Pergola Sun Shade

Pergola Sun Shade

Adding a pergola sun shade is an easy and effective way to reduce the amount of heat that enters your outdoor space. Shade cloth offers protection from harmful UV rays and allows natural light to filter through.

There are several options for covering a pergola to offer shade, each with its own unique benefits. Learn more about how you can protect your outdoor space with a pergola shade cover from Bjorn Woodworks.

Canvas Canopy

A canopy is a great addition to a pergola that provides shade and protection from the sun. It also offers an attractive appearance for the structure. There are several different types of canopies that can be used on a pergola, and each type has its own benefits. It is important to do research before buying a canopy for your pergola, and it is also wise to understand the warranty that comes with the product.

A canvas canopy is a popular option that is easy to install on a pergola. It comes in a variety of sizes to fit any type of pergola and is made from water-resistant fabric. It can also be adorned with valences and panels to add privacy and style. It is available in a number of colors, including navy blue, forest green, and olive drab.

Another way to create a shade canopy pergola sun shade is with lattice. This is a popular option in dry climates and can be purchased at home centers. It can be woven into the rafters in a crisscrossed pattern, which looks pretty and lets in some sun. It can also be fastened in a one-piece cover.

For a more natural option, vines and other climbing plants can be planted around the base of the pergola. These can create a lovely green canopy that provides some shade as they grow, but they do require a little more maintenance than other options.

Climbing Plants

A variety of climbing plants can be grown on pergolas, bringing color and life to the structure. Easy-to-grow options include honeysuckles (Lonicera), which produce lovely summer blooms and provide beautiful shade, and clematis, which offer a long blooming season. With varieties ranging in color from whites and pinks to blues and purples, they can easily entwine around a pergola and add a burst of vibrant color to the garden. For a green option, consider Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus), which is hardy in most climates and provides ample shade coverage with its evergreen leaves.

Non-flowering plants like grape vines can also be used for a more rustic look. They are not as lush or fast-growing as flowering varieties, but they can create a shaded area and are suited for sunny positions where sunlight is abundant. Grapes can even be harvested and turned into jams, wine or just enjoyed by the family if you are looking for a more savory approach.

Other fast-growing, flowering climbers include morning glories and nasturtiums, which are annual flowers that can add a splash of color to the canopy of your pergola. These plants require minimal maintenance, but do need regular pruning and tying to control their growth. Another popular choice is wisteria, which is a lovely fragrant plant that can create a shade canopy and privacy screen. However, it does take a while to mature and may not bloom until its third year of growth.

Shade Cloth

A popular way to shade a pergola is with a fabric canopy, which gives privacy and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This shade structure can be made from a variety of materials, including traditional canvas or a metal roof material. However, the most effective Pergola Sun Shade Supplier material for the job is a mesh shade cloth called Aluminet, which is specifically designed to block sunlight with a specified percentage of light loss.

To install the shade cloth, begin by measuring to determine the amount of fabric you need and cutting it. Next, fold the fabric over itself and fasten it using a clip or cord. This will help prevent the edges from unraveling under tension. Alternatively, you can use a type of snap that is screwed into place on the structure and has small metal sockets pre-punched into it. These are available at most hardware stores as generic versions or branded such as Coolaroo and offer more durability than clips, although they will cost slightly more.

Start at one corner of the structure and proceed along the long edge, fixing the cloth 12”-18” (30-45cm) apart. Once you have finished the long edge, turn around and follow the short edge. It is best to work a section at a time and not try to do the whole perimeter in one go as this can cause uneven tension on one side of the structure.

Sunshades

Pergolas have an excellent design to create shade and can be used as an aesthetic accessory in a backyard. However, the sun can come in at a variety of angles throughout the day and leave the structure without adequate coverage. To combat this, a traditional canopy top can be installed on a pergola and provide additional, adjustable shade when needed.

Another method of covering a pergola is to install a louvered roof that provides extra shade and protection from the elements. This method is more costly and requires professional services, but it can be a great addition to the patio if you want a modern look that is also functional.

For a more affordable option, you can wrap a tarp around the pergola for temporary use. This is a good idea for winter or harsh weather because the tarp will protect the construction from snow and rain, keeping it safe for outdoor activities.

A popular way to add a permanent pergola shade is with a shade sail. These are easy to install, attractive, and effective at blocking sunlight and reducing temperature. They are available in a variety of sizes to fit a wide range of pergolas, and they can be customized with different colors to match your decor. They also block UV rays, making them an ideal choice for those looking to prevent skin damage from the sun.