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High quality standard and bespoke outdoor living products designed to create additional beautiful outdoor space protected from the often great, but extremely variable British weather.
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With Us TodaySamson Awnings offer a vast range of fixed or Retractable Awnings, commercial Retractable Canopies, Glassrooms, Parasols, External Vertical Blinds and Freestanding Structures to protect from the UK weather and extend the use of your outdoor space all year round.
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Glass Veranda Prices in the UK! Things you need to know
If you are planning to enhance your outdoor living space with a glass verandas, there are some factors which can decide the prices. From sun, rain, to high winds, the British climate sets high demands on outdoor structures, making careful selection of your veranda’s specification not just wise, but necessary.
A glass veranda is a top choice for sure for all year round use and will provide excellent rain protection as well as sun shade when specified with a retractable fabric blind, but do be aware of the differences in quality and performance in the longer term..What Drives Price Differences in Glass Verandas?
Several main factors play a significant role in determining the price of a glass veranda can be listed:
1.Size and Design Complexity:
Larger verandas mean more glass, frame, and engineering—costs rise accordingly. Designs that include curves, elaborate supports, or full glass walls at the sides will incur further expense compared to straightforward, open-roof models.
Many excellent flat roof models are now available but can be more costly than basic lean to models, for the right reasons.
2.Glass Quality and Type:
The glass choice is important for both price and quality. High quality glass as thick laminated safety glass (usually 8.8mm to 10.8mm) offer better impact resistance than thinner or standard glass. Some other features such as tinting, self cleaning coating or UV protection also increase comfort and performance, as well as total price.
3.Frame Material and Construction: Superior powder coated aluminium, the foundation of any verandas, guarantees longevity and durability, even in coastal regions where corrosion could be a concern. Timber and steel designs may attract different costs and require more maintenance, but aluminium is always the best. Precision manufacturing and robust fixings are essential to outlast strong winds and driving rain. High quality paint finish always seems to be a strong factor we encounter with cheaper painted veranda profiles tending to fade very quickly indeed when positioned in the full sun and a south facing position.
4.Enclosure: Simple open-sided verandas (just a glass roof) are more affordable. If you want to enjoy year-round protection and comfort, enclosed glass rooms, multiple sliding doors, and advanced drainage or heating features all increase the budget needed.
5.Installation and Location: Professional, experienced fitting guarantees the integrity and safety of your veranda, but can affect cost depending on site access and local labour rates. Extensive groundwork or preprepared concrete bases obviously affect the time on site for construction.
Why Budget Models Deserve Caution in the British Climate
It can be tempting to select a glass veranda based simply on a headline price, but beware – budget systems may simply not be fit for purpose in the UK. Cheaper verandas often use thinner glass and lightweight support structures. They might work in milder mediterranean climates, however, UK weather is famous for strong wind gusts, heavy rains and storms. Therefore, poor quality glass and frames run the risk of bowing, cracking or failing completely and leading to costly repairs or replacement.
Investing in a high-quality system – engineered specifically for the UK, or mainly Northern European climate means superior durability, safety, and peace of mind.
At Samson Awnings, our bespoke glass verandas are meticulously specified using robust, weather tested components suitable for the harshest British conditions with certified performance.Final Guidance for UK Buyers
- Prioritise proven quality, not just headline prices.
- Ask for examples or go and see for yourself and try to see systems which are installed outside and have been for a while
- Ask for details on glass specification, frame material, and weather ratings.
- Choose certified installers with a track record of safety and professional service.
- If in doubt, consult our expert team for honest advice and tailored recommendations.
A glass veranda is a long-term investment in your outdoor enjoyment and property value. With Samson Awnings, you can be confident your solution is designed to stand up to the unique demands of British outdoor living.
See our Price Examples page for Glass Verandas for further information:
Contact us to arrange a showroom visit, or send an image and measurements for a tailored quotation, all backed by our decades of expertise and commitment to quality.
