Deciding where a pergola should sit in a family garden requires careful thought about how the space is used and enjoyed. At Worthington Landscape & Design, serving Loughborough and the East Midlands, we know that a well-placed pergola can bring shade, shelter, and structure, making your garden more inviting year-round. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best location for your pergola.
Firstly, consider how much shade the pergola will provide and where it’s needed most. A pergola can be a great solution for creating a shady spot to sit and relax, especially during the warmer months. Ideally, positioning it where the afternoon sun is strongest, often the west or southwest side of the garden, can maximise comfort during the hottest part of the day.
Privacy is another important factor. Pergolas can be combined with climbing plants or lattice screens to provide a sense of enclosure, making your garden feel like a little sanctuary. Look for a spot away from neighbour’s views or near busy areas of the garden you want to shield, such as seating areas or dining spaces. This way, the pergola helps create a private retreat without feeling closed off.
Think about the views from your house as well. You probably want to enjoy your pergola from inside your home, so placing it where it’s visible through a window or patio doors enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is where a 3D garden design can really help, letting you visualise different options before committing.
Access to your pergola should be straightforward and logical. It works best when located close to the house or a path, allowing easy flow between the indoors and your outdoor living space. Consider how furniture will be arranged and make sure there is enough room to move comfortably around it, especially if children or elderly family members will be using the garden regularly.
The choice of paving under and around your pergola also plays a big role in defining the space. Indian sandstone patios, typically costing between £90 to £120 per square metre, offer a warm, natural look, while porcelain patios, priced from £110 to £150 per square metre, provide a sleek and contemporary finish. Both options require good ground preparation and drainage, so the final price depends on site specifics.
Planting around your pergola can soften the structure and blend it into the garden. Railway sleeper raised beds, from £85 to £140 per linear metre, can be installed nearby to add height and interest with shrubs, flowers or climbers. Choose plants that offer seasonal interest and don’t require excessive maintenance. This will keep your pergola area looking inviting all year round.
Finally, every garden is unique, so a site visit is highly recommended before making decisions. Factors like garden levels, drainage, and clearance can impact where your pergola should sit and how much it will cost to build. Worthington Landscape & Design offers 3D garden design services from £150 to £450, which include different layout options and revisions to help you get it just right.
If you’re thinking about installing a pergola in your family garden in Loughborough or the East Midlands, get in touch with us. For a site visit or a quick quote, WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031. We’re happy to discuss your garden and provide practical, no-nonsense advice tailored to your needs.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.