Pergola FAQs

Yes — when installed on a level base and maintained per our Stewardship Program. Our Cascade internal drainage system channels rain from sealed louvers into integrated beam gutters and down through hollow posts.

Our pergolas are designed for straightforward assembly, with detailed installation instructions provided. Damage caused during fitting isn't covered by the guarantee — but defects in the products themselves remain covered regardless of who installs them.

All models use premium-grade aluminium construction. Wind performance varies by model — Platinum models are wind-rated to 180–220 km/h (est.) and our base model to 100 km/h (est.); see each model's technical data for exact figures. Platinum models carry a 15-year structural warranty. Warranty periods vary by model and component; every guarantee is provided by Sterling Grid Security Ltd — see our guarantee terms.

Your structure is built to your specification in Month 1 following your 75% deposit. Delivery is scheduled in Months 2–3 with a secure shipping window, by HIAB crane to your prepared site.

A 75% deposit initiates bespoke manufacturing. The remaining 25% is only due when your delivery is scheduled — full clarity before your final payment.

Every structure goes through pre-shipment assembly, testing and quality inspection at the factory before it ships.

A level, structurally sound base that is ready before delivery. A concrete slab is the usual choice, and it must be fully cured before the structure is fixed down — concrete reaches its working strength over about 28 days. The base has to carry the structure and its fixings, so this is the one part of the job worth getting a groundworker to do properly if you are in any doubt. An unlevel base is the commonest cause of a roof that will not close cleanly.

Often not — a garden structure of this kind frequently falls under permitted development in England. But it depends on height, siting, how close it is to a boundary, and whether your property is listed, in a conservation area, or has had its permitted development rights removed. Those conditions are specific to your property and we cannot assess them for you. Check with your local planning authority before you order; they will confirm it in writing and it costs little or nothing.

Delivery is by HIAB crane to your prepared site, so the lorry needs clear, firm access close enough for the crane to reach the drop point. Check the approach road, any width or weight restrictions, overhanging trees and cables, and where the crane can safely set up. Tell us about anything awkward well before the delivery window is booked — access problems found on the day are expensive for everyone.

Models with powered louvres, lighting or heating need a suitable supply at the structure. Any fixed electrical work outdoors must be carried out by a qualified electrician and comply with the current wiring regulations and Part P — that is not something to take on yourself. It is worth planning the supply route at the same time as the base, while the ground is still open.

Very little, but not none. Keep the gutters and the internal drainage channels clear of leaves and debris, particularly in autumn — blocked drainage is what turns a working roof into a leaking one. Wash the aluminium down periodically with clean water and a mild detergent, never an abrasive or a solvent. Check the fixings are still tight after the first winter. Our Stewardship Program sets out the schedule.

Yes — components such as louvres, motors, seals and fixings are replaceable rather than the whole structure being a single sealed unit. Keep your order reference and the model name, because that is what identifies the exact specification years later. Contact us with those details and we will identify the part you need.