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Awnings, Pergolas and Verandas for Rain and Wind Protection
Creating an outdoor covered space which is truly protected from the elements all year round is quite hard to achieve in the UK. The simple fact is that any outdoor space designed mainly for use in the spring, summer and autumn months, will probably not be the most inviting in the depths of winter. It isn’t meant to be in most cases, the idea generally is to extend the amount of time you can be outdoors by around 4 months in an average year, but also to specifically not worry about sudden rain showers or the wind whipping up in the afternoon.
In this article, the Samson team will explore some of the best options available to keep your outdoor space usable come rain or shine all year round.
Light Rainfall and Breezes.
To create a covered area with protection from rain and a light cooling breeze and as a retractable solution we look towards the Retractable Fabric Pergola.
Introduced in around 2010 to the UK, the simple principle of a retracting fabric cover on a light aluminium framework which extends and retracts as required, but can also have a drop down front fabric valance for light breezes and retractable side awnings on one or both sides.
Create your own lovely covered space which is always light and airy as natural light flows through the lighter coloured fabrics. The simple push of a button and the roof retracts out of sight and into a neat cassette on the wall. The fabric is at an angle for the rain to flow off to the front and this angle is adjustable if required with optional telescopic posts at the front. The retractable pergola is the best solution when you know you want to use the outdoor area in the rain, but also want open to see the sky whenever possible too.
Medium Rainfall and Wind
The same principle applies here with a retractable electric pergola fabric roof system, but the lourved roof system is triple layered and 100% waterproof and very strong. The framework in which the fabric works within is also larger and incorporates rainwater guttering into the front profile.
Available as either a wall mounted system or as a freestanding pergola system this type of retractable roof is very popular in multiple applications because of the flexibility with the climate control. Full air flow when the sides are all opened up and a total barrier to wind and rain when closed. These systems can be a lean to design or flat roof design to suit the building or application and can also be connected to each other to create very large covered spaces when required, making them perfect for commercial settings too.
With these structures you can easily add exceptionally high quality LED lighting and various forms of infrared heating to maintain use into the evenings and winter months.
Heavy Rainfall and Wind
Once you have a combination of heavy rain and heavy wind then being outside perhaps isn’t the best experience but there are products which can deal with the rain and wind and are normally designed around the use of solid glass, a 100% waterproof material with maximum natural light transmission.
Our wide range of glass structures give you total protection from rain above and depending on the side infills specified will also protect you from strong winds too.
Either referred to as ‘glass verandas’ with open sides, or ‘glass outdoor rooms’ when the sides are enclosed with various options.
Wind Protection Products – Retrofit Options
When an outside area is exposed to wind the cooling effects can be prolific and it isn’t pleasant at any time trying to relax, drink or eat in windy conditions. There are some great solutions for domestic and commercial sites, depending on the site conditions and available fixings.
Retractable Side Blinds – A manual fabric blind which pulls out from a cassette fixed on the wall or strong post to clip into another post or bracket when extended. Available in various widths and heights and over 200 fabric selections this is a great way to prevent annoying breezes in any patio or garden area
Rising Glass Barriers– A manual or electric operated rising glass wind break to offer a barrier but also clear vision too. A fixed glass section protects to one height and is fitted in various fixed or movable systems and a second glass section can rise to double the height of the protection when required.
Available as a bracket to ground fixed system or in various weighted box formats which can be relocated easily when required and also used as planters with a steel box attachment.
Fabric Cafe Barriers – Fixed or free standing with weighted bases, fabric barriers provide a wind break and create a defined area for outdoor seating and other purposes. Variable sizes for the width and height and with or without printed graphics as required.
Need help deciding on the right umbrella for your needs or require more information?
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Who makes the best aluminium louvre pergolas?
There are so many rebranded louvre pergolas in the UK now it is difficult to work out the differences and performance expectations. Like many products now with AI and CGI they tend to all look the same sometimes on a screen.
