drastically different. It’s worth checking with your neighbourhood to make sure that your chosen design doesn’t ruin their overall look. Additionally, if you want to add a chimney to the pergola, it’ll affect the height. If you have a small house and want a more intimate atmosphere under the pergola, then you’re best going with a height of around 8 feet. On the other hand, if you want a bit more going on underneath the pergola, then you’ll need to go taller. We don’t just mean more people under there, but more objects too: special lighting, a ceiling fan, and so on. The height you’ll want to go for this medium tallness is about 10 feet. For the higher end of the height spectrum, you’ll want to aim for about 12 feet. This is best if you’ve got a larger home, and it needs a larger roofed pergola to suit it. On top of that, you’ll be able to fit lots of guests too. You’ll also want to decide whether you want concrete footings or anchors. If you pick the concrete, be sure to account for an extra 2 or 3 feet to each of your posts’ height. Concrete flooring is great for its strength, as well as for people who live in colder climates where the ground is known to freeze - you want something stable. Matching Your Pergola To The House As we’ve touched on, you’ll want your pergola to be dictated by the surrounding architecture to an extent. This doesn’t just mean that its style and colour shouldn’t clash too much with your house, either. It also means that you need the height to allow the roof to connect to your building properly, and be tall enough that it doesn’t obstruct the building. You don’t want a roof grid colliding with a door or some windows, it needs to lift above them. Fit For Functions You also want your pergola to be dictated by how you’re going to use it. As we’ve mentioned, a smaller and lower pergola will do well for cosy gatherings, while a larger and taller one will allow you to have parties with lots of guests. 10 foot by 10 foot is a good size for smallers ones, offering enough space for a couple of people and some furniture. On the other hand, large houses will want a large pergola, such as 16 foot by 16 foot, or even 20 foot by 20 foot. A word of warning, though,you will need to have more beams the wider your pergola stretches. They need to be strong enough to hold it up. Decorating Your Pergola Obviously you will need to have enough space for any decorations you want to put on your pergola. Some of the larger and taller pergolas are very fancy, kitted out with lighting, chairs, and sofas. On top of that, some even add a chandelier. If you plan to add lots of features, you’ll need a taller pergola to give hanging room (and room) for them. Final Thoughts A pergola is a great way to relax outside without being affected by the weather. However, you should always make sure yours is tall enough in advance - we recommend that you hire a professional to advise.

So what is a pergola? It’s a garden structure that can either be joined to your home or can stand free in your garden. These open structures are a little like permanent gazebos. They’re great because they offer you the same protection and shelter for parties and barbeques without the annoying hassle of trying to install it and then taking it back down and backing it away. Anyone that’s put up a temporary gazebo knows how time-consuming that can be, which is what I believe is just one example that makes pergolas far superior. However, if you are thinking about building one there are a few things that need to be considered, and planning permission is one of them. Pergola Planning Do You Need Planning Permission Planning permission can seem like a tricky and confusing thing and searching for, finding, and understanding the information can be even harder. As a general rule, it’s okay to develop on your own property, but there can be several exemptions to exactly what you can and can’t do. The most important thing to come to terms with is ‘curtilage.’ Basically this is just knowing the exact boundaries of your property. You will have to ensure that you do not build outside of these boundaries. On the government website, ‘Planning Portal’ pergolas are not actually listed in the exemptions. Sheds, conservatories, summerhouses, and decks are though. I would strongly advise going through this website and giving it a read before you start any real planning work. This website is really good because there is tons of information you can find. The format of the website is very simple and therefore easy to understand. As stated, any information you could possibly need will be found on this website, but throughout this article, we will go through the main points together. Although pergolas themselves are not mentioned, and you probably won't need direct planning permission to build them, you will still need to take note of this important phrase: ‘And many other kinds of structure for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house’ Pergolas would technically fall under this category and so to ensure that you do not need to ask for permission to build it, you’ll have to keep within certain requirements. Really as long as you use common sense, and are respectful and mindful of your neighbors, you should be okay. Be sure that your build doesn’t affect their views or the sunlight. Requirements To Follow Here we will go through the main points that are stated for building within your property. The further away you can be from these set boundaries the better: If it is built within 2m of the property boundary, the absolute maximum height that your pergola can be is 2.5m/8’2inches. If