In the UK, retractable roof pergolas are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why.
These pergolas provide a versatile and functional addition to any outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort no matter the weather.
Our experts spent around 25 hours building and testing pergolas kits (with a roof).
Eventually, we found the best retractable roof pergola.
They were selected in terms of quality, buyer rating and easy maintenance.
Pergola Recommendations Comparison
If you’re looking for a way to enhance your outdoor living space, then a retractable roof pergola might just be the answer. These pergolas offer the best of both worlds, providing shade and protection from the sun when needed, and retracting to allow for an open-air experience when desired.
Also, it’s worth noting that when talking about pergolas some people may be thinking of a retractable gazebo. Or at least a wooden pergola with a retractable roof.
If you’re looking to learn more about this, we tackle this at the end of this post.
Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
1. Angel Living Retractable Canopy Pergola – Best Overall
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Quality
High quality aluminium frame and water repellent polyester roof
Speed
2 individuals constructed this in 4 hours
Cost
Reasonable price for a 3 x 4 m retractable pergola
One popular option is the pagoda with retractable roof. This style of pergola features a unique roof design that adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. With its retractable roof, you can easily adjust the amount of shade and sunlight you receive, making it perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests.
This pergola looks impressive on a patio, it adds a Mediterranean vibe to your outdoor space without looking tacky. While we didn’t secure ours to the ground, it seems easy to do using appropriate screws and anchoring. Also worth noting it can be screwed to decking or outdoor tiles.
One popular size for retractable roof pergolas is 4×3, making it perfect for small to medium-sized outdoor spaces. With its retractable roof, you can enjoy the sun and stars as you please.
Key Features
- Free standing
- Dark grey powder coated finish
- Attractive retractable pergola roof (taupe coloured polyester)
- Water repellent: Showerproof polyester fabric
- Material: Metal (Aluminum)
- Weight: 32kg
- Dimensions: 360 x 260 x 225 cm (3 x 4 m)
Pros
- Fast assembly for pergola. Instructions were very easy to follow.
- Great customer service. We reached out to them as a test and they responded within 12 hours.
- High quality finish and a great addition to the garden
Cons
- Roof canopy is water repellent, not 100% waterproof. However, this is fairly typical for outdoor garden canopies
Conclusion
This is a classy retractable pergola that you will get daily use out of. It has such an inviting and warm ambience. However, as with all pergolas, you run the risk of being exposed due to the sides being absent.
Check out our gazebo heater guide for such product recommendations to keep you warm in the evenings.
All in all, this pick is our best overall in terms of sturdiness, appearance and value. It will make a great addition to your garden and a decent investment for years to come. We’ve seen some customers use these as a hot tub shelter and they look fantastic.
2. Glendale 3 x 4 m Seville Mocha
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Quality
High quality aluminium components and highly waterproof polyester.
Speed
2 individuals constructed this in 3 hours.
Cost
Good value option. Extremely sturdy and nice finish.
Glendale is a premium entry to outdoor garden furniture and structures like this beautiful pergola.
The proof is in the pudding for a product like this one, it was being well received when we first reviewed it. However, as of September 2020, it has been reviewed 15 times and has an average of 3.8 out of 5.
People are taking issue with the cross pieces being too weak. But this is a user related issue because it is a pergola and should not be treated like a retractable gazebo.
To extend the life of the product, the canopy should only be used in sun, and not rain and windy weather.
Key Features
- Free standing
- Grey finish
- Attractive retractable pergola roof – Mediterranean vibe!
- Waterproof: Showerproof polyester fabric
- Material: Metal (Aluminum)
- Weight: 35kg
- Dimensions: 400 x 300 x 260 cm (3×2 pergola with canopy)
Pros
- Great value for money
- Beautiful finish when constructed (you will get compliments from your neighbours)
- Durable & rust proof
Cons
- Instructions could be better. However, reported by other buyers – Glendale’s technical support are very responsive and helpful
- Users will have to protect the canopy and structure to extend its life
Conclusion
All in all, with our team it took 2 people 3 hours to assemble.
We really liked this one, that’s why it’s our best newcomer choice. It’s great value, widely rated by the community and is a beautiful finish.