The best pergola systems using rotating aluminum blades will generally be ones which are used in larger commercial applications, as well as domestic. The best systems are inevitably the more expensive ones and this is simply because the louvre pergola has multiple moving mechanical parts and the pergola framework also needs to be totally stable in all weather conditions in order to work every time.
Cheaper, smaller support legs and roof structures will move around in high winds, or even if a person happens to lean or fall onto a support post. Lower quality aluminium blades on the roof using cheaper mechanisms for the rotation, whether manual or electric, can rattle in the wind and fail if the structure moves around too much.
Put simply, for a reliable and long lasting louvre pergola systems, especially freestanding models, you need the system to be robust and developed for larger sizes and commercial use if possible. Yes, it will cost more, but last you a very long time compared to a cheaper system always battling our ever more aggressive climate and high wind speeds.
Some higher end manufacturers for louvre pergolas which can be used in commercial and domestic applications include:
- KE – The Kedry range offers 5 models to cover various sizes and specifications, with all systems made to order for the perfect final results.
- Weinor Artares – German manufactured louvre pergola with excellent options for add on and enclosure, with their own highly developed glass doors, vertical electric blinds and LED lighting.
- Morvelle – UK manufactured louvre pergola offering beautiful colour finishes which have been developed specifically for the UK market and property. Bespoke shapes and sizes offered
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What are the benefits of a glass veranda?
The glass veranda is possibly one the very best all round outdoor weather protection systems for use in the UK, both for domestic and commercial applications.
The standard wall mounted glass veranda offers a total 100% waterproof roof, but also maintains the highest natural light levels at all times, a major benefit often not thought about by customers. As a basic glass roof you will be able to sit outside for so many more months of the year when it may be warm or even hot, but also raining. You don’t need to worry about the wind and can also block in one or more sides to prevent prevailing winds with any number of optional fixed or retractable enclosure systems such as vertical blinds, sliding glass or louvre bladed walls.
The ultimate glass veranda is always purchased with a built in retractable fabric roof blind as this will give you protection from the intense heat and light of the midday sun in the summer. The current best system for this is the Lewens Murano Integrale.
With all glass verandas rainwater is taken off the roof via a built in front guttering profile and directed down to low level via the front support posts. No splashing or flooding of water.
With a glass veranda you define an outdoor space and build around it to create your perfect protected space for all kinds of activities and general living or entertaining. In most cases, depending on the direction your veranda faces and other influences on the wind and rain, it is thought a glass veranda will give you 4 full extra months outside in the spring and autumn, plus all the rainy days in the summertime..
Invest in the best you can afford and you have a quality and robust product to give you so many years of pleasure and enjoyable, healthy outdoor living….
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How much do louvered roof pergolas cost?
Like so many outdoor weather protection and sun shading products the prices vary a lot and mainly depending if it is a simple, lightweight DIY system or a bespoke, heavy duty, commercial specification system capable of larger sizes, bespoke shapes and carrying additional products to enhance the weather protection on the sides.
Cheap, DIY systems with questionable stability and suitability for high winds and heavy rain are supplied by many online suppliers and garden centres between around £2,000 and £6,000 in limited colours and sizes.
A mid price range, electric, louvre roof, aluminium pergola, with some essential LED lighting included and which is also free standing at around 4m x 4m would be about £15,000 inc. VAT. This would be a suitable system for domestic and commercial and have multiple colour choices. A higher specification louvre pergola with LED lighting, 3 sides infilled with a choice of sliding glass or retractable electric blinds could be around £20,000 – 25,000 for a 4m x 4m size.
A fully retracting electric louvre blade roof with adaptable sides, LED lighting and heaters would be around £30,000 – £35,000 in a 5m x 4m size for comparison.
Our bespoke electric pergolas can be coupled for much larger sizes and have the largest of rainwater guttering and support post dimensions to provide the strength required to add other products like sliding glass doors or electric vertical blinds and further enhance the pergola and its yearly use.
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Top Products for Rain Protection Outdoors This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, but the unpredictable British weather all too often interrupts it. Whilst a lot of products we supply and install are for sun shading and protection from harmful UV rays and the intense heat, we are in the UK and it still rains a lot anytime of the year and often without warning.