you build further away from the property boundary, the height can be increased to 3m/9’10 inches high. If the roof of the pergola is A-shaped/is a pitched-roof structure the height can be increased to 4m/13inches. If your home is situated in a conservation area and you build your pergola more than 20m from the home and more than 10 square meters you will require planning permission. Building a pergola in your front garden will require planning permission. Pergolas built-in conservation areas, built on the side of the home, or between the house and the boundary will require planning permission. Listed houses always require planning permission. Adding a balcony, veranda, or platform will require planning permission. This is mainly for safety reasons to ensure they are built within the regulations set for them. Your Local Authority A little piece of advice we always give before starting a project is to give your local authority a quick call to discuss your intentions. The reason that we do this is that sometimes different authorities may perceive some of the required guidelines slightly differently from one another. The last thing that we'd like to see happen is you invest your time and money into something that doesn’t get approved because of a misinterpretation or misunderstanding. While it may seem like a bit of a hassle to wait on hold, to have to then discuss everything you want to do, and how you plan on doing it, it’d be a lot worse to jump the gun and end up having to destroy all your hard work. A quick phone call can put your mind at ease and ensure that you are within all the regulations for your specific area. Final Thoughts If you are considering upgrading your garden by making it a more enjoyable and relaxing area with the addition of a pergola, you should absolutely go for it. Some people can be put off knowing that ensuring the requirements are met for planning permission can be stressful and confusing. But it really doesn’t have to be. The website mentioned above is really easily formatted, so you should have no problem navigating it and finding all the information that you need to be able to progress with your planning. Throughout this article, we have also gone through all of the main points that you need to follow, and as long as you stick to these you shouldn’t actually need to get planning permission to begin renovating your garden or adding a garden Pergola (be sure to check out our range of natural Wooden Pergolas or and contemporary Metal Pergolas if this is your first visit to our website!). Of course, you should refer back to the guidelines set out in the planning portal to ensure that you have every point and not just the main ones. Lastly, I would always recommend that you speak to your local authorities once you have planned out the exact measurements of your pergola and where you plan to build it. Do this before you actually set to do any of the work because even if you are only slightly over the requirements you will not have the planning permission and you may have to demolish and start over.

Adding outdoor lighting to your garden pergola can enhance the look and feel of your space. By adding some simple illumination, you can transform your pergola into a twilight oasis that is perfect for quiet relaxation, or outdoor entertaining (so listen up, garden party fans!). Choosing the best garden lights for a Pergola When choosing outdoor lighting for your pergola, it is important to consider the style of the structure, as well as the surrounding areas. For example, if your pergola is attached to your house, you may want to consider using lights that match the style of your home’s exterior lighting. "With some careful thought and planning, choosing garden lighting for your pergola can be quick and easy...so what are you waiting for - get started today!" In addition, any outdoor entertaining areas should be well lit to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for guests - meaning a brighter light that sufficiently illuminates the area would likely be a better fit. Matching Styles There are many different types of outdoor lights, ranging from traditional light bulbs, and vintage 'Edison' bulbs, to more modern and contemporary options. For example, you may want to choose string lights with a vintage-inspired look if you have a wooden pergola. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more sleek and modern, installing some recessed lighting or mounted wall sconces could be a better option, especially if you have a metal or aluminium pergola (all of these pergola styles are available here on Pergola.co.uk!) Solar-Powered Lighting Solutions! Solar-powered lights are a great option for pergolas since they are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. Keep in mind, however, that solar lights will need to be placed in an area that gets direct sunlight to work properly - so the natural 'open slat' design of our various pergolas is perfect for mounting solar-powered lights too! Another thing to keep in mind is that solar lights generally provide a softer, more ambient light, as opposed to a brighter light that illuminates a larger area. So, if you’re looking for garden lights that will make your pergola stand out at night, solar lights may not be the best option. There are many different types of outdoor lights available, so it's important to consider your pergola as well as the surrounding areas before you make a final decision. With some careful thought and planning, choosing garden lighting for your pergola can be quick and easy! So what are you waiting for - get started today!