Gazebos, pergolas and canopies

If a garden canopy is your dream and plan, it is worth thinking through a few important points before you go ahead:

• Garden size – gazebos and canopies must suit the size of the garden: in a small garden it is wiser to choose small fixed or pop-up or prefabricated garden canopies. Likewise, if you rarely plan to gather outdoors, a prefabricated canopy is the better choice.
• Gazebo size – matched both to the garden and to the number of people who will use it most often.
• Canopy price – depends on the size, materials, design and various extra features.
• With or without walls – walls protect from wind and rain, as well as annoying insects.
• Seating – think about how many seats will go under the garden canopy and how they'll be arranged
• Gazebo design – various shapes and colours, different types of roof structure.

Although gazebos are mostly associated with pleasant time in the garden or yard, canopies today can serve many other purposes too. Covered gazebos, with or without walls, are more comfortable, protecting from hot sun and wind and making garden furniture last longer.

Canopies can also serve other practical purposes – a woodshed keeps fuel tidy and compact while protecting it from rain. You can also build a canopy big enough to drive a car under. And of course canopies work for storing other things, like garden machinery and tools in summer.

There are many different options, so if you'd like to bring your own special idea to life, get in touch and we'll help you do it

When choosing a spot for a garden canopy or gazebo, consider both practical aspects – what it will be used for – and looks. If the gazebo is for relaxing, place it where there is a nice view, for example by the garden or a pond. A carport can be built near the house so it is easy to reach by car and on foot.

To avoid misunderstandings, check the building rules before choosing a gazebo or canopy. If the structure will only be used temporarily, such as a pop-up garden canopy, no approval is needed.

If a canopy or gazebo is built on private land to stay longer than a year, in Latvia it may need approval from the building authority. Contact your local municipality for details.