Pro tip: Contact Glendale’s technical support if the instructions are lacking. We reached out to their team and they were very helpful.
3. Rowlinson St Tropez Retractable Gazebo Roof Pergola
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Quality
Decent steel construction and gunmetal grey powder coated finish.
Speed
2 individuals constructed this in 3 hours.
Cost
Reasonable price for a free standing model. Great for patios.
Rowlinson are one of our favourite brands when it comes to garden products like gazebos and pergola kits (with roof) like this one.
With over 90 years of manufacturing knowledge and experience, Rowlinson know what they’re doing with a pergola.
If you’re looking for a waterproof option, then a sliding roof gazebo with a waterproof roof system might be just what you need. These gazebos come equipped with a retractable roof that’s waterproof, making it perfect for use during rainy weather. Plus, the sliding roof design makes it easy to adjust the amount of shade and sunlight you receive.
Key Features
- Wall mounted sun canopy
- Gunmetal grey finish
- Attractive retractable pergola roof (taupe coloured polyester)
- Waterproof: Showerproof polyester fabric
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 48kg
- Dimensions: 330 x 297 x 271 cm (3 x 3m)
Pros
- Lightweight but robust
- Looks great against the house. Creates a lovely shaded seating area.
Cons
- Assembly difficult at times due to lack of instruction labelling.
- Not freestanding. This is a wall mounted retractable canopy.
Conclusion
We really liked this one, that’s why it’s our best wall-mounted pick. It’s great value, widely rated by the community and we assembled it in 3 hours (with a team of 2 people).
Rectractable Roof Pergola FAQs
The retracting roof pergola is another great option for those who want to make the most of their outdoor space. This pergola features a roof that can be retracted to provide an open-air experience or extended for full coverage. Plus, the aluminium structure ensures that it’s durable and long-lasting.
At our site, we feature reviews of a wide variety of retractable roof pergolas to suit any outdoor living needs. From pagodas to sliding roof gazebos and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. These pergolas are designed to be both functional and stylish, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor living space. ….. Can you tell we love ours?
Q: What is a Pergola?
A: In a nutshell, it’s a garden feature which gives a shaded sitting area or passageway. This involves vertical pillars with cross-beams and an open lattice.
A latin term, pergula means a projecting eave.
Let’s also clarify.
The pergola is a type of outdoor structure, like a gazebo. But versus your traditional gazebo, it usually acts as a cover for your terrace or a link between passageways.
Obviously, the focus of this post has been on selecting the best retractable roofed garden structure which is typically called a pergola but some interchange this with the term gazebo. All in all, this is a structure that enhances garden and outdoor areas.
The most common type is the 3×2 pergola with canopy. You’ll find this variation in most British backyards.
Q: How to Build a Pergola with Roof
A: The pergolas on this list have been chosen because our team found them relatively easy to build. The pergola kits themselves come with fantastic, easy to follow instructions and all of the necessary fixtures and fittings. What we recommend you bring to the table is a minimum of 2 people and the proper tools for assembly.
If you’re not choosing a kit from the list above. Not to worry. It is possible for you to build a pergola with a roof from scratch. See below.
What Tools Are Required?
- Large spirit level
- Hammer
- Cordless hammer drill
- Screwdriver
- Pens for marking (we used Sharpies)
- Electrical tape
- A varying selection of screws and nails (optional)
Installing the Posts
You’re going to need treated softwood for this. Also, please make sure to use a wood preservative on the end of the timber and feet of the posts 24 hours before building.
Pergolas (Permanent) Vs. Pop Up Gazebos (Temporary)
Pop up gazebos and retractable pergolas are both great options for outdoor entertaining. While pop up gazebos provide a quick and easy way to create a sheltered space, retractable pergolas offer a more permanent solution with the added bonus of being able to enjoy sun or shade at the push of a button.
Pop up gazebos provide excellent protection from the elements, but often lack style or sophistication. Retractable pergolas, on the other hand, have elegant designs that add to any backyard landscape while providing adjustable protection from the sun and rain.
They also offer plenty of customization options to ensure they fit perfectly into your space. So whether you’re looking for a temporary solution or something more permanent, pop up gazebos and retractable pergolas can both be great options for outdoor entertaining.
Related: Wooden Lean To Pergolas