Waterproof gazebos/pergolas

[UsainDolt]

I have a patio/courtyard directly outside my back door. I had put a medium sized gazebo up to give some shade in the sun, and also to allow the dog out in the rain. And it worked well until today, when the sheer intensity of the rain caused it to collapse.

I'd like to have a more permanent structure out there, and coming into autumn the waterproof-ness takes priority. I had visions of a beautiful pergola with gorgeous flowers growing on it, except research has shown that that won't keep me dry. Lots of the off the shelf gazebos are ugly.

I don't want to spend a fortune, so I'm wondering what genius ideas you've come up with to solve a similar problem, and even better whether you've any photos you'd like to share.
TIA

Would a sail be an option? Maybe angled to help the rain run off. Would not protect from rain with wind.

I've got my eye on this- www.toolstation.com/rowlinson-sienna-gazebo/p79944

From the reviews it seems the sail bit might not last but by then I would have hoped to have grown something fragrant and pretty up the sides and over the top.

My neighbour has a gazebo with so much growing over it there's no way more than a drop or two of water can get through - it's a lovely mess of passionflower and wisteria and ivy and clematis and honeysuckle.

Thanks @TW201. DH wants a sail but I'm not convinced how easy it would be to take down when windy/during snow etc.

That looks good @paternister

That should obviously read @tw2013 and @paternoster

Following with interest :)

I'd get an awning. Not cheap but worth it IMO.

My brother in law has a wooden pergola, he has corrugated clear plastic on the top of his, with a grape vine climbing over it.

@redelephants - does it not get very noisy when the rain hits the plastic?

Probably, however it's not near the house, so can't hear it