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Turn the crank. Open the sky.

A few turns of the crank and the louvres tilt open to the sun. Turn it back and they close against the rain, with water running into the integrated gutters, down through the posts and away. Pergola Essential is our manual aluminium louvre pergola: the same solid aluminium build as Classic, with a hand crank roof and no electrician needed for the roof.

Simple by design

No motor, no remote and no wiring for the roof. A mechanical crank turns the louvres smoothly up to about 115°, so you can let the light in, angle them for shade or close them up for cover.

What you get

  • A powder-coated aluminium frame with 135 × 135 mm posts, 162 × 162 mm base plates and 1.5 mm louvres. No painting or sealing.
  • A manual louvre roof with a hand crank, opening up to about 115°. Waterproof when the louvres are fully closed.
  • Integrated gutters that drain rainwater through the posts.
  • Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame (warm white, 3000K). Dimming is not available. Add it on this page.
  • Three sizes: 3 × 3, 3 × 4 and 3 × 5 m.
  • A standard 2,350 mm height to the underside of the beam.
  • Three finishes: anthracite (RAL 7016), white (RAL 9010), or an anthracite frame with white blades.
  • Freestanding or wall-mounted. On wall-mounted installs the louvres run parallel to the wall. The price is the same in every finish and either mount.
  • 10 years' warranty on the structure.

Choose it your way

Pick your size, finish and mount above and the price updates as you go. Add optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame, manual or solar side screens (chosen by side, size and colour), or the optional 3 kW heater. Not ready to order? Save your design and we'll call you back. No payment required.

Putting it up

Essential is designed for DIY, with clear instructions. Experienced DIYers typically assemble standard sizes in about 3 to 5 hours. No electrician is needed for the louvre drive; a 230V supply is only needed if you add a powered extra such as perimeter LED lighting or the heater. If you'd rather not assemble it yourself, we can introduce you to an independent installation partner, who quotes you separately (typically from £580 inc VAT). Nothing is added to your Sunnier order. How installation works.

At a glance

Roof Manual louvre roof with hand crank, opening up to about 115°
Sizes 3 × 3, 3 × 4, 3 × 5 m
Height 2,350 mm to the underside of the beam (fixed)
Posts 135 × 135 mm
Base plates 162 × 162 mm
Beam height 150 mm
Louvre thickness 1.5 mm
Material Powder-coated aluminium, outdoor grade. Corrosion, UV and fade resistant
Finishes Anthracite (RAL 7016); white (RAL 9010); anthracite frame with white blades
Lighting Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame, warm white 3000K, not dimmable
Rain Waterproof when the louvres are fully closed. Integrated gutters drain through the posts
Wind rating 110 km/h (depending on configuration)
Snow load 65 to 120 kg/m² by size (depending on configuration)
Mount Freestanding or wall-mounted (louvres parallel to the wall)
Power None needed for the louvres. A 230V supply is needed if you add perimeter LED or a heater
Assembly Self assembly, typically 3 to 5 hours for standard sizes with experienced DIYers; or an independent installer, quoted separately
Lead time Made to order, around 4 to 6 weeks
Warranty 10 years structure
Origin Designed in Germany. Made in the EU

Why it costs what it costs

Pergola Essential is from £6,459. Here is what that price pays for.

  • The same solid aluminium build as Classic. 135 × 135 mm posts, 162 × 162 mm base plates and an outdoor-grade powder coat that resists rust, UV and fading.
  • Rated for UK weather. A 110 km/h wind rating and snow loads of 65 to 120 kg/m² by size, depending on configuration.
  • Nothing to wire for the roof. The hand crank needs no motor, no remote and no electrician.
  • Made to order. Built after you order, in your size, finish and mount, and delivered in around 4 to 6 weeks.
  • A shorter path from factory to garden. You buy direct from Sunnier, without a chain of agents, distributors and contractors in between.
  • Clear online pricing. The price on this page is the price for your size, in every finish and either mount.

Want a remote-controlled roof? See Pergola Classic, from £7,550. Optional perimeter LED lighting around the frame is available on both models. Questions about your space? Ring us free on 0808 168 3131, book a free consultation, or read our guides to pergola sizes and wall-mounted pergolas.

Engineered for all seasons

Wind Resistance and Snow Load

The Pergola Essential is built for outdoor use through every season. Its aluminium frame and manual louvred roof are rated for wind speeds of up to 110 km/h, including storm force conditions, and carry a snow load of 65 to 120 kg/m² depending on the size.

Closed, the louvres form a waterproof roof that drains rainwater through the integrated gutters and posts. No electricity is required for the louvre drive.

110 km/h

Wind resistance

65 to 120 kg/m²

Snow load, depending on size

In heavy snowfall we recommend tilting the louvres to the vertical position to keep load off the roof.

Customer reviews

Regular price
Sale price £6,459.00 Regular price £8,073.75

3m x 3m · Anthracite frame & blades (RAL 7016) · Freestanding