Pergola sunshades are a topic that all patio enthusiasts have to ignore. A pergola is a satisfying addition to any backyard or patio. The structure looks pleasant to the eye, and you can use it to spend some quality time with friends and family outdoors.
Generally, this construction doesn’t have a cover, which leaves some exposure to the elements.
As a result, we set out to find the best pergola covers.
We came up with 13 potential solutions that may provide what you need. While we consider a pergola with a sail shade an ideal option, we added several alternatives to suit different needs.
Don’t let that beautiful pergola in your backyard remain uncovered any longer. If you’re looking for the perfect cover, check out our selection to make up your mind.
13 Ways to Cover Your Pergola
From shade sails to household roof extensions, there are many methods you can use to cover a pergola. Continue reading to learn about the most creative options you can try.
1. Using Pergola Shade Sail
Shade sails are arguably the most accessible accessory to cover a pergola, although not many people use them for this purpose.
However, shade sails come in many sizes and shapes, allowing them to adapt to almost every pergola structure to provide decent shade.
There’s a specific recommendation we can give you here.
First, you must consider getting a triangular shade sail. This shape is easier to fit whether you use one or more for your pergola.
Likewise, use the already-installed pergola posts to connect the shade sails. This way, you don’t have to add extra posts.
Another reason to use shade sails is that you can uninstall them quickly. This accessory doesn’t usually resist heavy rains or snowy seasons, but you can easily remove a shade sail under season weather.
Mounting it back is just as easy, as evidenced by many guidelines online.
2. Installing a Pergola Roof
If a pergola is an intrinsic decorative piece in your patio, you may as well go all the way.
Homeowners and DIYers often install clear pergola roofs, which put up a solid performance. They block most of the sun, but not entirely.
These roofs share similarities with shade sails, often used for sun protection while still enjoying a warm day outside.
Ideally, we recommend something like SUNTUF Clear Panels (72″x26″). These are relatively easy to install, can last a long time, and resist UV and weather conditions.
However, installing a roof isn’t as easy as mounting pergola shade sails. You must put some work into it or have someone else do it for you.
The pergola rooftop is another issue, as not any roof will do.
Furthermore, a clear pergola rooftop is more expensive than a shade sail. For this reason, we recommend it as the next best thing.
3. Setting Up Roof Shingles
Roof shingles integrate with pergolas seamlessly, providing enough shade and an enhanced look for the structure. While there are many shingle variations, you must focus on one compatible with the weather, the pergola’s design, and your budget.
Usually, people buy asphalt, tile, and metal shingles because of their design and high quality.
Covering a pergola with shingles means there won’t be any leaks during rain or heat accumulation on a sunny day. Additionally, this rooftop neglects natural light, which can be beneficial if you enjoy spending a day outside without the heat of the sun.
If you like roof shingles, we recommend going with an asphalt-made variation. The other types are expensive, and not everyone is willing to pay that much.
We also suggest preparing to do some work. Unlike installing a shade sail with DIY skills, roof installation often requires professional assistance.
4. Mounting Wood Planks
Wood planks add a natural touch to pergola structures, but you must be extremely careful with the wood type. Weather conditions can severely damage the material if it isn’t resistant enough.
Therefore, using cedar or treated wood is likely the best option for this project.
We like wood planks to cover pergolas for their ability to adjust to different scenarios. Is the rainy season coming soon?
Set the planks at a slight angle, and water will run down without accumulating on top. This way, moisture will not penetrate the material, and the wood won’t rot.
Again, this method to cover pergolas is conditional.
First, you must consider many factors like wood type, price, and installation.
Secondly, you must be ready to do maintenance work on the wood planks to prevent damage. Wood is not like the synthetic polymers (polyethylene) used to make shade sails, which can heavily resist water.
5. Assembling a Retractable Canopy
If you have the budget, why not consider installing a retractable canopy?
This type of cover for pergolas suits most needs. You can roll it out to protect you from intense heat and rain or keep it retracted to enjoy sunbathing.
Even better, why not make it motorized? Assembling the structure is more problematic and requires considerable work, but the result is highly satisfying.
After all, adjusting the shade to suit your needs will be much easier. You can leave the canopy closed, opened, or half-opened to enjoy the sunlight.
Motorized retractable canopies also make the pergola look more modern and contemporary. Therefore, this structure will also increase the home value significantly if you decide to sell.
6. Building a Tin Roof
Putting a tin roof together is another option worth considering. This method is expensive but can last more than other cover types. Additionally, the resistance against heat and rain will be much better during those particularly intense seasons.
You may also like how a tin roof looks over a pergola. It gives the structure a more industrial appearance, which is considerably different from natural wooden planks or sleek canopies.
As a suggestion, we highly recommend roofing panels made with galvanized steel for this project.
