Our Pergolas & What Makes Them Exceptional

“As a natural material, when oak is exposed to the elements it will mature and change colour over time. It will naturally mellow to a lovely silver hue that allows the surrounding planting scheme to really take centre stage. Rambling plants, climbers and vines provide the most perfect partner to a pergola – creating a feast for the senses.”

Wooden pergolas have been a big garden trend this year as our gardens become THE places to be more than ever. We’ve seen a distinct increase in commissions, both for our standard pergolas, but also for more bespoke ones in collaboration with garden designer's specifications. 

We have also provided them with swing seats and day beds, and also seen much interest in our Pergola with Cedar Shingle Roof, the choices are many and exciting to consider what yours will be.

Is there anything prettier and more romantic than a pergola draped with flowers especially ones leaving the most evocative scent? Pergolas can create distinct areas for seating and eating, that are seamlessly connected with the outdoors. Most importantly, they provide shady spots in the summer for relaxing away from the heat of the sun. 

Now is the ideal time to be planning yours with us to create the most enticing spot in your garden for next Spring and Summer.  We make our pergolas for self assembly by a competent carpenter or builder and we provide full easy to follow instructions.  Or, for the ultimate in kicking your feet up and watching yours become a reality in your garden, we also offer a build service where our craftsman will deliver and install your pergola for you.

There’s so much choice out there, it can become confusing, so we are giving you some pointers to consider….

On the quality of timber being key to a good quality pergola:

Perhaps the most important thing is the quality of timber used. There are many different grades of oak used in pergola building. Most in the UK are typically green oak which – once dried – can have a lot of knots and distort dramatically. We recommend looking for joinery quality ‘prime grade’ green oak. This guarantees it’s clear of not only knots but sapwood too. Sapwood is the outer part of the tree, typically much paler and used in indoor furniture. But for an outside structure like a pergola, within 5 years – sapwood will have rotted.

On how the construction makes a huge difference to both the structure and the aesthetic:

Traditionally, pergolas are built using mortise and tenon joints, which are ‘pegged’. However, with the changing UK seasons, the wooden pegs can shrink and drop out, thus weakening the structure. We recommend using concealed stainless bolts here to combat this.  In addition, a curved brace on each corner adds strength as well as looking fantastic.

On why natural, unpainted Oak fits most garden designs best:

“As a natural material, when oak is exposed to the elements it will mature and change colour over time. It will naturally mellow to a lovely silver hue that allows the surrounding planting scheme to really take centre stage. Rambling plants, climbers and vines provide the most perfect partner to a pergola – creating a feast for the senses.”

What could be lovelier on these darker days of Autumn & Winter, than to be planning your ultimate garden space for next year, talk to us soon (01297 443084) or email us  we would welcome a discussion with you about your plans for your garden and to inspire you further, do view our Pergola Gallery here 

We have two pergolas here in the Sitting Spiritually Garden, where you are welcome to visit and see their beauty for yourself, please give us a call to make your time to visit, Martin will be happy to discuss all your options with you.

If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk