Criteria for choosing a pergola based on your needs

Pergolas with a roof are among the most popular additions to outdoor spaces. This small, stylish garden structure, made of aluminum or wood, has multiple uses and comes in a variety of styles. It offers you additional living space sheltered from the elements and the sun. A pleasant compromise between a veranda and an awning, the pergola allows you to protect your patio from the sun or create a shaded area in your garden, adding an aesthetic touch to the facade of your modern home. To make the right choice and maximize your comfort, it's essential to select the best pergola model based on your needs and preferred materials. To do this, consider certain criteria, such as price, dimensions, and options like adjustable louvers. Let's explore the different offers and options available for a custom-made pergola .

What are the different types of pergolas?

There are several different types of pergolas , depending on the type of roof, installation, and structure:

• The freestanding pergola offers independent support and adapts to a garden or independent outdoor space. Its size is customizable and its design is elegant.
• The attached pergola , which is fixed to a solid support such as the facade of a house, is very suitable for protecting a terrace and can be fitted with options such as aluminum slats or a polycarbonate roof.
• The retractable pergola is adjustable depending on the weather. It has a canvas or polycarbonate roof. You can also choose options such as adding aluminum slats.
• The bioclimatic pergola is the perfect solution for adjusting light, heat, and ventilation. This type of pergola features adjustable louvers, which are very practical for everyday use. The bioclimatic pergola combines comfort with numerous advantages.

Each type of model offers unique advantages and different price points, in addition to varying levels of protection, comfort, and aesthetics.

The materials commonly used for a pergola

Choosing the right material for your pergola according to your needs is necessary to guarantee the durability of your construction, its style and its maintenance for a better lifespan.

Wood is the quintessential natural material, an ideal solution for subtle harmony in any type of aesthetically pleasing and stylish outdoor design. However, wood requires regular maintenance, particularly with a special wood stain. This allows it to withstand the elements and the sun.

Aluminum is a lightweight and rather modern material. An aluminum pergola is perfect for a lean-to structure or a bioclimatic pergola. Polycarbonate , on the other hand, is an ideal material for effective rain protection. It is often used on roofs.

Note that you can combine materials if you wish, such as a retractable awning with an aluminum pergola, or a polycarbonate roof with an aluminum frame. This combination allows you to enjoy the advantages of both materials.

Choose your pergola according to your needs

Looking for the perfect pergola to fully enjoy your stylish outdoor space? Consider how you intend to use this new structure. If you want to build a pergola to create a relaxing space in your garden, a freestanding wooden pergola will be the perfect solution, with its natural and inviting aesthetic.

A pergola attached to a terrace with adjustable wooden or aluminum slats is more suitable for an outdoor dining area project, while also providing a shaded area.

Meanwhile, the adjustable louvers of your bioclimatic pergola will protect your outdoor space from rain and heat. If you live in a city with harsh weather, a pergola with a polycarbonate or rigid roof is the ideal solution, as it will effectively protect you from the rain.

You can also add certain options for even more comfort, such as functional lighting and side blinds, not forgetting pergola accessories .

The criteria for aesthetics and harmony with your outdoor space

Your pergola should be aesthetically pleasing. Therefore , its design and style, as well as its comfort level , should not be overlooked. Your new pergola should complement the facade of your house and suit your outdoor space.

To avoid making a mistake in your choice, we advise you to consider the size, dimensions, and materials of the pergola to ensure its proportions are right for you. If you have a modern house, a contemporary aluminum pergola will be perfect. If your house is more traditional, a wooden model will blend in harmoniously. Finally, remember to choose colors that are consistent with your house's facade and roof for optimal comfort.

What regulatory standards must be respected for the installation of a pergola?

Before installing a pergola, you must ensure that your pergola project complies with certain regulatory requirements and standards, particularly regarding its size.

What permits are required to install a pergola?

Firstly, a prior declaration of works is required for any pergola larger than 5 m². For pergolas smaller than 5 m², no authorization is necessary. However, you must comply with the rules of the Local Urban Development Plan (PLU). If your pergola project exceeds 20 m², you must apply for a building permit .

Good to know: Installing a pergola attached to or in the immediate vicinity of a historical building requires a building permit, regardless of the pergola's footprint. For a work declaration, complete form Cerfa 13404*07 online and submit it to the town hall. For a building permit application, use form Cerfa 13406*067, which can be downloaded online and must also be submitted to the town hall.

Respecting neighborhood distances

The law mandates a minimum distance of 1.90 meters between a new pergola and your nearest neighbor's fence. This distance applies to a direct view into your neighbor's property. For an oblique view, the minimum boundary distance required by law is 60 centimeters . This distance does not apply if your pergola's opening overlooks a blank wall, a public road (path, street, etc.), or a neighboring roof. Before starting any construction project, be sure to consult your local town hall regarding the Local Urban Development Plan (PLU).

Compliance with safety standards

There are numerous safety standards to consider when building a pergola. The structure and its materials must comply with current regulations to create a safe and secure outdoor living space.

In addition to the required work declaration and building permit, pergolas are subject to technical and structural standards. These standards primarily concern the structure's resistance to weathering, achieved through the use of quality materials. In France, standards such as Eurocode 1 for climatic variations apply. Furthermore, metal structures require rigorous maintenance to prevent corrosion, while wooden structures must be treated according to the NF EN 335 standard (maintenance against fungi, moisture, and insects).

Let's not forget the electrical safety standards if you plan to add a heating system or lighting. In France, the NF C 15-100 standard applies to electrical installations, requiring the use of a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) as protection against short circuits.