Pergolas have come a long way from the rudimentary structures once assembled to provide basic outdoor shading. Nowadays pergolas offer sophisticated shading solutions for all manner of outdoor spaces, with design features that not only increase the comfort and year-round utility of outdoor living areas, but also incorporate design features that cosmetically enhance buildings and attract clients to make use of now charming and cosy outdoor spaces.

But what are your options when designing your custom built pergola? How can you achieve truly personalised design? At Shade Space, we can offer solutions for every type of outdoor space.

PERGOLA FRAMES

Although timber frames may spring to mind, and they certainly add a rustic feel to a pergola, many clients prefer the use of more durable materials for their custom made pergolas.

Aluminium frames are an easy to maintain, lightweight option which can be customised in a wide range of colours to suit the setting.

A great feature of modern pergola frames is the incorporated hidden guttering which allows rain water to be discretely channeled away, avoiding the inconvenience of water splashing around when the weather turns “a bit British.”

Whether you opt for a timber framed custom retractable pergola or a lightweight aluminium frame, Shade space can provide a full range of colour options to tie perfectly into your home’s design.

PERGOLA ROOFS

The type of roof for your pergola certainly warrants some consideration. Options can include tilting Louvred roofs, retractable fabric awnings, retractable Louvred roofs or glazed panels.

Take some time to consider how you will use your space. You may find that fabric awnings are perfect for adding shade and shelter from the summer sun and the elements for your patio area, or you may prefer a sturdier roof structure that will allow you to make full use of your custom pergola during cold winter evenings. Motorised pergola roofs add precise control at the touch of a button, allowing you to open up your pergola roof to enjoy the views and fair weather, or to close it partially or completely for shelter from the sun or rain.

There are plenty of design options available. Your custom made pergola has the potential to add a brand new living area to your home or a weather-proof entertainment area to your business. Browse designs and let Shade Space advise you on the options available to help you achieve the desired atmosphere.

LIGHTING

By adding lighting you can extend the utility of your custom built pergola beyond daylight hours. Lighting is available in a range of colours and can really help set the mood. Bright and crisp lighting may be the ideal choice for outdoor pergolas used commercially, for businesses that want an outdoor space to remain busy and vibrant at night.

Alternatively a choice of warm and subtle lighting can create a cosy and chilled out atmosphere for entertaining late into the evening. LED coloured lighting provides the flexibility to change your colour selection to adapt your custom outdoor pergola to the occasion, whether you’re hosting a vibrant party or a quiet, romantic evening.

Whatever your style or mood, Shade Space can provide lighting solutions to enhance your outdoor space.

HEATING

Perhaps the best way of creating an all-weather outdoor space is by investing in heating. A sheltered outdoor living space with good heating can be truly magical in the cold winter, offering a cosy space to enjoy a gentle snowfall or an original place for a family Christmas meal.

Shade Space can provide a range of efficient electric and gas outdoor heaters including Platinum Smart-Heat gas heaters, Platinum Smart-Heat electric heaters, Tungsten Smart-Heat gas heaters and Tungsten Smart-Heat electric heaters.

Additionally we can provide free standing outdoor heaters and efficient directional heating for outdoor areas such as terraces, patios or other outdoor dining areas.

SCREENS AND SIDE PANELS

Custom outdoor pergolas can be designed and built in a vast number of configurations. Some spaces may be better suited to a minimally framed awning whereas others may benefit from a louvred roof supported by a sturdy frame. Whatever your choice may be, you can always opt for additional weather protection by adding lateral roller awnings or static or dynamic side panels or screens.

Side screens provide extra protection from the elements, however dynamic systems allow for these protections to be removed, putting you in full control over the amount of shelter you require. Speak to Shade Space about the available options for your outdoor space.

With over 25 years of experience providing high-standard outdoor shading solutions, Shade Space are industry leaders in the design and execution of spectacular custom pergolas.

We provide commercial and residential solutions for even the most challenging projects and can offer beautiful bespoke designs to fit any space.

For more information on designing and customising your outdoor pergola contact our team today! Call: 0203 924 0000 or Email: sales@shade-space.co.uk. At Shade Space we are always happy to help.