10 Pergola and Shade Cover Pairings That Help Beat the Sun

10 Pergola and Shade Cover Pairings That Help Beat the Sun

Pergolas are a great way to add subtle definition to a landscape, but they are not as effective in providing relief from the sun without something overhead. To add shade to a pergola without blocking the light or breezes, consider wood trellis, leafy vines, metal louvers, and a retractable awning. In this landscape by Mom's Design Build in St. Paul, Minnesota, thick vines cover the top of a wooden pergola for an outdoor dining spot. The pergola and seating area are nestled into a corner of the roof deck with easy access to the nearby hot tub. The metal overhead and matching screen on this Chicago pergola turn an otherwise sun-blasted deck into a comfortable space for relaxing, working or gathering with friends.

The patterned metal design, part of an overall remodel by Rooftopia, is a sophisticated take on a traditional baby-block quilt pattern and adds a three-dimensional look. The overhead wood louvers set along one end of the pergola, combined with the wood screening along the lower edges of the deck, add contrast while still keeping the modern vibe. The traditional wood pergola in Jacksonville, Florida, has a combination of beams and rafters to provide shade from the bright sun while allowing light to filter through. The rustic overhead branches are a tribute to Sonoran Desert architecture and provide some relief from the hot sun without blocking all of the light.