10 Options Explored: How to Add Shade to Your Pergola

You’ll find pergolas in many backyards. They are both stylish and useful. You can host gatherings in your pergola or simply relax back there on your own time.

You can visit The Luxury Pergola site if you’re interested in checking out some options. What if you want some additional shade for your pergola, though?

Let’s talk about some ways you can achieve that.

Move the Pergola

One thing you can do is move the pergola if you have it in the middle of the yard where it’s not getting any shade. Of course, some pergola styles are more portable than others. Certain more elaborate pergolas will not be able to be moved.

Add a Fixed Roof

You might add a fixed roof to the existing pergola. This is relatively easy, though it can be expensive. Most pergola designs that don’t already come with a roof can be modified to attach one.

Have a Motorized Retractable Canopy

You might also think about getting shade from a motorized, retractable canopy. These function much like a car’s sunroof. There are different styles you get and ones composed of various materials.

Add Some Tension Fabric

Tension fabric can also be added to the top of your pergola to form a roof. If you go this route, the fabric will probably be a canvas that you stretch out and secure with cord or wire. You can look at some of the available options on Pinterest and other social media platforms to get some ideas.

Add Some Fabric Walls

If you don’t want to add any kind of overhang, you can also add some fabric walls. This is often one of the most inexpensive ways of shading your pergola.

Extend Your Roof

Maybe your pergola is close to your house. If it’s right next to it, you might think about extending your home’s existing roof so that it shelters your pergola and gives it the shade you desire.

Plant Some Trees

Planting trees is a simple way to give your pergola some shade. You’ll need to buy trees that are already fully grown, though. You can look at some options that are likely to thrive in your particular climate. This can be one of the more costly options.

Plant a Hedge

Planting a hedge next to the pergola might be a smart move, depending on where in your yard it’s located. You’ll need to think about placing it in a way that gives you the most benefit depending on what part of your pergola gets the most sun exposure each day.

Put Up Some Umbrellas

You might buy some oversized outdoor umbrellas and put them in strategic positions around the pergola. These can offer some shade, but there might still be gaps where the sun sneaks through.

Add an Awning

Installing an awning is one additional option. Awnings work well with some pergolas, though you might have to get one custom-made. If so, that will be a greater expenditure, but you should get plenty of coverage and protection.