Can A Pergola Have A Solid Roof?

Pergolas have been used in architecture for centuries and were often built in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India where they were used to bring much-needed shade during the hot summer months when temperatures became unbearable.

Pergolas provide shelter from direct sun exposure which is much safer for children who might be playing outside in the yard without adult supervision

Here is a deeper look at whether or not a pergola can have a solid roof.

Best Pergola (EDITOR’S CHOICE)

Using A Pergola With Solid Roof

Yes, a pergola can have a solid roof. Pergolas are often associated with lush green vines which need good sunlight to grow.

However, there are many types of pergolas that are designed for shade instead of sun exposure.

These types of pergolas are covered in an opaque material that blocks out the harsh overhead sunlight and allows plants to thrive underneath them without damaging their leaves due to too much heat.

Pergolas also make great shading tools when used outdoors by children and adults alike and this is why they come in both open and enclosed designs that allow for sun or shade.

Pergolas built specifically as building overhangs can be made from many different materials such as stone or metal but some Pergolas have a solid roof made from wood.

Pergolas with a solid wood roof will protect people outdoors from the elements while still protecting plants underneath.

can a pergola have a solid roof

Benefits of Solid Roof For Pergola

There are several benefits to having a Pergola with a solid roof. Pergolas with a wooden roof can provide great shade from hot or harsh sunlight and they can protect plants underneath from certain types of damage that would occur due to too much sunlight.

Pergolas that have a solid roof will also protect those who sit beneath them from precipitation such as rain since the Pergola overhead becomes an overhang for those sitting under it.

Pergolas bring many benefits to those using them as they beautify backyards and gardens while providing protection from the elements as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

Pergolas come in many different styles but some have roofs made of wood which offer greater protection from sun, rain damage, and other elements which can damage Pergolas and plants beneath them.

Pergolas with a solid roof come in many different designs, shapes, sizes, and materials that they are built from depending on the Pergola construction needs.

Pergola roofs are made of many types of material which include wood for natural Pergolas or metal or stone to mimic the look of real stone without the heavy price tag.

Pergola roofs are designed to either bring sun under them by allowing light into their spaces or to block sunlight completely for those who want shade instead of heat underneath them.

Some people use pergolas as building overhangs, while others choose to use Pergolas as garden structures where vines can climb up their side surfaces.

For all these uses Pergolas can accommodate Pergola design needs and Pergola roof designs depending on the Pergola user’s preferences.

This makes Pergolas great features in homes or outdoor spaces for their versatility, beauty, and overall functionality.

can a pergola have a solid roof

Do You Need Planning Permission For A Pergola With A Roof?

Permissions are required for any Pergola structure that will be built over Pergola existing structures or Pergola garden Pergolas.

Permission is required for Pergolas with solid roofs because of the greater Pergola design impact that they have on surrounding areas whether these Pergolas are attached to homes, patios, pools, gardens, other Pergolas, etc.

It’s important to know what your local Pergola building codes are before constructing a pergola with a roof in any area due to safety concerns and legal consequences if rules are not followed.

Final Thoughts


Pergolas can have roofs made of Pergola construction materials such as wood, stone, or metal to enhance Pergola features.

Pergolas with solid roofs are great for providing shade for plants underneath so long as the Pergola is designed to block sunlight completely instead of allowing any into its spaces.

Pergolas with roofs made of Pergola construction material are often aesthetically pleasing additions to gardens and backyards because they bring beauty while also protecting those who sit beneath them from sun damage, rain damage, snow damage, etc.

Pergolas used over buildings are another great choice depending on what sort of protection owners want under the Pergola.

Pergolas come in many different varieties but some have solid roofing.

Read More About Pergola:

  1. Dealing With Weight Of Pergola