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How To Add A Canopy To A Pergola

A Green Option: Shade With Trees And Plants

Adding Clear Patio Cover Sheet To Pergola | Cover Your Pergola

Large planters with trees provide shade and bring greenery onto the deck. Evergreens are a good choice. They look and smell nice, and grow tall enough to provide shade . When filled with soil, these planters tend to be heavy. Limit the size to what you can move around. Set planters along the edge of the deck to serve as a sun screen. In cold climates, trees may not survive winter in a planterask before you buy.

For even more shade, plant trees in the ground around the deck. Maple trees are one good choice because they have dense foliage for blocking the sun and are fast-growing, so you won’t have to wait 20 to 30 years to reap the benefits. Ask about other choices at a local nursery. In many ways, trees are the best shade system because they can shade large areas, provide privacy and beautify your yard. The downside is you have to wait several years for results.

Fabric Sides For Privacy

If you want your patio to be a secluded backyard retreat, consider adding a privacy shade to your pergola. Again, you could DIY this with a sewing machine, grommets and ties, but there are plenty of options available for purchase as well. The Sunshades Depot Exterior Roller Shade comes in many sizes, and it can be opened and closed at will. The Alion Home Sun Shade is fixed.

Measure And Cut Fabric

If you are making your own cloth pergola cover , measure and cut the fabric to fit the area you want to cover. The easiest way to keep pergola covers in place is to weave them in and out of the roof structure, so keep this in mind when determining how long the fabric should be. Also keep in mind that you will need additional length if you prefer the look of fabric drooping between each rafter.


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Ways To Add Shade To Your Outdoor Living Areas

  • 21 Ways to Add Shade to Your Outdoor Living Areas
  • Spending time outdoors is one of the most sought-after benefits of living in Southern California and one of the main reasons so many folks choose to call this area home. While our comfortable climate allows us to enjoy backyard barbecues and alfresco dinner parties throughout the year, there are some steps we have to take to ensure that our family and friends can enjoy the fantastic climate in comfort.

    After all, the reason we can spend so much time outdoors here is that most days are warm or hot and the vast majority of days are sunny. This warm, sunny weather also means that we need to make sure our yards have lots of shade to help keep our guests cool and provide protection from the sun for our children and pets.

    To make sure your patio, swimming pool area or other entertaining spaces are comfortable and usable throughout the year, here are 21 functional, stylish ways you can add shade to your outdoor living areas.

    Different Styles Of Pergolas Shades

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    Choosing the right pergola shade for your structure depends on the climate where you live, as well as the space where your pergola is or where youre building it. How you plan to use your pergola will also impact your choice.;


    For instance, if youre hoping to take advantage of your pergola during the colder months, and you live in a cooler climate, a natural or living shade isnt the best option.;

    Up next, well detail some of our favorite options for pergola shade ideas to help you get started on your search, including:

    • Classic pergola shades
    • Canvas, or sail style shades
    • Natural vine canopies

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    How To Make A Slide

    Add extra shade and style to your outdoor living space with a wire-hung canopy system. These billowing shades easily slide on the cables they hang from so you can have shade when you want it and retract them when you want a little more sun. A wire-hung canopy can be installed on any pergola or other freestanding structure. Our comprehensive video will show you step-by-step how to sew your own canopy panels and install them on a pergola.

    To make planning your slide-on wire-hung canopy easier, we created a new Wire-Hung Canopy Fabric Calculator just for this project. By inputting the dimensions of your structure and the width of your fabric youll not only get a fabric rendering, but youll also get a breakdown of how to build your canopy and a complete, custom materials list based on your measurements.


    When it comes to choosing a fabric for this project, we recommend using either Phifertex® Plus or Sunbrella® Marine Grade. Both provide good shade and durability out in the elements. If you choose to use Sunbrella Marine Grade, though, you will need to install drainage grommets in the center of each span so rainwater wont gather on the panels. Since Phifertex Plus is a mesh, it will drain the water on its own, making the grommet unnecessary.

    Here’s a PDF download with instructions and a photo tutorial of how to make the alternative webbing strap system.

    Adding Rods To The Shade

    Sam Henderson

    Spread the fabric shade out on a flat surface, one section at a time. With a pencil, make a line 3/4 from the center on both sides of each long, top-stitched seam. The result should be two lines, 1-1/2 apart, with the seam in the center. ;Fold long seam to long seam and crease the fold. Use this fold as your guide to make 2 lines, 1-1/2 apart with the crease in the center. These lines will be your guide for the rod pockets. On the 32 pieces of fabric that are 4-1/2×27, fold over each short end 1/2. press or crease in place. Stitch each fold in place. Fold over 1/4 on each of the long edges. Pin four of the pieces to the fabric shade with the long edges lined up with the lines you made. The pieces should all be 4 apart with the two outside pieces lining up flush with the edges of the shade hem. Sew the pockets in place, back stitching at the start and end of each pocket. Repeat for the other 7 lines and 28 pocket pieces. Cut away all excess threads.;Insert a rod into each row of pockets. Put eye screws in each of the 40 holes with the metal sides of the holes running parallel with the rods. Add the caps to the ends of the rods.

