Pergola Sun Shade

A pergola can be an eye-catching addition to your backyard. It can also provide much-needed shade from harsh sunlight.

Many homeowners choose to cover their pergolas with stylish fabric. The fabric can be fastened with screw snaps that make it easy to keep it in place or to adjust how much sun is let in.

Retractable Canopy

If you’d like to add a touch of elegance and functionality to your pergola, consider building one with a retractable canopy. These structures roll out smoothly to provide shade when you need it, but can also be retracted to let the sun shine pergola sun shade through when you’re enjoying a meal or reading a book outdoors. You can build a basic retractable canopy from materials available at many home centers.

For best results, construct your canopy on a sunny but cool day that is dry and not windy. Having a helper to assist you during the assembly process will make the task much easier.

The ideal fabric for a retractable canopy is waterproof. Quality solutions use solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, such as Para (Italy), Dickson (France) or Sunbrella (USA and China). In addition to being waterproof, these materials resist fading and are dirt resistant.

You can find solution-dyed acrylic canopy fabric at most home improvement and some large box hardware stores. You can also find canvas or muslin privacy screening, which work well for more rustic or natural-looking pergolas. Both types of material are available in a variety of widths, which means you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect size for your project. Be sure to check with a specialist awning or fabric store to ensure you get the right type of material for your specific needs.

Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is a mesh fabric that’s designed to block a certain percentage of sunlight, anywhere from 20% to 95%. It’s easy to install and provides plenty of shade while still allowing air to flow through. It’s available in several colors and textures and can be a nice complement to a pergola.

It’s important to consider the climate, sun exposure and aesthetic preference when deciding on the best roof cover for your pergola. A shade cloth offers excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays and still allows some natural light to filter through, while a canopy is a more traditional option that provides more coverage, privacy and visual appeal.

If you decide to use shade cloth, it’s important to hang it under the structure rather than over, as this will dramatically reduce the impact of abrasion and help to lengthen the lifespan of the fabric. When attaching the cloth to a rafter or support beam, it’s also helpful to offset the fixing point slightly so that the fabric doesn’t rub against the wood, which can cause damage and deterioration. It’s also a good idea to trim off any excess material and tack down the edges to ensure they don’t blow away in the wind. In some areas, it may be necessary to remove the shade cloth entirely for a period of time, such as during winter or to allow plants to grow over the structure.

Plants

There are plenty of climbing plants that will provide shade for your pergola, and many of them also offer flowers or foliage that add beauty to your outdoor living space. The hydrangea vine, for example, is ideal for those in warm year-round climates since it tolerates partial shade and produces vibrant clusters of pink and white flowers. The plant is easy to grow, but will take a few years to reach its peak height. Another flowering option is the bower vine, which rambles up to 25 feet and produces a bundle of white and pink blooms.

Other fast-growing, low maintenance choices include clematis (Clematis montana), which blooms in a range of colors including blues, pinks and purples and suits sheltered positions. If you like to pair your flowering plants with foliage, consider the coontie (Cymbopogon tuscanus) or the yucca pergola sun shade (Salix chinensis). These evergreen ground covers have feathery leaves and are salt-tolerant. The yucca, in particular, provides a great delineation between your pergola and backyard area and supports wildlife such as endangered butterflies.

If you prefer a leafy shade cover, try Boston ivy (Hedera helix) or English ivy (Hedera glabra). These resilient self-climbing plants will quickly envelop your pergola and everything else in its path. However, they’re considered invasive in some regions and may need to be carefully managed to keep them under control.

Walls or Screens

Pergolas, by design, offer very little shade when the sun is at certain angles. Adding walls or screens can increase the amount of shade a pergola offers, while also providing privacy and defining outdoor areas within a space. Pergola privacy wall options include trellis designs and climbing plants, stand-alone partitions made of wood or metal, and slatted screen walls.

If you are looking for a more flexible solution, a retractable canopy may be a good option. It is easy to install and can be altered based on the weather and your personal preferences. It’s important to measure the space your pergola shade will be covering, so it fits correctly and isn’t sagging or moving excessively in windy conditions.

Another great addition to a pergola is a simple shade cloth, which can be draped over the structure or tacked to the sides. These shades are affordable and simple to install, giving your pergola a clean look and blocking out sunlight with ease.

When designing this entertaining area in Kirkland, WA, Board & Vellum used a wood-and-metal pergola with clear polycarbonate panels for light protection and privacy. This allowed them to create an all-season space that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. The homeowners paired their new shade structure with a custom-built fire pit for a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and host family and friends.