So, which products are best to consider, specifically if you want to protect yourself, your friends and family, your pets, and so on, from the great and frequent British rain?
Parasols
This may be the simplest solution coming up in your mind. Parasols using waterproof or water resistant fabrics will of course protect you from falling rain. We can supply from smaller and standard sizes to very large sizes of parasols for domestic and commercial use. For the best overall stability and strength, we recommend centre pole supported ranges.
Suggested products:
Models from Tradewinds offer protection but there is also our premium May collection, parasols from a dedicated German manufacturer for domestic and commercial use.The ultimate parasol for sun, rain and wind speeds over 100km/h is the Vortex…Designed and manufactured in the UK with a wide choice of shapes and sizes this is the ultimate parasol for all year round.
Glass Verandas
For a truly outdoor weather solution, a fixed aluminium structure using large glass panels in the roof sections and providing 100% water proof rain protection from above.The glass veranda varieties are very customisable to fit your outdoor layout, whether you prefer a wall mounted sloped design, a flat roof configuration or a free standing set up.
The integrated rainwater gutting system, which directs rainfall from the roof through unseen downpipes, makes this structure even more functional. This helps to keep your patio or deck area dry and avoid splashing water.This is generally believed to be the perfect weather protection solution for the UK weather amongst specialists, but only if you also include a retractable fabric blind with the glass to provide sun shade too, for use in the hotter months. Extend the fabric awning when it is hot and sunny and have the clear glass roof for the rainfall, all collected and drained away at low level… Perfect!!…..
Additionally, you can add sliding glass walls or vertical blinds to the structure for increased comfort, which will protect you from wind and driving rain. No matter what the British summer throws at you, this structure is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. You can even sit back and watch the rain fall from the comfort of your dry, shaded sanctuary.Suggested products:
Retractable Pergola Awnings
The pergola awning system was introduced in the UK around 2009 as a made to measure retractable weather protection system offering far higher levels of wind stability than a normal folding arm awning could ever achieve, with a tighter fabric canopy because of the framework, which also meant it could deal with rain better too.There are two types of distinctive pergola fabric awning systems generally. One using an awning fabric and rolling the fabric in and out like a huge roller blind system with tracking and another, using thicker, triple layered fabric which folds in and out under the framework. Both these systems use electric motor drives as standard for the fabric cover. You can have wall mounted or free standing models as required.
A key factor for the fabric pergola is letting natural light still come underneath the covered area.. A huge factor for keeping the outdoor covered area feeling light and airy and a desirable place to spend time beneath in any weather..
Suggested products:
Louvered Pergolas
This product has stormed onto the UK market in the last 5 years from other countries, however you need to be aware that many models being offered are more sun shade orientated and are coming from manufacturers in hot countries, where sun shade is all that is required and rainfall protection is maybe limited depending on the drainage system size and how the blades deal with the rain too.
Be aware that any louvre roof system will always cut out all natural light when closed against rain. Undeniable but relevant to many people when fitting to your home directly as it will cut out natural light, potentially even with the blades openedA louvered pergola structure which has been designed to deal with the rain and sun means aluminium blades which connect and seal with each other, but then enhanced rainwater drainage, with sufficient drainage capabilities for heavier rain in the perimeter channels and larger size of downpipe to take water to lower levels.
Suggested products:
A dry and comfortable outdoor space can turn your garden into your favourite summer destination. Whether you decide on retractable awnings, glass verandas, modern pergolas with waterproof canopy, or an umbrella, make sure your space reflects your style while providing weather protection. Still have questions? Speak with our team today to have an informal chat and get prices instantly from us.
There are many other options with bespoke shapes and functionality and the larger you go the more likely planning permission would be required.
At Samson Outdoor Living, we complete a full comprehensive survey for our customer before adding a pergola, making sure it complies with local planning permission rules. The right pergola is not just about style and function – it also needs to meet height, size and placement regulations to avoid potential issues. Thus, if you have any questions, contact us today so we can help you choose a product that aligns with planning guidelines and keeps your project hassle-free.
