Pergola Sun Shade

Pergolas are a great way to create an intimate setting for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing. The right shade fabric can help you create a pergola that showcases your unique style and complements your backyard or patio.

To get the most out of your pergola, start with accurate measurements. Accurate measurements ensure that your shade cover is the correct size and fits correctly on your pergola.

1. Lattice

A classic and easy to install option, lattice is perfect for those who want a pergola sun shade that looks unique. You can train climbing plants to grow over it, creating a lush green wall that keeps you cool and adds definition. Or, you can use lattice to hold other types of shade solutions, such as umbrellas or screens.

Many of the pergolas in Backyard Discovery’s collection come with soft shade canopies, including the Stratford, Hawthorne, Windham, and Trenton series. These canopies work great with flower pots and garlands to create a more traditional backyard feel, or they can be used to support lush climbers to turn your pergola into your personal jungle retreat.

Lastly, you can also use fabric to add a pergola sun shade that will block out sunlight and offer privacy for your outdoor living area. These can be hung from a pergola’s roof or from the side walls and can be found in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns. They can even be woven together for an eye-catching effect that will complement your backyard’s design.

Finally, if you live in a hot climate, you can also try using reeds or leaves to shade your pergola. This will create a rustic charm and can help keep pergola sun shade you cool, especially when paired with a timber pergola frame.

2. Shade Cloth

If you’re looking to elevate your pergola with something more durable than lattice panels, shade cloth is a great choice. It’s a simple addition that can add a big impact, protecting you and your outdoor furniture from harmful UV rays. This fabric also helps keep your space cool and comfortable.

Shade cloth comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials, but most options are made from woven polyethylene or polyester-PVC blends. These materials are incredibly versatile and offer the best balance between protection, strength, and aesthetics. They can withstand strong winds, mildew and mold growth, and stains. They also feature a high UV protection rating.

One of the most popular pergola sun shade options is Commercial 95 shade cloth, which provides up to ninety eight percent UV protection. It’s also moisture resistant and won’t support the growth of mildew or mold. Another option is a shade sail, which is customized to fit the dimensions of your pergola and can be easily moved for maximum flexibility.

For those who prefer the modern look of a retractable pergola, adjustable louvers are an excellent option. They allow you to play with light and shade throughout the day, providing an open-air feel when they’re fully open and a rain-tight roof when closed. They’re easy to install and can be operated manually or electronically, depending on your preferences.

3. Plants

Plants are a beautiful and natural way to cover a pergola. They provide a more laid-back aesthetic than shade cloth, are easy to maintain and can even offer sun and rain protection. They also help cool down the space, draw pollinators and create a sense of privacy in your garden.

The type of plants you choose will depend on your needs and the look you want for the area underneath the pergola. If you’re looking for a colorful canopy consider flowering vines such as bougainvillea, coral honeysuckle and wisteria. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors and scents. If you prefer a low-florage option try bower vine (Jasminum polyanthum). It is a good choice for those with pets, as it’s not toxic if ingested and sheds little. It can ramble up to 25 feet and produces a bundle of white and pink flowers. It’s best in warm year-round climates, zones 9B to 11 for perennials and as far north as zone 8 for annuals.

Alternatively, shrubs and tall grasses like ferns, coontie and yucca are another option for covering a pergola. They are also hard-wearing and can help keep your furniture protected from strong winds.

4. Screens

Pergolas that incorporate screens are a great way to make the most of your backyard space year-round. They can offer shade and privacy, reduce noise and glare from the sun, and block harsh wind gusts.

Pergola screens also work as a strategic ally in your fight against unwelcome outdoor pests, such as buzzing mosquitoes and curious bees. Whether you’re relaxing under your pergola or entertaining guests, you don’t want to spend the evening swatting insects away from your food and drink.

Technical solar screen fabrics effectively block the sun’s rays, so you can enjoy your pergola without worrying about excessive heat or harmful UV rays. Aluminum Pergola Manufacturer Each fabric is woven with a precise amount of openness, which affects how much sunlight filters through and how much glare control it provides.

A pergola outfitted with motorized retractable screens is a luxurious addition that will enhance the beauty and function of your backyard. It can transform into a private retreat that offers a sense of seclusion, or a versatile entertainment area that’s ready for brunch, midday barbecues, and evening gatherings. Adding this type of pergola upgrade also boosts your property value, since potential buyers will consider it an appealing feature that enhances the versatility and usability of your outdoor space.