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    Erect A Portable Canopy

    Nowadays, you will find many different portable canopies, and all at different price ranges to suit any budget. Pick an affordable one for your pergola. All you have to do is install the canopy stakes near your structure to keep it in place. You can also install a tent. These make great covers for your outdoor structure.

    Pergola With Retractable Canopy

    How to Make a Slide-On Wire Hung Canopy (Pergola Canopy)

    There are also pergolas with retractable canopies. These types allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight passing through, pr simply allow you to stow or remove the canopy in case of extreme weather conditions like rains and strong winds.

    Metal pergola with retractable canopy See at

    This is a small DIY metal pergola that comes with a canopy, making it a great value for money. It is hooked on the ground to give it more stability.

    Freestanding pergola with canopy See at


    This freestanding DIY pergola uses slimmer columns, beams and rafters, making it look light and very open. The yellow canopy gives this small pergola a bolder appeal. For more modern pergola designs visit this gallery page.

    See more

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    Sew Fabric And Attach Drapery Rings

    In this step, you are first going to hem the edge of your fabric to avoid fraying and for a more finished look. To do this, fold the fabric over at least one-half inch and sew around the unfinished edge. Next, attach your drapery rings near the edges of your fabric in accordance with the measurement between the screw eyes. The distance between your drapery rings will depend on how much you want the fabric to drape between them. If you chose drapery rings without clips, you will need to sew them in place. For a no-sew option, use drapery rings with clips so that you can simply clip them onto the fabric.

    Fabulous Pergola Shade Ideas For Your Backyard

    Pergola shades are highly customizable, making it easy to add style and function to your outdoor space. Pergolas are a great way to add additional living space beyond the walls of your home, allowing you to enjoy Mother Nature with protection from the elements.;;And once you figure out what type of pergola to have in your backyard, its time to look at how to shade it.


    Whether youre installing a brand new pergola or renovating an existing one, the shade is an essential component to making your pergola useable and making sure it looks good. Ideas for your pergola shade include, but arent limited to, Roman-style canopies, metal roofing, or even a natural canopy from vines.;

    Here are some of the most popular and unique ideas on how to style your pergola to provide a shady, cool area for your family and friends to enjoy in almost any weather.;

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    How To Choose A Pergola Shade Cover

    Add the perfect touch to your outdoor area with a pergola shade cover. Whether youre planning a DIY construction or are already enjoying a beautiful outdoor structure from Bjørn Woodworks, explore the benefits of shade covers and popular materials you can use in your own backyard.

    Update your outdoor seating or kitchen with a comfortable cover of stylish material.


    What Is A Retractable Pergola Canopy

    Add some shade with a DIY pergola

    With a retractable canopy, the fabric is attached to support boards that slide along tensioned stainless steel cables called wire ropes. Large eye screws do the sliding and make easy work of extending and retracting the canopy.

    When retracted, this DIY pergola canopy tucks neatly away at one end of the structure. When extended, the canopy shades the areas in graceful drapes.

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    Diy Pergola Canopy Ideas

    With the advent of mass production, you can now easily buy DIY pergolas off-the-rack from your nearest building stores or even online. They are usually quite affordable and has many designs and sizes to choose from. However, customization is very limited and quality of build is usually not as solid as custom-built ones.

    See this white vinyl pergola kit at

    This easy to install pergola has a classic white frame and comes with a retractable fabric canopy, giving you a complete look.

    A classic Do-It-Yourself pool-side pergola with solid wood frame. It serves as a nice structure to hold the crawling plants and adds an interesting touch to the space.

    How Do You Attach A Tarp To A Pergola

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    Tarp. If you need the pergola to be covered only temporarily — or the other options are too cost-prohibitive — another option is to cover the area with a tarp. Hook rubber tie downs or fabric straps to the corners of the tarp, and then secure the other end to a horizontal or vertical beam on the pergola.

    Similarly, what can I cover my pergola with? Cheap Ways to Cover a Pergola

    • Plants. Adding plants to a pergola will give it a natural look.
    • Straw, Branches or Bamboo. If you would like to add a natural cover to your structure, but don’t want to maintain living plants, opt for a roof made from bamboo or branches.
    • Portable Canopy.
    • Mesh.

    Also Know, how do you attach fabric to a pergola?

    Start with a pergola, arbor, or another structure you wish to cover with the shade cloth. Roll out the shade cloth across your structure and loosely pull it into position. Leave at least 8-12 inches of overhang on all sides. Attach shade cloth to one of the longest sides first .

    How do you make a homemade pergola?