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Do pergolas require planning permission?
Whether you’d like to create an outdoor sanctuary or simply provide sun shade and UV protection during a family gathering meal, a pergola structure can bring your vision to life as well as offer an all-season oasis, even with British weather. However, one of the most common questions we usually receive is that if a pergola installation needs planning permission?
In short, most pergolas do not require planning permission. However, there are a few exceptions. In this article, we will go over the requirements for pergolas to help you decide whether you need a planning permission.
WHAT SIZE ARE YOU CHOOSING?
The size and type of pergolas will affect if you need planning permissions. If your pergola is small, standard sized designed for residential gardens, it should be fine.
Following the general rule from 1st October 2008*, pergolas and other garden structures are generally exempt from seeking planning approval as long as the following requirements are met:
1. No structure forward of the principal elevation fronting a highway.
2. It must be one story, with a maximum eave’s height of 2.5 metres and a total height of no more than or equal to 4 metres for a pitched roof or 3 metres for any other type of roof.
3. The maximum height can be more than 2.5 metres within 2 metres of a boundary.
Planning permission is probably required if the pergola you expect is larger than these and enclosed by walls and a roof. This is due to the fact that it can be considered as an expansion of your property. However this a very grey area in terms of whether the structure is a ‘temporary’ structure or not. All these pergola systems are designed for outdoor use and do not require foundations as used in normal domestic house building or indeed damp proof floors and building control sign off.
DO YOU LIVE IN A CONSERVATION AREA?
You will most likely need planning approval if you live in a conservation area or if the structures will be built on the side of your house between the house and the boundary. Both conservation areas and the side spaces between homes are locations where councils want to strictly control development, therefore, a pergola would probably need approval first.
Similarity, if your property is a designated listed building, you will need planning authorization. To maintain the historical integrity of a listed building, permission is required for any external changes. Pergola installation would be subject to listed building rules since it would be considered an external change.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERGOLA FOR YOUR GARDEN
The word and definition of ‘pergola’ has significantly evolved in the last five years in the UK.
Originally we only ever heard the term referring to a timber structure used in gardens and terraces for light sun shade and growing various climbing plants up and along the roof beams. It defined an outdoor seating area for relaxing and enjoying outdoors
Now however, whilst the intended purpose may be similar, the term ‘Pergola’ refers to various aluminium and steel structures with integrated fixed or retractable roof systems which can offer far greater performance. These can be structures with awning fabrics, triple layered waterproof fabrics, rotating aluminium blades and even glass. With their intended use, they have effectively become more like the definition of a ‘gazebo’ for their function.
Pergolas in 2025 are being used to create defined outdoor spaces with either sun shade or rain protection or both of course, with even further weather protection from infilling one or more sides of the structure..So, which pergola is right for you?
Basic Sun Shade
A wide range of sloping or flat roof structure pergolas with retractable, outdoor specification fabrics. The most basic systems just slide back and forth with a pulley system and can be manual or electric operated.Sun Shade and Light Rain
More advanced pergola systems, with far higher wind ratings, operate in and out of a closed cassette under great tension and some models will be zipped into the side channels for 4 sided fabric tension.. This tension provides greater wind ratings and also ensures when used in rain the weight of the rainwater doesn’t sag the fabric and cause water pooling and damage on the cover.Sun and Rain (with wind protection options)
Many systems exist for rain protection, with and without built in rainwater guttering.
The structures are usually stronger and can also incorporate additional products to the sides for protection against wind and driving rain.
Fabric roof systems retract where louvre bladed systems generally do not, although there are some models which do retract to expose around 80% open clear roof.
Think carefully on louvre bladed systems as when being used for rain protection they are totally closed and act like a blackout blind blocking all natural light, where fabric roof systems can let good level of light through special fabrics designed for this purpose whilst still 100% waterproof. This can make the area underneath very pleasant or very dark.There are many other options with bespoke shapes and functionality and the larger you go the more likely planning permission would be required.
