A retractable pergola canopy can transform a space into a tranquil retreat or a gathering place for friends and family. The adjustable roof provides shade and protection from UV rays, wind and rain, while also offering the option to fully open up to enjoy the sun or stars in the evening. The retractable feature can help extend the usability of the outdoor living area, and it is available in a variety of design options to complement the aesthetic of the space or the architectural style of the home.
A pergola is a freestanding or attached structure with support posts and beams, typically located in the yard or garden. It can be enclosed with a trellis or other covering to protect the interior and provide privacy from the view of buildings or homes. A retractable canopy offers the additional benefit of protecting people and furniture from direct sunlight or light rain, which can reduce air conditioning electricity bills in the summer.
Adding a retractable canopy to a pergola can be a DIY project, or you can hire a professional to do the work for you. The first step is to determine the size of the area you wish to cover. This will help you choose a fabric that fits the structure and provides the right amount of coverage.
Measure the length and width of the pergola to determine how much fabric you need. The canopy fabric should be slightly larger than the pergola’s measurement, as it will be stretched taut when installed. The excess fabric can be cut off with scissors or wire cutters to make the canopy a perfect fit. The excess can be stored away to be used to cover an existing pergola or to create a second canopy for another area of the yard.
You can install the wooden support bars above or below the canopy fabric. Installing the bars above the fabric gives a clean, finished look that emphasizes the draping of the canopy. Installing the bars below the fabric means that the netting will be visible from underneath, but it provides a stronger attachment since the supports are holding up the canopy instead of just staples.
The final step is to attach the netting to the support bars using thimbles and clamps. A helpful assistant can help with this process, as it may be difficult to reach all the way around the supports. Once the thimbles and clamps are in place, you can connect the wire ropes to each thimble using a turnbuckle. The hook ends of the turnbuckles should be secured to the eye screws on each of the three support bars. The free ends of the wire ropes should be extended out as far as possible to get a sense of where to cut them. Then, use wire cutters to cut them to the desired length.
With the canopy partially closed, you can still enjoy winter’s beauty of snow-covered landscapes and glistening icicles. If the weather turns unpleasant, you can close the canopy to shield yourself from heavy snow or freezing rain.