Introduction
Benefits of lean-to pergolas
There are many benefits to installing a lean-to pergola on your property. Here are just a few:
Versatility – One of the biggest advantages of a lean-to pergola is its versatility. Whether you want to create a shaded seating area, an outdoor dining space, or a play area for children, a lean-to pergola can be designed to meet your needs. You can choose from wood or metal structures and customise the size, shape, and style to suit your space. With a wall-mounted pergola from Hampshire Shades, you also benefit from more colour options if you choose a wooden frame, as we can paint the structure to your desired colour. We also offer a retractable fabric shade in a variety of colours too!
Cost-effectiveness – Lean-to pergolas are often more cost-effective than other types of outdoor structures, such as fully enclosed sunrooms or conservatories. Pergolas are relatively affordable and can be installed quickly, however, care should be taken to check the quality as there are many cheap off-the-shelf options which don’t always stand up to the British weather! Generally, pergolas also require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor living space.
Shade and protection – Wall-mounted pergolas with some form of canopy or louvred roof provide shade and protection from the weather, allowing you to use your outdoor space even when it’s hot or raining. You might want the option of a fully retractable pergola roof, so when the sun does make an appearance, you can pull back the shade and see the whole sky. Our pergola shades are made with weatherproof marine-grade fabric in a range of colours, which divert rain to any chosen side of the pergola.
Lean-to pergola design inspiration
One of the great things about wall-mounted pergolas is that they can be designed to suit a wide variety of styles and tastes. Here are a few design inspirations to consider:
Modern minimalist – A lean-to pergola with clean lines and a minimalist design can create a sleek and contemporary outdoor space. We can offer a quality aluminium frame pergola with a retractable canopy because we are an approved partner for the complete SELT range, including aluminium pergolas, side shades and awnings.
With over 35 years of design and manufacturing experience, we believe their solutions fully compliment our waterproof fabric shades, however, there is also the option to have metal roofing with rotating slats (also known as a louvred roof).
Rustic charm – A lean-to pergola made from natural materials, such as wood or stone, can create a rustic and charming outdoor space. Our wooden pergolas and retractable shades are custom-built in our workshop in Hampshire and are very popular with customers who want to create a more natural feel to their outdoor entertainment area.
Our frames are constructed from cedar, which looks lovely oiled, painted from a range of colours so everything does not have to be just white or grey (as is often the case with aluminium structures). The surface is planed and sanded for a beautiful look and feel regardless of finish and if left to weather naturally it will go a silver-grey colour.
Coastal vibes – A lean-to pergola with a white or blue colour scheme can create a coastal-inspired outdoor space that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. With many people choosing to create a holiday feel at home, why not pair a white frame with a blue fabric shade and create a little slice of paradise?
Planning permission
In most cases, under permitted development rights, you don’t need planning permission to add a pergola to your garden unless your house is a listed building.
As a general rule, from October 1 2008 pergola frames do not require planning permission as long as the following points are followed:
• No outdoor structure is allowed on the front of your house or on the side between a boundary wall.
• Within 2m of a boundary the maximum height cannot exceed 2.5m.
• Further than 2m from the boundary the maximum height can be up to 3m.
• No more than half of the existing land around the original house is already covered by garden buildings.
• In Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, World Heritage Sites, the maximum area to be covered by an outdoor structure, more than 20mtrs from the original house, must be limited to an area not exceeding 10sq mtrs. However, any buildings at the side of the property, within these nominated areas, will require planning permission.
• You will always need planning permission if your building is listed.
It is always worth checking with your local planning department that there are no extra regulations applying to your property. You will find other information on our FAQ page. It is also worth reading through our blog of important items to consider before building a pergola.
Space considerations
An off-the-shelf lean-to pergola frame can be purchased in a kit, but our quality UK-made pergola frames and shades are designed bespoke to your requirements, especially for your space. They can be any size up to 6m x 6m as a single shade and combined as multiple shades for larger areas with kissing canopies which come together in the middle when closed.
It’s also worth noting that if you would like a lean-to pergola attached to your house next to bifold doors, these doors usually stack on the outside, so if you would like a design which features a shade, our team would need to check if there is clearance for the shade to operate.
It’s a good idea to take a photo of your space, so anyone quoting for a lean-to pergola can get an idea of any factors like the above to consider in the design.
Maintenance and Care
Like any outdoor structure, a lean-to pergola will require some maintenance and care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for keeping your wall-mounted pergola in top condition:
Cleaning the retractable shade – Periodically, the shade fabric can be cleaned by spraying with a specialist cleaner following the care instructions or warm water with a mild soap, taking care not to let it dry, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use detergents and/or solvents.
Cleaning the pergola frame – A periodic surface clean with a cloth soaked in warm water and soap will keep the frame nice and clean. Heavier mildew build-up can be removed with a weak mixture of soap and bleach with warm water applied by hand with a cloth.
Caution! Some people may recommend that you use a pressure washer to clean the frame or the canopy – do not do this as it could cause damage and void any warranty.
Maintenance – Over time, the pergola frame will require a fresh coat of oil or wood stain to maintain a weatherproof finish. To help, we provide our customers with a small container of the right treatment and care instructions.
How much does a lean-to pergola cost?
The cost of a wall-mounted pergola will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, materials, and complexity of the design.
The average cost of a lean-to pergola in the UK is around £3,000 to £5,000.
While it is possible to build a basic lean-to pergola without a canopy or roof yourself, it’s often best to hire a professional to ensure that the structure is installed safely and securely. Check if the price you are quoted includes things like installation fees, a design service (so you can get an idea of what it will look like in your space), and any warranty.
Conclusion
A lean-to pergola with a retractable canopy is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space, providing shade and rain protection while also adding visual interest to your home. Whether you’re looking for a modern design or a rustic and charming aesthetic, there’s a lean-to pergola to suit your needs and preferences.
If you’re interested in a custom wall-mounted pergola for your property, be sure to contact Hampshire Shades for a free quote on 01489 290025. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect fit for your home.
