Are you looking for pergola roof ideas? You’ve come to the right place.
There are many benefits of investing in a pergola with a roof. Not only can these modern structures create a stylish and sheltered outdoor space for you to enjoy in all weather conditions, but these sought-after garden compositions can also greatly increase the value of your property on the market.
If you’re considering installing a pergola in your garden, these 10 top pergola roof ideas can serve as inspiration for how a modern pergola could be incorporated into your own outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking for a modern pergola roof design, a fully waterproof structure, or something that uses smart light and heating elements for year-round use, these pergolas with roof ideas can help you make your final decision on which is the best structure for you.
Why choose a pergola with a roof?
Modern pergolas are constructed with a variety of smart roof designs. Unlike more traditional wooden pergolas that typically come with open roofs only, these modern pergolas enable homeowners to enjoy their outside space all year round. Not to mention it helps you stay sheltered in all weather conditions.
Investing in a pergola with a roof can also give you an enhanced sense of privacy, especially if you’re installing this structure over a hot tub. Homeowners with open gardens or outside spaces close to their neighbours can use the below pergola with roof ideas to establish a secluded space, all while matching the exterior design of your garden area and increasing the curb appeal of your property.
10 of the best pergola roof ideas for a sheltered yet stylish outdoor space
1) Retractable pergola roof
Pergolas with retractable roofs offer a versatile design for homeowners who want to enjoy their outside area come rain or shine. During the summer months, retractable pergolas can be fully opened to bask in the sunshine, and then shut tightly to create a waterproof shield in the cooler winter months. This smart design enables property owners to enjoy their outdoor area regardless of the weather conditions.
2) Green pergola roof
Our next pergola roof idea is a green roof. An increasingly popular idea, this is where plants cover the roof to hide the appearance of any timber or structural materials.
The best plants for a green roof include:
- Sedum
- Festuca
- Heather
This mixture of shades and shrubs can drain water, add new shades to your space and bring various wildlife to your garden.
If you do want this pergola roof idea for your outdoor area, it is essential to opt for a pergola that can withstand the weight these plants will bring and that has an appropriate drainage system to prevent issues in the future.
3) Louvred pergola roof
When it comes to waterproof pergola roof ideas, louvred pergolas offer the ultimate protection from potential downpours. This sophisticated design consists of aluminium blades that can be rotated to control the amount of sunlight and shade. When it rains in the winter, you can close these blades to create a watertight shelter. Water is then filtered down the drainage system in the posts.
Unlike retractable pergolas where you must choose between fully opening or closing the roof, a louvred pergola allows you to enjoy a nice middle ground. Rotating the blades halfway will create some cooling shade in your garden, while still allowing sunrays to shine through the structure. Louvred pergola roofs come in a range of sleek and contemporary designs, like our louvre pod, with automated or manually adjustable blades perfect for every type of budget.
4) Tiered roof
If you are looking for a show-stopping pergola roof idea, look no further than a tiered roof. This stunning style has increased ventilation that allows hot air to vacate and the breeze can enter.
The multiple tiered design creates a focal point in your garden that not only looks the part, but also adds a space that can be used to host friends and family, a quiet spot to read, or a movie night!
5) Barrel top roof
A barrel top pergola roof is a great choice for those who want to add height to their garden. Traditionally made from wood, this structure has a curved roof – like a barrel, hence the name. The curves can add texture and dimension to any space and are a great choice for small, thin gardens as they bring the eye up to the beautiful construction. You can also add plants to your pergola to add to the beauty of the structure and extend your garden.
6) Sloped pergola roofs
What better way to remove all the water from your home than with a sloped pergola roof? The slanted design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also is a great waterproof pergola idea as it provides a way for rain to easily fall into the gutters. If you choose one that is fully created with glass, you could bring the outdoors indoors! It could become a place to entertain guests outside or even a calming office environment for those days when you work from home.
7) Fabric roof
If you want a softer appearance for your garden, fabric is a great pergola roof idea! Of course, living in the UK comes with every single season and weather so it is best to choose waterproof fabrics, such as:
- Canvas
- Acrylic
- Polyester
They also have UV protection to protect you and your loved ones if we ever get any of those sunny days and also to prevent the fabric from discolouring.
The lightweight material can be moved manually or via a motor across your pergola frame to add extra light to your pergola if you require it.
8) Tile pergola roof
Tiles are a great pergola roof idea as they are incredibly durable whilst remaining aesthetic. Their water resistant nature means they are perfect for the rainy English weather but also provide full shade on those sunny days.
You can get tiles in a range of options – from Mediterranean designs, various shapes, and more simple styles they can easily makeover your garden to transform your outdoor space.
If you are completely changing your garden, you can match your pergola tiles to the other outdoor tiles in your space for a monochromatic or harmonious appearance.
9) Solar pergola roof
Did you know that 5% of UK households have solar panels installed? You could be next with a solar panel pergola roof! There are a number of benefits to using solar panels, such as reducing electricity bills, a way to add value to your home, and choosing a renewable source of energy.
They are typically used with a pitched pergola roof to get optimal sun absorption but flat roofs can also be used to achieve results. Some people may consider them an eyesore, but they can be designed to integrate with the roof for a seamless finish that beings heaps of benefits.
10) Bespoke pergolas
Unlike most other aluminium pergolas on the market, the bespoke pergolas at Open Space Concepts can be built with these versatile retractable roofs. Our bespoke pergola roofs also offer the added benefit of being fully sealed to ensure no rain leaks through. Additionally, you can choose to enhance the structure with glass sides or windshields for extra protection during windy days.
Add LED lighting or infrared heating for maximum comfort
The best pergola roof ideas allow you to use this multi-purpose structure throughout the year – and throughout a range of weathers. However, choosing a pergola with watertight elements is just one part of being able to use this structure when the temperature drops. Many outdoor living companies, like Open Space Concepts, can install infrared heating into your metal pergola to keep the space cosy and functional even on the coldest winter evenings.
Another innovative feature in waterproof pergola roof ideas is LED lighting. Modern pergolas with smart LED white perimeter strips or LED RGB colour-changing perimeter lighting allow homeowners to continue sitting in this cosy outdoor structure even after the sun sets. LED lighting elements can be added to our bespoke wall-mounted pergolas, while some louvered pergolas even include LED starlight sky lighting that lets you relax under a glistening sky.
Enhance your garden with a fully bespoke modern pergola
Whatever pergola idea you choose, these modern structures are a great way to enhance your outdoor space come rain or shine. For pergolas that perfectly combine comfort, style, and practicality, look no further than Open Space Concepts.
As the UK’s leading outdoor living company, we’re trusted by customers up and down the country to deliver quality bespoke pergolas that meet their specifications. Using materials manufactured in Europe to the highest standards, you’ll have the option to customise your pergola however you please, creating a structure that is truly unique to you.
Whatever you want from your pergola, be it versatile roofing, watertight design, or even smart elements that make your outside space just as usable in the winter months as the summer months, we’re masters of our trade. Thinking about installing a modern pergola with a roof in your outdoor space? Why not reach out to our team of designers and see how our bespoke pergolas can make a great addition to your home?
