Free buyer's guide
Not sure which one, or what size?
Our free buyer's guide compares Essential and Classic side by side, with the full size grid, four worked budgets and a planning checklist.
Models, sizes and budgets. Free 15-page PDF.
Just want the specs? Essential spec sheet · Classic spec sheet
What is a louvred pergola?
A louvred pergola (you'll also see it spelt louvered pergola, or called a louvre pergola) is a garden structure with a roof made of adjustable slats called louvres. Instead of a fixed roof or a fabric canopy, the louvres rotate. Open, they let light and air through. Part open, they give you shade. Fully closed, they form a roof that keeps the rain off the space underneath.
On a Sunnier pergola the louvres sit in a powder-coated aluminium frame with integrated gutters. When the louvres are fully closed the roof is waterproof, and rainwater runs into the gutters, down through the posts and away at the base.
Why aluminium?
Aluminium doesn't rot or rust, and a powder-coated finish doesn't need painting, staining or sealing. Every Sunnier pergola uses an outdoor-grade powder coat that resists corrosion, UV and fading. Looking after it means washing it down with water and mild soap and keeping the gutters clear. The aluminium is 100% recyclable.
It is also strong. Both models have 135 × 135 mm posts on 162 × 162 mm base plates, a 110 km/h wind rating (depending on configuration) and a snow load rating that varies by size.
Two models, the same aluminium build
| Pergola Essential | Pergola Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From £6,459 | From £7,550 |
| Roof | Manual hand crank louvres | Electric louvres with wireless remote |
| Lighting | Optional perimeter LED around the frame | Optional perimeter LED around the frame |
| Sizes | 3 × 3, 3 × 4, 3 × 5 m | Nine sizes from 3 × 4 to 4 × 6 m, including 3.5 m widths |
| Height | 2,350 mm (fixed) | 2,350 mm, or custom 2,100 to 2,800 mm |
| Snow load | 65 to 120 kg/m² by size | 160 to 320 kg/m² by size |
| Power for the roof | None | 230V supply |
| Warranty | 5 years structure | 5 years structure, 2 years motor and electronics |
Choose Essential if you want a simpler roof at a lower price, with nothing to wire for the roof. Choose Classic if you want the roof on a remote, larger sizes or a custom height. Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame is available on both. For a closer look, compare the models side by side, or read about electric pergolas and bioclimatic pergolas.
Freestanding or wall-mounted
Both models can stand on their own anywhere in the garden or fix to the back of the house. The price is the same either way, and the same in every finish. On a wall-mounted Essential the louvres run parallel to the wall. Read more in our guide to wall-mounted pergolas.
Sizes and finishes
Essential comes in 3 × 3, 3 × 4 and 3 × 5 m. Classic comes in nine sizes from 3 × 4 m to 4 × 6 m. Both are available in anthracite (RAL 7016), white (RAL 9010), or an anthracite frame with white blades. Our pergola sizes guide shows the footprint and price of every size, and our page on large pergolas covers the biggest options.
Add what you need
- Perimeter LED lighting: optional warm white LED around the frame on both models (not in the louvres).
- Side screens: manual or solar, chosen by side, size and colour. Solar screens are remote controlled with no wiring.
- Heater: an optional 3 kW outdoor heater with remote.
- Custom height (Classic): from 2,100 to 2,800 mm, for £250.
Made to order, delivered to your door
Every Sunnier pergola is built after you order and delivered in around 4 to 6 weeks. Both are designed for DIY assembly with clear instructions, or we can introduce you to an independent installation partner who quotes separately. See how it works, from ordering to installation, and our louvred pergola cost guide for the full picture on price.
Louvred pergola questions
What is the difference between louvred, louvered and louvre pergolas?
Nothing. They're different spellings and names for the same thing: a pergola with a roof of adjustable louvres that open, angle and close.
Is a louvred pergola waterproof?
A Sunnier louvred pergola is waterproof when the louvres are fully closed. Rainwater drains through the integrated gutters and posts.
How much is a louvred pergola?
Pergola Essential is from £6,459 and Pergola Classic is from £7,550, the same price in every finish and either mount. See our cost guide.
Manual or electric?
Essential has a hand crank roof and needs no electrician for the roof. Classic has an electric roof with a wireless remote. Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame is available on both models.
How long does delivery take?
Each pergola is made to order and delivered in around 4 to 6 weeks.