At Samson Outdoor Living, we complete a full comprehensive survey for our customer before adding a pergola, making sure it complies with local planning permission rules. The right pergola is not just about style and function – it also needs to meet height, size and placement regulations to avoid potential issues. Thus, if you have any questions, contact us today so we can help you choose a pergola that aligns with planning guidelines and keeps your project hassle-free.
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Markilux Markant
Come along and visit our showroom at your convenience, parking is free and adjacent, and we will offer you a hot drink!
Wellingborough Northamptonshire, NN8 4BH
The markilux Markant on display with a recent installation here at our showroom.
Benefit now from more clients sitting down or being barflowers in your venue!
Make the most of uncovered or unused outdoor space, this beautiful installation is suitable for education, bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, retail, sports venues and hotels. Profit from the extra space created, extra seating provided, extra revenue per year!
Comfort, beautiful aesthetics, ambient atmosphere, all year round space!
More space = more sales – people are drawn outside, they want to enjoy the light, fresh air and space.
Benefit from this strong trend and create an attractive outdoor area using products that offer all year round protection. The advantage: your guests can stay outdoors for longer, even in not-so-mild winters. Increase your dining space and your sales as a result!
By extending your hospitality you will attract more customers, protect guests from weather, enhance business branding. Ask us about placing your logo on this product.
Come and see it for yourself.
Book a survey at your convenience by calling 01933 448 844
Markant stands proudly on 4 posts covering an area of 6m x 6m, or 36m²
For an area of 36m² prices starts at £14k excluding VAT excluding Installation.
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Shading solutions to gain privacy from neighbours
Spring is practically knocking on our door and most of us can’t wait to spend more time outside taking in the sun and gardens. Though spending time outdoors is beneficial to our wellbeing, it may be uncomfortable if we feel like we are being watched. But don’t worry, we are putting a list of the best outdoor product options to help you restore your privacy while enhancing the appearance of your outdoor space.
1.Put up a pergola
Pergolas are outdoor structures with a roof and supporting posts that can be bespoke to suit various styles and house designs. Moreover, if you opted for high quality pergolas like Markilux or Weinor, the pergolas can even be resistant to wind speeds of up to 30mph and safe to use when it rains. Since pergola are largely open, they are one of our recommended products to block a neighbour’s view because they can be adapted to include stat walls and stylish, secluded seating.
2. Invite stylish privacy with a parasol
Parasols are another great option to block a neighbour’s view. They are perfect for lovely cottage garden designs that seek solitude and shade. In addition, garden parasols will be extremely helpful for those hot summer days because they can be moved about as needed to offer shade in multiple locations. Parasols are a far more adaptable way to block your neighbour’s view than a permanent structure because they are so easy to pull down and store when not in use and come in a number of different sizes and styles. Another advantage of a parasol is short turnaround time, unlike a pergola or other structures that require a 4-6 week lead time.
At Samson Outdoor Living, our parasol ranges can be delivered within a week depending on stock availability. Therefore, if you are planning for an upcoming outdoor Easter party and want to add extra shade, you can consider our parasol ranges to enjoy your quality time with your families.
3. Add an awning for shade and seclusion
An awning is a supporting structure that can be fixed to the side of your home and extended outwards when needed. A garden awning is an easy way to block your neighbour’s view, especially if you neighbours overlook you from above.
To enhance extra privacy, we suggested you consider drop down valance or blind side which are available in most of awning ranges. The drop down valance easily screens off the front to add extra shade whenever the sun is a little too bright or shinning low in the sky.
Creating personal space in your garden does not have to be stressful or complicated. With some suggested solutions above, you can now limit your neighbour’s views in a stylish and efficient way. This simple touch turns your patio into a sanctuary where you can relax without worrying about being seen.
Our Brands
If you have any questions regarding to outdoor shading solutions, feel free to contact us today and speak with our expert team:
