Best Pergola Roof Ideas

Having a pergola in the garden, whether separate from the house or leaning against it, allows you to take advantage of outdoor space. The pergola roof can become the central element of your garden, allowing you to enjoy it even in adverse weather.
However, you will have to consider which type of pergola roof to use and which style to do this.

When it comes to pergola roof ideas, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the climate you live in. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you’ll want a roof that will protect you and your furniture from the rain. If you live in a hot climate, you’ll want a canopy providing shade and keeping you cool. The second thing to consider is the style of your home. You’ll want a roof that compliments the style of your home and the rest of your outdoor space.

There are a few different materials you can use for your pergola roof. The most popular is glass. Glass is an excellent option because it is transparent and provides a lot of light. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Another popular material is aluminum. Aluminum is a great choice because it is durable and easy to maintain. It is also a good choice if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall. Finally, you can also use fabric for your pergola roof. Fabric is a good choice if you want a light and airy roof. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

Regardless of the material you choose, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to ensure that the roof is adequately sealed and weatherproof. Secondly, you need to make sure that the roof is properly supported. The last thing you want is for your roof to collapse. Finally, you need to make sure that the roof is properly ventilated. This will help keep the temperature inside the pergola cool in the summer and prevent condensation from forming in the winter.

I remind you to always check the regulations in force in the area where you live because, depending on the location, some pergola roof solutions are not allowed.

This article will find our selection of ideas for pergola roofs.

Contents

Climbing Plants Pergola Roof

image from Pinterest

Suppose you look for a natural covering for your pergola that enters into symbiosis with the garden. In that case, using climbing plants is your choice of pergola roof.
There are different types of plants that can be used as a roof for the pergola. Some of these will be able to provide more shade than others. Still, the real choice is more aesthetic and functional in any case. Choices such as Wisteria, Bougainvillea, Roses, Passionflowers, and fruit plants such as the grape vineyard.

image from Pinterest

The flowering months are usually the same, from May to September. You may have even more than one flowering per year, depending on the plant.

The pergola will be green and colored in the spring and summer months, while it will be uncovered in the winter months when the plants have lost all their leaves.

To grow the plants, you can use small trellises as a support and help the plant climb and enter the right points of the pergola.

image from Pinterest

The pergola roof made up of climbing plants is cheap and natural, but bear in mind that they also have contraindications.
The plants will tend to lose leaves or flowers and overripe fruits, dirtying under the pergola and requiring fair daily maintenance during the months of flowering.
Some overcome this problem by installing protective sheets under the pergola to reduce dirt in the hot months and still have a cover, even if light, in winter.

Also, if you can’t stand or are allergic to insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, or bees, know that they will be your constant companions under the pergola.

Louvered Roof Pergola

image from Pinterest

The pergola roof in adjustable aluminum slats is undoubtedly one of the most technological and popular choices.
The advantages are considerable because it will allow you to use the pergola. This type of pergolas can be fixed to the house or on self-supporting structures.

The slats and the structure are usually made of aluminum. There are also solutions with wooden slats, but they require more maintenance in addition to being heavier.

image from Pinterest

There are both motorized and manual solutions. Both allow you to rotate the slats to play with the shadows and lights, adjusting according to your needs or liking.

The aluminum slats provide good protection from rain or snow when fully closed. You can open them in the sunny months of winter or autumn or adjust them to such inclinations that they will shade you and allow airflow in the warmer months.

image from Pinterest

Some structures are able to implement ceiling fans together with the slats to force the recirculation of air and accent lights to create an atmosphere or for night use.

Some structures mount the slats on vertical walls, effectively closing two or three sides of the pergola to allow further protection from rain and wind.

image from Pinterest

The sellers of louvered pergolas are generally ready for the area’s various building regulations. Before purchasing, it is good to check that you can actually install a pergola roof with retractable slats.

It is certainly the most expensive choice, but also the one that will give you the most satisfaction.

image from Pinterest

Bamboo Roof Pergola

image from Pinterest

The pergola roof in adjustable aluminum slats is undoubtedly one of the most technological and popular choices.

image from Pinterest


More rustic and with a tropical note, but not necessarily not elegant. The choice of bamboo canes as a pergola roof is one of those to be considered.

Bamboo canes are natural and durable, and it is a manageable and flexible material. Furthermore, whether you build your own bamboo roof or if you buy rolls of canes ready to be deployed on your pergola, it turns out to be a very economical choice compared to more expensive choices such as stained glass windows or adjustable louvers.

image from Pinterest

If you want, you can also use wicker instead of bamboo.

The pergola roof in bamboo canes or wicker creates an extraordinarily seductive and relaxing effect of shadow and filtering light.
The reed mats can also be rolled and unrolled at will, with the possibility of removing them in the winter months when not needed. They can also be installed vertically to act as side protection for both privacy and the sultry heat of the summer months.

image from Pinterest

Pergola Roof with Awnings

The pergola roof solution with awnings and fabrics is widely used and versatile.

image from Pinterest


It is not the best choice if you live in areas where it rains a lot or probably snows, while if the climate is more or less mild and tends to warm, the tent is an excellent solution.

image from Pinterest


There are many types and different fabrics. Some improvise with simple sheets, those who create particular textures with curtains and play with light and shadows, and those who prefer comfort by installing motorized retractable curtain systems.

image from Pinterest


Regardless of the type chosen, the awnings are an excellent roof for your pergola but watch out for the prices. If the cost is very similar to motorized slats, ask yourself if you really want them or prefer something else.

Glass Pergola Roof

image from Pinterest

Finally, I will tell you about the glass pergola roof.
If you want to create a year-round living space in your pergola, glass can be your solution. This pergola roof solution is commonly found in restaurants and businesses that use the roof and sliding glass closures to increase their space. Still, it is also widely used in homes where we sometimes find real glazed and liveable lounges in winter or even more daring solutions with kitchens and hydromassage pools.

image from Pinterest

The glass acts as a lens for the winter sun, warming the internal environment. At the same time, the possibility of opening it and adding curtains in the summer makes it suitable for all seasons and climates.

image from Pinterest

Glass may still be too expensive for some and impractical for others. In fact, not all building regulations in the area allow it.

What is the best roof for a pergola?

As we have seen, there are various options, all very valid. It depends on the budget and the style you want to give to our pergola. The retractable slats are certainly the most functional pergola roofs, paired with the glass closure, even if it requires more maintenance. For those who cannot spend too much, the solutions in bamboo rods or curtains are excellent style and functionality solutions. Last but not least, the pergola roof with a climbing frame can be the ideal solution for nature lovers and for a sure visual effect.
Whatever your final choice will be, remember to create a relaxation area where you can be happy.

Leave a Comment