These panels come in different sizes, and you can create multiple pattern designs. As a result, you can seal the pergola entirely, leave sections uncovered for more ventilation, or produce a waterfall-like effect.
Tin roofs offer many customization opportunities if you have a pergola. If you can afford the money and the work needed to set it up, this method could be for you.
7. Opting for a Louvered Roof
Louvered roofs are stylish, but more importantly, they can be very flexible. As the day passes, you can easily adjust this roof type to provide shade during the hottest hours or let the sun shine through as it sets.
A louvered roof is an ideal alternative if you like structures with an outdoorsy style.
Currently, the recommended choice is rotating louvered roofs made of aluminum. These look good, are easily adjustable, and are highly resistant to water and snow.
Therefore, you can leave the cover open or closed depending on how the day goes and regardless of the season.
If you like this alternative, you must commit to it. Installing a louvered roof is not easy, and it’s not something you can uninstall if you change your mind.
Evaluate all methods first before deciding this one as your ultimate decision.
8. Putting up a Tent
Here’s another simple solution you may like. If your pergola needs a cover, a tent may do the trick. Tents can dress this structure type beautifully, providing a pleasant look, plenty of shade, and a welcoming spot during the summer.
While you may need two or more people to help you, putting up a tent is relatively easy. You won’t have to struggle with roof panels or deal with complicated mechanisms.
Plus, you can leave the tent assembled or remove it hassle-free. Tents are usually popular alternatives to shade specific spots at outdoor locations.
Tents might sound too generic, but they provide many more benefits. For instance, you will like the decorative opportunities.
Tie curtains on the pergola’s corners, and the place will look much better. As a result, the spot will be ideal for picnics, gatherings, and any other special event.
9. Placing a Canvas
Canvas usually provides plenty of shade and can repel water pretty well. Plus, the materials are often resistant enough to protect the pergola from sunlight and rain damage.
So, placing a canvas on the structure can be a straightforward solution during rainy and sunny days.
A crucial benefit of placing a canvas for pergola coverage is that the process is a breeze. Almost anyone can do it, regardless of DIY or building experience.
You don’t have to put much effort into the task, and it won’t take more than a few hours at most.
Using a canvas is an acceptable alternative to shade sails. The prices are typically low, the installation is quick, and you can remove the canvas easily in the future.
10. Accommodating Side Covers
As an extra, side covers can be a convenient addition to your pergola during the winter, rainy periods, or just because you like them. This cover type protects you and the pergola structure, especially if it has wooden parts.
Even after exposure to the weather, the posts will be less likely to rot.
Usually, side covers are see-through and have materials like vinyl to resist water exposure. Similarly, the accessories are lightweight and adjustable, two benefits that reduce effort during installation.
Unfortunately, pergola side covers are not on the cheap end of the spectrum. You may need to pay hundreds of dollars to get these items.
Furthermore, these side covers necessitate routine maintenance.
Some shade sails can be adjusted as side covers, making them a more affordable option if you have a tight budget. They look just as good and serve the same purposes.
11. Extending House Roof
One clever way to cover pergolas close to the patio entrance is by extending the household’s rooftop. Using a similar rooftop to shade the structure is a convenient method to create a seamless integration with the house.
When you enter the backyard, it will feel like another natural extension.
This method is also easy to implement because you already know which materials and color shades you should use. If you built the house or participated in the process, designing the pergola rooftop and working on it will be easier.
However, this method may not be suitable if you’re not into DIY activities. You might need professional help, and these services are usually expensive.
Likewise, this alternative will only work if the structure is close to the house entrance. Otherwise, building a roof extension for your pergola won’t be possible.
12. Adding Vintage Fabric
Effortless solutions are often the best ones.
If you don’t want to invest money and still get some pleasant pergola covers, consider adding fabric with beautiful patterns. Some people even use curtains to drape the structure, producing a gorgeous laid-back area to relax and spend quality time.
You can complement this idea with more accessories, like garden furniture or a blanket with pillows to enjoy a picnic outside. This combination will make the pergola look incredibly cozy for family and very welcoming if you have friends come over.
Of course, this method of covering a pergola is not always a possibility. The size of the structure is one thing to consider.
If the pergola is large and spacious, using fabric to cover it will be a hassle. This solution is more suitable for smaller structures that you can cover easily.
13. Cultivating a Vine Canopy (Sort of)
Lastly, you could consider using products like a vine canopy cover. This method provides an eco-friendly look, improves air quality, and controls noise.
With this alternative, the vines grow fast, attaching to the structure to create a natural decoration piece.
A vine canopy enhances any area, producing cool shade and allowing air to flow naturally. Furthermore, the pergola will have more green to create an oasis-like space in the comfort of your home.
Likewise, the canopy offers tolerable protection against rain and sun while still feeling connected to the environment.