    How to Build a Wood Pergola

  • gravel. lag bolts.
  • Select the site for the pergola and mark the placement of the four posts. Use a post-hole digger or two-person auger to dig holes to a depth of 24″ and width of 9″.
  • Cut joist beams from 2″ x 10″ boards to span the pergola posts.
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    How Much Do Pergolas Cost

    The cost of building a pergola depends upon the material, size and placement. The average ranges around $3,600 for a 10-ft. cedar pergola, including materials and labor, although you can find quality DIY kits for less than $1,000. High-end custom pergola kits cost up to $10,000, plus $500 to $1,000 in installation costs.

    White Pergola With Canopy

    How to Build a Pergola With Shade

    For pergolas, the classic would definitely be a simple all-white pergola. It gives a rustic charm & romantic appeal to any space, giving it a chic yet laid-back feel. These can be made from metal painted in white , painted wood, or even plastic.

    Lattice work canopy and all-white framing of this wooden pergola definitely adds a nostaligic country-vibe to this small outdoor space. The color makes it stand-out, making it the architectural focal-point of the house.

    Another example of a pergola used as a walkway canopy. But i stead of a dark color, white paint was used on the wooden frame to match the architect style of the houses exterior.

    This Neo-Classic style pergola is very simple and basic. Attached to the main structure, it matches the overall look for the exterior and its open trallis top helps give it a more open/airy feel despite its small size.

    This massive pergola structure uses a sturdy metal framing powder-coated in white. For the canopy, no fabric or plastic was used, but it instead uses flat metal as slats, which were angled in a certain wait so that light is still able to pass through, but still blocks the sun on the hottest time of the day.

    On the exterior, Pergolas with GI roofing might not give the same Holiday aesthetic that other types of pergolas give, but instead, it gives you more flexibility in furnishing the space & even have the option to safely install electrical for outdoor TV watching and lighting.

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    Shade Sail Canopy For A Pergola

    These can be very attractive, with a modern, sleek appearance, and act as a very effective canopy for a pergola.

    Supplied as pre-manufactured kits, they are a convenient way to add an attractive feature to your garden quickly. ;Buy the sail with the attachment kit, and you’ll be up and running in no time.;

    However, the smallest shade sails tend to be around 3m square. ;;If your pergola is smaller, it’s easy enough to make your own.

    Do make sure that the supporting structure is strong enough to take the tension on the sails.

    You will need:

  • Some shower-proof or waterproof material. ;You may wish to have fabric that also has UV protection.
  • Strong metal rings to fit onto the corners of the sail itself. ;these will attach to… ;
  • 3 or 4 Pad Eyes, depending on whether your shade sail is triangular or rectangular. ;You will need a strong structure on which to attach these as the tensioning pressure is great.
  • 3 or 4 Snap Hooks that join the metal rings attached to your shade sail to the supporting structure pad eyes.
  • A tensioner.
  • Fixing kits contain all that you need to fix both triangular and square shade sails.

    Here is a triangular shade sail canopy for a pergola…

    …and here is a pergola kit with rectangular shade sails attached…

    Either use the metal fixing kit mentioned above, or alternatively use a strong hook, and make loops for the hook to pass over.

    You may need something strong to lever the last loop over the hook in order to create the tension needed

    Asian Pergola

    Tie A Simple White Sheet

    This is one of the best and most clever yet cheapest ways to cover a pergola simple white bed sheet! All you have to do is tie the sheet to the top of your pergola which will create a canopy effect. You can add a few decorative touches and illumination by hanging lanterns or lamps. Your white bed sheet pergola cover will provide relief from the harsh summer sun, and make your outdoor area look quite stunning.

    As you can see, there are quite a few inexpensive ways to give your pergola a cover. These are simple yet effective ideas, giving your outdoor living space shade, privacy as well as beauty. No matter what your budget is, you can be sure that you can find the perfect cover for your outdoor living area. All you need to do is use your creativity there are abundant ways to cover your pergola without burning a hole in your wallet.

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    Shadefx And Ez Shade Canopies

    Garbrella Pergolas is an authorized dealer of ShadeFX and EZ Shade canopies. We offer retractable canopies and pergola side curtains as well. Pergola retractable canopies are easy to maintain and unassembled for winter use. You can also add a little character to your pergola with pergola curtains. These provide privacy and keep the sun under control.

    If you are looking for a pergola canopy, you want quality among other things. When you are ready to;buy a pergola;canopy or curtains, we offer several different color and fabric options to choose from.

    Fabric Walls Or Screens

    Traditional Pergola With Curtain

    Even a roof cover may not be enough to shield your outdoor space from the wind, rain, and sun. Consider including walls or screens for even more protection. Choose a matching fabric or lattice walls to give your structure a trellis look.

    These features can be removable or fixed, just like your roof. They also dramatically change the look and feel of your pergola, so carefully consider your design options for a stunning gathering space.

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