A well-designed pergola allows you to make the most of your garden. It brings structure and a sense of permanence to an outdoor space — a place to sit and relax in any kind of weather, and even an extra room, somewhere that feels considered and complete.
If you've been thinking about adding one, here’s everything you need to know before committing: how planning permission works in the UK, the difference between manual and electric pergolas, what installation actually involves, and whether it's a worthwhile long-term investment for your home.
Manual vs Electric Pergola: Which Is Right for You?
This is the decision most buyers spend the most time on. Both provide the same function and benefits but at different price points.
Manual Pergolas
A manual louvred pergola uses a hand-operated mechanism to open and close the roof slats. The adjustment is quick and intuitive, the structure has fewer components, and there is nothing electrical to maintain.
The Pavillo Teak Effect Pergola is a considered example of what a manual pergola can be. Its 3.5m square canopy is constructed from powder-coated aluminium with a warm teak-effect finish that reads as timber from a distance but requires none of the maintenance. The louvred roof opens and closes via a smooth handle mechanism, a concealed drainage system channels rainwater through the legs, and the overall footprint of 353 x 349 x 250cm works well on a generous patio or tucked against the back of the house as an extension of the kitchen.
Optional side panels and roller blinds are available, letting you tailor the level of enclosure to the season and occasion.
Electric Pergolas
An electric pergola replaces the handle with a remote control. Roof position, light settings, and any motorised blinds or side panels are all managed wirelessly, without needing to get up from your chair.
The Abierto Electric Pergola takes this a step further with a fully retractable roof and integrated LED colour-changing lighting, both controlled by the same remote. The structure measures 395 x 305 x 250cm, large enough to shelter a generous dining set or a corner sofa arrangement. The roof retracts fully in warmer weather and closes quickly when conditions change. Rainwater is directed through a discreet drainage system in the frame. The powder-coated aluminium construction is built for British weather, and the LED lighting means the space remains usable well into the evening.
How to Choose
The choice comes down to how you use your garden and how much you value convenience. Manual pergolas are slightly simpler mechanically and require no power source nearby but do require getting up for a few minutes to operate.
Electric pergolas on the other hand make adjusting the roof effortless. Given the unpredictable nature of our British weather this could come in real handy when you're mid-meal and the clouds roll in. If your garden is wired for outdoor power, the electric option is worth serious consideration.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Garden Pergola?
For most UK homeowners, the answer is no. Pergolas fall under Permitted Development Rights, which means you can install one without a formal planning application, as long as you stay within certain rules.
Height and Boundary Rules
The two numbers to know are 2m and 2.5m. If your pergola sits within 2 metres of a property boundary, it must not exceed 2.5m in height. Position it further than 2m from any boundary, and the limit rises to 3m for a flat or louvred roof, or up to 4m for a dual-pitched (A-frame) roof.
Both Ruma pergolas stand at 2.5m, which means they sit comfortably within the permitted height limits in most standard garden positions. That said, height is always measured from the highest point of the ground beneath the structure, so if you're placing a pergola on raised decking, factor that into your calculations.
Other Conditions to Be Aware Of
Beyond height, permitted development requires that your pergola:
• Does not cover more than 50% of the land around your original house (including any other outbuildings)
• Is not positioned at the front of the property facing a public road
• Is not on a raised balcony or platform over 0.3m high
If you live in a conservation area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or own a listed property, the rules are tighter and a check with your local planning authority is always advisable before going ahead. A Lawful Development Certificate is worth applying for if you want formal confirmation that your installation is compliant, particularly if you plan to sell the property in the future.
For the vast majority of suburban and urban gardens, though, a well-positioned pergola within the height limits is a straightforward permitted development project.
Installation: DIY vs Professional
Both Ruma pergolas require assembly, and both are significant structures. The Abierto weighs 246kg; the Pavillo comes in at 174kg. These are not lightweight flat-pack builds.
What Professional Installation Covers
The Abierto pergola at Ruma is sold with professional installation included in the price. This means a trained team handles the delivery, assembly, and positioning, which removes the main risk factor for any large garden structure: incorrect assembly leading to instability.
For a structure this size, professional installation is genuinely worth having. Getting the base fixings right, ensuring the frame is level, and connecting any electrical components correctly all require care and experience. A poorly assembled pergola is not just an aesthetic problem.
Does a Garden Pergola Add Value to Your Home?
A well-chosen, well-installed pergola can contribute meaningfully to the appeal and perceived value of a property. Estate agents consistently note that usable outdoor living space is one of the features buyers respond to most positively, particularly post-pandemic, when gardens became a primary consideration for many buyers.
The value case is strongest when the pergola is constructed from quality materials, positioned thoughtfully, and feels like a considered part of the garden rather than an afterthought. An aluminium louvred pergola in a complementary finish reads as a permanent feature rather than a temporary addition, which is how buyers tend to assess it.
Beyond resale value, the more tangible return on investment is the expanded living space itself. A pergola effectively creates an additional room, usable across more of the year than an open patio, and adaptable to dining, relaxing, entertaining, or quiet mornings with a coffee. For families who spend time in the garden, that additional usability has real, daily value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Pergolas
Do I need planning permission for a garden pergola in the UK?
In most cases, no. Pergolas typically fall under Permitted Development Rights provided they meet the height rules: no higher than 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary, or up to 3m further into the garden. They must also cover no more than 50% of the land around the house and not be positioned at the front of the property. If you live in a conservation area or own a listed property, always check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
What is the difference between a manual and an electric pergola?
A manual pergola uses a hand-operated mechanism to adjust the louvred roof. An electric pergola uses a remote control to open and close the roof, adjust lighting, and operate any motorised blinds or panels. Both provide the same shelter and year-round usability; the electric option simply makes adjustment more effortless. The right choice depends on how you use your garden and whether outdoor power is readily available.
How much does a garden pergola cost in the UK?
Quality aluminium louvred pergolas typically range from around £3,000 to £5,000 for a well-made, weather-resistant structure with a decent footprint.
Find Your Garden Pergola at Ruma
A pergola is one of those additions that changes how you use your home, not just how it looks. Whether you're drawn to the natural warmth of the teak-effect finish or the effortless control of the electric option, both structures are designed for the realities of a British garden: changeable weather, year-round use, and a desire for a space that feels genuinely considered.
Take a look at the full garden pergola collection at Ruma and find the right fit for your outdoor space.