When planning a pergola in a family garden, the key question is: where should it sit to make the best use of your outdoor space? This depends on practical factors like shade, privacy, the views from inside your home, paving options, planting, and ease of access. As a sole-trader landscaping service based in Loughborough, Worthington Landscape & Design offers advice rooted in local experience and can help you find the perfect spot for your pergola.
Shade is often the main reason families want a pergola. Position it where it can provide relief from the afternoon sun, usually on the south or west side of the garden. However, you don’t want to lose out on natural light inside the house, so consider carefully how the pergola’s roof and side elements will affect light flow indoors. A pergola near a patio area where you often dine or relax will maximise its usefulness.
Privacy is another important factor, especially if your garden backs onto other properties or public spaces. Setting the pergola slightly away from neighbouring boundaries, or incorporating climbing plants and lattice sides, can create a secluded seating area. Be mindful of local planning rules if you want to add permanent screens or structures alongside your pergola.
Views from the house matter too. You’ll want to enjoy looking out onto your pergola and the garden beyond, so placing it within sightlines of key ground-floor windows or doors makes sense. Ideally, the pergola should frame a pleasant vista and integrate smoothly with the rest of your landscaping.
Paving under and around the pergola needs careful thought. Popular options include Indian sandstone patios, typically costing between £90 to £120 per square metre for straightforward installations, and porcelain patios ranging from £110 to £150 per square metre. The choice depends on your style preferences and budget, but be aware that complex cuts or site preparation may raise the final cost.
Planting around the pergola will soften the structure and enhance your overall garden design. Rail sleepers can be used to create raised beds nearby, with prices from £85 to £140 per linear metre depending on specifications. Consider climbing plants like clematis or wisteria on the pergola itself to add seasonal interest and greenery.
Access is a practical yet vital consideration. Make sure there is a clear, direct route to your pergola from the house, ideally connecting to existing patios or pathways. Block paving driveways or paths, costing approximately £80 to £115 per square metre, can provide durable and attractive access surfaces. Good access ensures your pergola is used regularly and comfortably by the whole family.
Because every garden is different in terms of levels, drainage, and space, we recommend a site visit to assess your property before deciding on the pergola’s position. Worthington Landscape & Design offers 3D garden design packages from £150 to £450 depending on size and complexity, which can help you visualise your new garden space before any work begins.
Ultimately, the best location for your pergola balances shade, privacy, views, paving, planting, and access to enhance your family's enjoyment of the garden year-round. If you’re in Loughborough or the East Midlands and want tailored advice or a quick quote, get in touch. For a site visit or quick quote, WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.