This method is massively different from the rest, but that doesn’t have to be a problem. When people use tents or rooftops, you can introduce a vine canopy as a new, fresh, and innovative replacement.
Plus, this option works perfectly, making it suitable if you prefer a more colorful and natural look.
Why Is Shade Sail the Optimal Cover for Pergolas?
As you can see, there are many methods you can follow to cover a pergola and produce shade. In our opinion, no option works better than installing a shade sail.
This accessory offers many benefits, making it an ideal addition to backyard pergolas.
Here’s why you may want to consider this product over the rest.
· A Pergola Sail Shade Can Adapt Perfectly
Pergolas are different from one another, with different sizes and shapes. Therefore, you need something adaptable to cover them.
In this case, shade sails are the ideal option because of their diversified designs. You can get shade sails with rectangular, triangular, or squared shapes.
· Installing a Shade Sail Is a Breeze
Almost anyone can set up a shade sail. This type of accessory comes with only a few parts, and attaching them to the posts is straightforward.
Therefore, you don’t need to pay for professional services or intense DIY skills to complete the job. Similarly, removing the cover is also easy if you need to do it later.
· Rain? Not a Problem for Shade Sails
Most shade sails have fabric not rated as waterproof. However, the HDPE fabric can resist water and divert its course.
So, setting the cover at a specific angle will allow water to run off and drop to the ground. While raining, you can trust this accessory to keep you sheltered.
· The HDPE Fabric in Shade Sails Block Up to 95% UV Rays
Shade sails also block UV rays almost completely. Even better, some HDPE fabrics let the sun shine through to feel the warm weather without the risks of direct sunlight.
As a result, you can enjoy a pleasant day outside while feeling the wind safe from the usual dangers of UV rays.
· Many Shade Sails Variety
There’s one shade sail for every pergola, regardless of their design.
Shade sails are available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to find one that suits the structure and decoration around it.
Red, green, and yellow are only a few colors you can choose to fit with the pergola’s design and backyard layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why don’t pergolas have any roofs?
Most pergolas don’t have roofs to let air and sunlight pass through. Similarly, the structure often looks better this way, and homeowners use it as the primary focal point. Nonetheless, this design is not always the best, and adding a cover is usually necessary.
2. What is the optimal material to cover a pergola?
If you choose a shade sail, it must have HDPE fabric. This material is the most convenient for outdoor structures due to its high weather resistance. Otherwise, consider a cover made with aluminum or steel. These are more durable than wood, which can rot with ease.
3. What roof covering is ideal for pergolas?
We recommend louvered roofs as the ideal roof covering for most pergolas. These are flexible, meaning you can open, close, or leave them partially open depending on the hour of the day. Plus, this roof style looks stylish, adding more personality to the area.
4. What is an affordable method to cover a pergola?
Installing pergola shade sails is arguably the most affordable method for most homeowners. These items usually cost a couple of hundred dollars, whereas a roof installation order could easily surpass the thousands.
5. Can you use a tarp to cover a pergola?
You can strap a tarp across the pergola’s top section as a cover. However, this method is most suitable during harsh conditions, like winter. A tarp is a sturdy accessory that protects the construction from snow and other elements.
6. Does the sun pull through the pergola’s cover?
Usually, pergolas have roof beams that allow sunlight to filter through them. If you use a shade sail, some fabrics let the sun pass through to enjoy a warm temperature. Nonetheless, these accessories block most UV rays, allowing you to spend a day outside without potential skin damage.
7. Does rain pass through pergolas?
Whether or not rain passes through pergolas will heavily depend on their covers. Shade sails usually avoid water buildup on the top, but these are not entirely waterproof. If you don’t want any risk, setting up a louvered roof is among the most effective methods to keep the rain out.
8. Can you install a roof to cover a pergola?
Roofs are a popular addition to cover pergolas. They suit almost any pergola design and are easy to add with intermediate DIY skills. If you don’t have the time or knowledge to work on the project, you may need a professional to do the work. While this service can be expensive, the result is usually worth it.
Conclusion
Adding a cover to your pergola is more than a necessity. Sometimes, the intense heat requires you to take this measure for your protection.
After all, constant exposure to UV rays can lead to severe skin damage.
Fortunately, you have multiple methods you can follow to cover your pergola and make it an outstanding addition to your backyard or patio.
Our top recommendation is setting up a shade sail as optimal pergola sunshades. This accessory appeals to everyone.
It’s also eye-catching and doesn’t require professional services. Therefore, you will likely not have complications while installing a shade sail as a pergola cover.
Of course, your pergola design and preferences also play a role. Ultimately, considering these factors is crucial before deciding which cover to buy.
Once you find the appropriate cover style, getting to work will be much easier.
You learned about potential pergola covers you can use, and now it’s your turn to act!
