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, community rating and easy maintenance.
Any one of these will make a great addition to your garden.
Pergola Recommendations Compared
Last update on 2019-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s get started….
1. Glendale 3 x 4 m Seville Mocha – Best Newcomer
Last update on 2019-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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. As of May 2019, it has been reviewed 11 times and has an average of 4.6 out of 5.
People love this one!
Let’s explore why….
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
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.
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.
Professional Tip
Contact Glendale’s technical support is the instructions are lacking. We tested this out, they were very helpful!
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2. Rowlinson Retractable Roof Pergola Style Gazebo – Best Overall
Rowlinson Latina Canopy - free standing sun canopy
- retractable taupe-coloured canopy
- Showerproof polyester fabric
- Aluminium construction
- Gunmetal grey powder coated finish
Last update on 2019-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
Let’s explore some of the key features…
Key Features
- Free standing
- Gunmetal grey finish
- Attractive retractable pergola roof (taupe coloured polyester)
- Waterproof: Showerproof polyester fabric
- Material: Metal (Aluminum)
- Weight: 41kg
- Dimensions: 297.2 x 297.2 x 233.7 cm (3 x 3m)
PROs- Lightweight but robust
- No extra drilling required
- Durable & rust proof – powder coated to protect against corrosion
CONs- Instructions difficult at times due to labelling
Conclusion
Our team loved the free-standing element which allows you to locate it anywhere in your garden. Also, the canopy has drainage holes to prevent the build up of water.
We really liked this one, that’s why it’s our best overall choice. It’s great value, widely rated by the community and we assembled it in 4 hours (with a team of 2 people).
Professional Tip
Spray the inside of the tracks with furniture polish to free up sticking issues
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3. Jarder Retractable Roof Pergola Style Gazebo – Best Value
Rowlinson Latina Canopy - free standing sun canopy
- retractable taupe-coloured canopy
- Showerproof polyester fabric
- Aluminium construction
- Gunmetal grey powder coated finish
Last update on 2019-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another big player in garden furniture, Jarder have this great looking retractable roof pergola which we assembled in record time.
Also, when we say it’s a pergola, we mean it’s a gazebo with pergola features.
Either way, this is great value and suitable for outdoor events, weddings, parties and dining.
What are some of the key features?
Key Features
- Minimalistic design
- UV protected cover
- Attractive retractable pergola roof (beige coloured polyester)
- Waterproof: Water resistant cover
- Material: Metal (Steel)
- Weight: 40kg
- Dimensions: 3 x 3m
PROs- Easy to assemble (2 people recommended)
- Solid structure
- Can screw into decking easily
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget this is a fantastic option. When assembled this feels like a high quality, extremely sturdy pergola – despite the low cost!
That’s exactly why it’s our great value choice. Also, packaging and presentation was excellent – we cannot fault it.
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4. Blumfeldt Palazzo Pavillon Pergola Patio Canopy – Bonus Pick
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As elegant and high quality as the name suggests,the Palazzo Canopy Pergola is one of our favourites in the range.
Compared with our best overall pick, the Palazzo uses arguably superior materials.
This is why we’ve included it as our bonus pergola. It’s beautiful.
Let’s look at some reasons why…
Key Features
- Beautiful modern design
- Stable corner posts (1.5mm material thickness)
- Aluminum exterior means no rust marks
- Waterproof: Water repellent polyurethane coating (PU)
- Material: Metal (Steel)
- Weight: 42kg
- Dimensions: approx. 4 x 2.3 x 3 m (WxHxD)
PROs- Rustproof
- Easy assembly with good instructions
- UV and water repellent cover that is easily retractable
CONs- Floor screws not included
Conclusion
Arguably superior brand vs the other picks on this list.
We also loved the folding canopy which gives full control over shade in the sun.
Blumfeldt is a good investment of money, it will last 5 – 10 years guaranteed.
If you have budget, we recommend this one.
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What is a Pergola?
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 gazebo. But vs your traditional gazebo, it usually acts as a cover for your terrace or a link between passageways.
How to Build a Pergola with Roof
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.
If you have any questions, ask us in the comments below!
