Choosing where to place a pergola in a family garden involves thinking through several key factors, including shade, privacy, garden views, paving choices, planting, and ease of access. At Worthington Landscape & Design, we work with East Midlands homeowners to balance these elements and create practical, welcoming outdoor spaces.
First, consider shade. A pergola’s main purpose is often to provide a sheltered spot from sun or light rain. Placing it where your family spends the most daylight hours—usually the south or west side of the garden—can offer pleasant relief while still letting in some sunlight. Avoid locations where it will block too much natural light from inside the house.
Privacy is next. If your garden neighbours closely on one side or if the pergola will be used for relaxation or outdoor dining, locate it where you can screen views easily. This can be done with climbing plants, taller shrubs, or fencing, creating a cozy nook without feeling overlooked.
Think about the views from your house. Ideally, the pergola should be visible from main living areas like the kitchen or lounge, making the garden feel connected to inside spaces. Positioning a pergola in a part of the garden you often look out onto gives a pleasant, inviting feature that enhances your home’s outlook.
Paving beneath the pergola is important for both comfort and style. Indian sandstone patios generally cost between £90 and £120 per sqm and offer a natural, warm look. Porcelain slabs, priced around £110 to £150 per sqm, provide a sleeker appearance and are very durable. When choosing paving, consider a level surface with good drainage to avoid water pooling.
Planting around the pergola helps soften its structure and add seasonal interest. Climbing plants like clematis or wisteria not only enhance privacy but also bring colour and fragrance. Raised beds made from railway sleepers—costing roughly £85 to £140 per linear metre—allow easy planting close to the pergola and can tie in with the overall garden design.
Access is a practical consideration often overlooked. The pergola should be easy to reach from the house and other garden areas, ideally connected by a paved path or patio. This makes the space more usable, especially when carrying food, drinks, or toys and reduces wear on lawn or soil paths.
Every garden is unique, so these guidelines can vary depending on your site’s levels, drainage, boundary conditions, and personal preferences. A 3D garden design service, costing between £150 and £450, can help you visualise the best location and layout before committing to installation.
If you’re in Loughborough or the East Midlands and thinking about adding a pergola or upgrading your garden, get in touch for a site visit or quick quote. Send a WhatsApp message to Aaron on 07454 978031 to discuss your ideas and specific requirements.
Prices mentioned here are guide figures for typical straightforward installations. Final costs depend on access, levels, drainage, material choice, and site conditions. We recommend a site visit to accurately assess and provide a detailed, tailored quote.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.