A pergola is traditionally an open frame — beams and rafters with no solid roof — used for climbing plants, filtered shade or shade sails. Many people now also use "pergola" for opening-louvre roofs, which can be closed against rain and opened for sun and breeze.
Open pergola vs patio
An open pergola gives dappled shade but no rain protection. If you want to use the space year-round, a roofed patio (ideally insulated) or a louvre roof is the better fit. Open, unroofed pergolas are treated differently in some siting rules — for example the QDC allows certain unroofed, primarily ornamental pergolas up to 2.4 m high at the boundary within the clearance area — but roofed structures are not.
Opening-louvre roofs
Louvre systems use rotating aluminium blades, operated manually or by motor, with integrated gutters. They're a premium product. Ask whether rain sensors, lighting and side screens are included when comparing quotes.
How it works with us
- Tell us about the job: suburb, pergolas, rough size and timing.
- We pass it to one independent, QBCC-licensed builder who services your area.
- The builder measures and quotes, and handles engineering and the certifier.
- You decide. The quote is free and any contract is directly with the builder.
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Where we can help
Requests for pergolas are passed to licensed builders across Moreton Bay. Each area page has local approval, overlay and materials notes.
Most requested: North Lakes · Narangba · Caboolture · Morayfield · Redcliffe · Murrumba Downs · Kallangur · Strathpine · All areas →
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a pergola without council approval?
Only if it meets the accepted-development limits in the Building Regulation 2021 (for class 10 structures: no more than 10 m² plan area, 2.4 m high, 2.1 m mean height, and no side longer than 5 m, plus siting rules). Most pergolas are bigger than that. City of Moreton Bay states pergolas over 10 m² or taller than 2.4 m need approval.
Can I add a roof to my pergola later?
Often, but it then becomes a roofed structure: the QDC concession for unroofed ornamental pergolas no longer applies, and if it is over the small-structure limits it needs a building permit. The frame, footings and connections also have to be checked for the roof load and wind uplift, so it may be simpler to plan the roof from the start.