How to Choose an Aluminium Pergola: Roof, Sides and Wind
How to choose an aluminium pergola
Look at five things: the grade of aluminium, the finish, the wind rating, how the louvred roof works and what you can add to the sides. Then pick the size for your space.
The short answer
A good aluminium pergola has a strong frame, a durable finish, a proven wind rating and a roof you can set for the weather.
Compare our aluminium pergolas
We sell two ranges. Here is how they compare, from each product page.12
| Outdoor Living Dual Zone | Furniture 123 louvred pergola with side panels | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 3 x 3m, 4 x 3m and 6 x 3m | 3 x 3m |
| Frame | 6063 aluminium | Aluminium, with steel roof louvres |
| Finish | Triple powder coated | Powder coated, beige |
| Roof | Louvres tilt up to 100 degrees with a hand crank | Louvred shutter roof with a crank handle |
| Rain | Drains down inside the posts | Drainage channels in the cross beams |
| Sides | Add fitted side screens, from £299 | Two textilene side panels included |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Price | From £999 | £1,499.97 |
Why aluminium
It protects itself
Aluminium reacts with oxygen to form a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface, and that layer protects the metal underneath.3 Our Outdoor Living frames add a triple powder coated finish on top.1
It needs little looking after
The Outdoor Living pergolas need only a simple wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best.1 There is no timber to stain or treat.
The louvred roof
The roof is made of aluminium blades that turn together. On our Outdoor Living pergolas they tilt up to 100 degrees with a hand crank.1
Closed for rain
Rain runs into channels in the beams and down inside the posts, keeping the patio and furniture dry.1
Angled for shade and air
Angle the blades slightly and rising warm air escapes while the direct sun stays off.1
Open for sun
Turn the blades fully open to let the winter sun in.1
Two zones on the 6 x 3m
The 6 x 3m has two roof sections with separate cranks, so one side can be shaded while the other is in the sun.1
Wind and fixing
Our Outdoor Living pergolas are tested to Wind Resistance Class 6, which is up to Beaufort force 9.1 Force 9 is what the Met Office calls a severe gale, 41 to 47 knots.4
Fix the pergola to a solid base, such as concrete pads or a paved patio, using the expansion bolts provided.2 If you would rather not fit it yourself, Outdoor Living pergolas can be delivered and installed for £299, or delivered to the kerb for £29.95.5
Sides for shelter and privacy
Fitted side screens run in zip tracks, so the fabric stays put in a breeze, and a pull cord sets them to any height. The 3 x 3m side screen is £299 and the 4 x 3m side screen is £399.6
The Furniture 123 3 x 3m pergola comes with two UV-resistant textilene side panels that pull down halfway or all the way, on whichever sides you choose.2
Planning a pergola over a hot tub? Read which pergola fits over your hot tub, and check do you need planning permission for a pergola?
Our aluminium pergolas
See all our pergolas, or start with these.
Outdoor Living Dual Zone louvred pergola, 3 x 3m
£999
Our most popular size, 296.6 cm square and 250 cm high, for a hot tub, a dining set or a lounge area.1
Outdoor Living Dual Zone louvred pergola, 4 x 3m
£1,499
An extra metre of length, 395.8 x 296.6 cm, for seating beside a hot tub or a bigger table.1
Outdoor Living Dual Zone louvred pergola, 6 x 3m
£1,999
Our largest, 578 x 296.6 cm, with two roof sections to cover dining and lounging under one roof.1
Furniture 123 3 x 3m louvred pergola with two side panels, beige
£1,499.97
A beige frame with a louvred shutter roof and two textilene side panels for shade and privacy, with a 2 year warranty.2
Aluminium pergola questions
Open a question to read the answer. Want to see one first? Pergolas are on display at our Hull, Carlisle and Garforth showrooms.
Is an aluminium pergola worth it?
An aluminium pergola needs very little looking after: the metal forms its own protective oxide layer, and our Outdoor Living pergolas need only a wipe with a damp cloth. With a louvred roof you can open it for sun or close it against rain, so you use the space in more of the year.
Do aluminium pergolas rust?
Aluminium does not rust like steel. It reacts with oxygen to form a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface, which protects the metal underneath. Our Outdoor Living pergolas also have a triple powder coated finish.
Can an aluminium pergola withstand wind?
Our Outdoor Living pergolas are made from 6063 aluminium and tested to Wind Resistance Class 6, which is up to Beaufort force 9, a severe gale. Fix the pergola to a solid base, such as concrete pads or a paved patio.
Can I add sides to an aluminium pergola?
Yes. Fitted side screens are made for our 3 x 3m and 4 x 3m Outdoor Living pergolas, from £299, and the Furniture 123 3 x 3m pergola comes with two textilene side panels.
What warranty comes with an aluminium pergola?
Outdoor Living pergolas come with a 1 year warranty, and Furniture 123 pergolas with a 2 year warranty.
Sources
- Outdoor Living, product pages for the 3 x 3m, 4 x 3m and 6 x 3m Dual Zone louvred pergolas, accessed October 2026.
- Outdoor Living, product page for the Furniture 123 3 x 3m louvred pergola with two side panels, accessed October 2026.
- CORDIS, European Commission, Why doesn't aluminium rust?, 1 December 2022.
- Met Office, Beaufort wind force scale, accessed October 2026.
- Outdoor Living, pergola delivery options, accessed October 2026.
- Outdoor Living, product pages for the 3 x 3m and 4 x 3m fitted side screens, accessed October 2026.
Paul Margerison
Managing Director & Founder, Outdoor Living
A louvred aluminium pergola gives you sun, shade and shelter from one roof. Come and turn the crank in one of our showrooms and you will see why.