What Are the Downsides of Covering a Pergola?

A covered pergola can dramatically increase the usability of an outdoor space—but it also changes the look, feel, and function of a structure that many homeowners choose specifically for its open, airy design.

Before deciding whether to cover a pergola, it’s important to understand your goals for the space, how different outdoor structures are defined, and what trade-offs come with adding a solid roof.

First: Define the Goal of Your Pergola

The biggest factor in deciding whether a covered pergola is right for you is how you plan to use the structure.

🌿 Open Pergola vs Covered Pergola: Aesthetic Goals

If your primary goal is an open, airy structure that blends into landscaping, an open-top pergola is often the better option. Open pergolas are intentionally designed to:

• Allow sunlight to pass through

• Support climbing plants and vines

• Maintain visual openness and sky views

In this scenario, one of the biggest downsides of a covered pergola is that it blocks visibility to overhead greenery. Many homeowners choose pergolas specifically to showcase plants growing above—something a covered roof eliminates entirely.

Best fit: Open pergola with spaced rafters and no solid roof

👉 Explore Open Pergola Kits & Bracketshttps://www.bjornwoodworks.com/pergola-kits

☀️ Covered Pergola Benefits: Function & Protection

If your goal is shade, weather protection, and consistent usability, a covered pergola may be the better choice.

A covered pergola is ideal when you want to:

• Block strong sun exposure

• Protect outdoor kitchens or grills

• Keep rain and snow off furniture

• Create a reliable, all-day seating area

In these cases, the downside of an open pergola is limited functionality. A covered design allows the space to be used more often and protects your investment underneath it.

Best fit: Covered pergola or lean-to structure

👉 Build a Covered Pergola with a Lean-To Shelter Kithttps://www.bjornwoodworks.com/product-page/lean-to-shelter-kit

What Is a Covered Pergola, Technically?

One important nuance for SEO and buyer clarity:Many structures called covered pergolas are technically lean-to structures.

Lean-To Structures (Often Called Covered Pergolas)

A lean-to structure features:

• A single-slope roof

• One side set lower than the other

• Proper runoff for rain and snow

Lean-tos are popular because they:

• Preserve a modern pergola-style appearance

• Accept metal or polycarbonate roofing

• Are easy to expand or modify

If you’re searching for a covered pergola, this is often the structure type you’re actually looking for.

Gazebos & Pavilions: An Alternative to Covered Pergolas

Another covered outdoor structure is a gazebo or pavilion, typically identified by its A-frame (gabled) roof.

These are commonly chosen when homeowners want:

• A larger covered footprint

• Fewer vertical posts on the lower side

• More overhead clearance

• A more architectural, permanent feel

The gabled roof design allows wider spans while maintaining strength, making gazebos ideal for dining areas or large seating layouts.

👉 View DIY Gazebo & Pavilion Kitshttps://www.bjornwoodworks.com/product-page/diy-gazebo-kit

Quick Answer: What Are the Downsides of a Covered Pergola?

For featured snippet eligibility, here’s the direct answer:

The downsides of a covered pergola include:

• Reduced airflow and natural light

• No ability to grow overhead vegetation

• Loss of the open, free-flowing pergola aesthetic

These drawbacks are minimal for functional builds—but significant if your priority is visual openness or plant integration.

Final Thoughts: Is a Covered Pergola Right for You?

A covered pergola isn’t inherently better or worse than an open pergola—it’s simply different. The right choice depends on whether your priority is aesthetic openness or functional protection.

If you’re finding that a covered option fits your needs better, it’s worth exploring lean-to structures and gazebo kits instead of forcing a traditional pergola design to do something it wasn’t meant to do.

No matter which direction you go, Bjorn Woodworks offers DIY kits that make it easy to build:

• Open pergolas

• Covered pergolas (lean-tos)

• Gazebos and pavilions

All with customizable footprints, scalable designs, and a build process that’s approachable—even for first-time builders.