I asked experts how to weatherproof a pergola – these are the 6 upgrades they recommended so you can use it whatever the weather

Whether you're creating a shaded spot for lazy weekend lunches and BBQs or an outdoor room for entertaining, covering your pergola is what turns it from a fair-weather feature into a space you'll actually use in any weather, especially if you live here in the UK with its temperamental heatwaves and frequent showers.

The right roof or canopy can provide welcome shade during a heatwave, shelter from summer showers and even help you stay cosy on cool evenings. So if you're wondering how to weatherproof a pergola, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from. From clever pergola roof ideas to retractable canopies, side screens and permanent roof panels, the right solution for you depends on how you want to use your pergola and garden.

And many of these pergola ideas will also make your outdoor space feel more polished and expensive. So I've asked outdoor living experts to share the pergola covers they recommend most and how they might help make yours suitable for all weathers.

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1. Invest in an adjustable louvred roof

An adjustable louvred roof, like this bargain from OUTSUNNY, is one of the most versatile ways to upgrade a pergola for all-weather use. The slats can be opened to let in sunshine or closed when the weather turns, giving you complete control over the space.

'When it comes to making a pergola suitable for year-round use, the roof design is one of the most important considerations,' says Reilly Gray, Co-founder of Suns Lifestyle. 'Modern pergolas increasingly feature adjustable louvred or retractable roofs... making the space usable in almost any season.'

Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle, adds that many designs also feature integrated drainage and optional side screens, helping create an outdoor room that feels like an extension of a home, so you can still enjoy the space when conditions are a bit less predictable.

2. Add a retractable waterproof canopy

A retractable canopy is an affordable way to add shelter while keeping your pergola feeling open. It's a clever garden canopy idea, especially if you want shade in summer without committing to a permanent roof. It gives the flexibility to enjoy open skies when the weather is good, while providing shelter when you need it.

A retractable waterproof canopy is a good option if you want flexibility,' says Jamie Winspear, Managing Director at Oak by Design. 'It can provide shade on sunny days and some rain protection, but it can still be pulled back when you want the pergola to feel open.'

Installation is just as important as the canopy, however. 'The key is making sure it is fitted with enough slope for rainwater to run off. If water is allowed to sit on the fabric, it can sag and put extra strain on the structure,' Jamie explains.

If you're shopping on a budget, options like the IKEA Hammaron retractable pergola offer a similar flexible design, as do these picks below. Or you could make your own with shade cloth, like Gardening with Ish on Instagram, by buying a roll of UV-protection fabric like this one from Amazon or precut fabric from B&Q. Or you can buy ready-made shade canopies from Amazon.

3. Install permanent roof panels

If your pergola is used for outdoor dining or entertaining, roof panels offer reliable shelter throughout the year while complementing other garden shade ideas in your outdoor space.

Jamie recommends polycarbonate, glass or metal panels depending on how much natural light you want to retain, adding that whatever material you choose, good drainage is essential to prevent water pooling around the frame.

4. Choose a durable aluminium pergola

The frame is just as important as the roof. While timber offers classic charm, aluminium is a lower-maintenance choice that won't warp or rust.

Reilly says powder-coated aluminium pergolas are designed for longevity and often include features such as integrated lighting, concealed drainage and side screens, making them one of the easiest ways to make your patio look more expensive, without undertaking a full garden makeover.

5. Add side panels or outdoor blinds

Side panels help block wind, increase privacy from neighbouring gardens and make a pergola feel much more sheltered.

Jamie recommends timber slats, glass screens, curtains or retractable screens depending on the look you're after, while Andrew says built-in blinds are ideal if you want extra shade without permanently enclosing the space.

6. Include lighting and heating

Lighting and heating will help you enjoy your pergola long after the sun goes down. If you're using a patio heater under a pergola, Andrew says it creates a warmer, cosier atmosphere provided it's installed safely and according to the manufacturer's guidance.

'When positioned beneath a pergola or awning, the warmth feels more contained and comfortable, creating a cosy atmosphere without taking attention away from the overall design.'

While Jamie recommends choosing an outdoor-rated electric heater, like the Kettler Kalos copper freestanding patio heater, that's installed safely by a qualified electrician. 'Heaters can make a pergola much more comfortable in the evenings, especially in spring and late summer. Outdoor-rated electric heaters are a practical option, but they need to be installed safely and kept away from timber, fabric canopies, curtains and soft furnishings.'

One of the most important things to consider, whatever you choose, is to avoid enclosing your pergola completely.

'A pergola should feel like an outdoor space, so it needs airflow as well as shelter,' says Jamie. He adds that good ventilation, drainage and secure fixings will help your pergola stay in great condition for years to come.