Open pergola
Provides partial shade and a defined structure without fully enclosing the space. A lower-cost option that still improves the look and feel of the kitchen area.
Outdoor kitchens
Covered outdoor kitchens.
A pergola or roof over your outdoor kitchen protects the units and worktops from the weather and stretches the usable season well beyond a typical British summer.
Cover options
Choosing a cover for your outdoor kitchen.
Louvred roof
Adjustable slats let you control shade and rain protection on demand, giving more flexibility than a fixed roof at a higher cost than an open pergola.
Solid roof
Full weather protection, allowing the space to be used in light rain or stronger sun. The most effective option for extending usable months, and the highest cost of the three.
What changes with a cover
What a permanent cover adds to the project.
Weatherproofing. A cover protects cabinetry, electrics and worktops from constant exposure to rain, which extends their lifespan compared with a fully open-air setup.
Lighting & extras. A roof structure gives you somewhere to run pendant lighting, heaters or a ceiling fan, which is harder to do well in a fully open design.
Planning permission. A permanent roofed structure over a certain size is more likely to affect your permitted development position than an open-air BBQ area, particularly if it's close to a boundary. We check this against your specific garden and design before proceeding — see our main outdoor kitchens page for general planning guidance.
Planning & process
Planning permission and our process.
General planning permission, building regulations and our step-by-step process for outdoor kitchens are covered in full on our main outdoor kitchens page.
Ready to talk through your outdoor kitchen?
Email info@eastyorkshirerenovation.com to arrange a site visit.
Areas covered
Outdoor kitchens across Hull & East Yorkshire.
We build outdoor kitchens across Hull and East Yorkshire, alongside our full range of outdoor kitchen services.
Frequently asked questions
Covered Outdoor Kitchens FAQs.
Is a pergola or a solid roof better for an outdoor kitchen?
A solid roof gives the most weather protection and the longest usable season, while an open pergola is a lower-cost option that still improves the space. A louvred roof sits in between, giving adjustable control.
Does a covered outdoor kitchen need planning permission?
It's more likely to need consideration than an open-air setup, particularly for a larger permanent roofed structure or one close to a boundary. We check this for your specific garden and design.
Can a covered outdoor kitchen be used in winter?
Generally, yes, a solid-roofed outdoor kitchen can be used year-round, while an open-air setup is more of a spring-to-autumn space.