Pergolas

Buying guide for pergolas

Pergola styles & types

Pergolas come in a variety of styles to enhance any NZ home. Fixed roofs provide permanent shelter, while retractable canopies let you adjust light flow at the pull of a cord, providing full control over your comfort. When it comes to the placement, you can choose between free-standing pergolas for a striking feature anywhere in your backyard, or a wall-mounted pergola that attaches directly to your house—ideal for patios and decks with limited space.

At Trade Tested, our aluminium pergolas feature retractable, UV-stabilised canopies to combine the best of style, shade, and practicality. Available in both free-standing and wall-mounted options, they increase your exterior living area so your family can enjoy the outdoors all year.

Pergola specifications

Feature	Options Available	Description
Size	3m x 4m	Fits small patios through to large entertaining areas
Material	Aluminium	Aluminium resists rust and corrosion with minimal maintenance requirements
Roof	Retractable	Retractable roofs allow control of sun and airflow
Placement	Free-standing, wall-mounted	Attach to existing structure or build standalone

Pergola & outdoor living décor ideas

Transform your outdoor area into a cosy retreat with our graphite aluminium pergolas. The bold frame complements both modern and classic décor, pairing beautifully with neutral-toned or timber outdoor furniture. Add texture and warmth with outdoor rugs and bean bags.

For evening ambience, drape solar string lights across the canopy and place a few LED lamps on your outdoor table for a soft glow. Complete the space with comfortable lounge seating, colourful cushions, and a fire pit or heater for year-round entertaining.

Pergola installation & care tips

Our aluminium pergolas are designed with easy DIY assembly in mind. Each kit includes sturdy base plates and all necessary hardware, so you can get started right away. You’ll just need a drill to secure the base plates to a stable, level surface using the supplied bolts. If you’d like a lower profile, trim the posts to your desired height.

To keep your pergola in the best possible shape, retract the awning in rainy or windy weather. Check bolts for tightness and clean the awning with mild soap and water on occasion.

What our customers say

Freestanding Pergola with Retractable Canopy 3m x 4m

“What a difference this has made to our courtyard. Reasonably easy to assemble, would recommend this product to anybody wanting an elegant shaded space without those pesky umbrellas. Oh, and by the way, Trade Tested were excellent to deal with and prompt delivery.”

Wall Mounted Pergola with Retractable Canopy 3m x 4m

“Really happy with the purchase. Easy to assemble and pretty solid once assembled.”

Freestanding Pergola with Retractable Canopy 3m x 4m

“Very happy with the finished product, it looks great and does its job perfectly. It was easy to install, and I only needed an extra pair of hands to clip the cover in place.”

Frequently asked questions

Can a pergola provide full shade or protection from rain?

Our pergolas are built to block out the sun with a UV-stabilised canopy that you can retract or extend as needed. We recommend completely retracting the pergola on rainy days; if you’d like a waterproof shelter that offers year-round protection from the elements, check out our patio covers or carports.

Can I attach a pergola to my house?

Yes, you can attach a wall-mounted pergola to your home to extend your outdoor living area. This setup provides a sturdy shelter over decks or patios, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow while offering complete UV protection for your outdoor furniture.

Can pergolas withstand NZ weather?

Our powder-coated aluminium pergolas resist rust and corrosion, providing long-lasting durability against NZ’s elements. However, please note they’re primarily designed to provide shade from the sun; we recommend retracting the pergola canopy during strong winds or rain.

How does a pergola differ from a gazebo?

A pergola typically features an open or retractable roof with a slatted or fabric canopy, offering flexible shade and airflow. In contrast, a gazebo has a solid roof that provides complete coverage against the elements.

Do I need council consent to install a pergola in NZ?

While you generally don’t need council consent to install a small pergola on your property, this can depend on where you place your structure, its proximity to property boundaries, building coverage on your property, and your property zone. We suggest checking with your local New Zealand council to see if you require a building consent.

Are pergolas suitable for DIY installation or professional assembly?

Our pergolas are designed for easy DIY installation with a drill. If you want to save time, you can also opt for professional installation.

Why buy pergolas from Trade Tested?

At Trade Tested, we’ve been New Zealand’s go-to experts in outdoor living products since 2001. Our team vets every product we sell to ensure you get the best possible quality at the lowest price—proven by thousands of happy reviews from customers all over.

Whether you want to build a shaded deck retreat or a free-standing garden structure, we make it easy to create an outdoor living area your family will enjoy for years. Shop pergolas for sale online for delivery across NZ or click-and-collect at our Auckland store. Explore our full outdoor living product range today. Have any questions? Contact us!

Other Shade & Shelter Products in our Home & Outdoor Living Section

Awnings - Fixed Awnings, Retractable Awnings

Outdoor Blinds - Clear Blinds, Shutters, Sunscreen Roller Blinds

Patio Covers - Louvre Roof Systems, Fixed Roof

Pop Up Gazebos - 3m x 3m, 3m x 6m, 3m x 4.5m

Shade Sails

Side Screens

Umbrellas