Shade under a pergola: what should you do?

Installing a pergola in your garden provides protection from the sun and therefore shades your outdoor space. Whether it's to shade a terrace if you opt for a lean-to pergola, or an area of the garden if you choose a freestanding pergola, a pergola is the ideal way to create a spot of shade. However, you need to find a way of shading your pergola if it is to be effective.

Shade under a pergola

Shading your pergola effectively is essential if you want to turn it into a new living space. When it comes to contemporary aluminium pergolas, choosing the right roof is essential if you want to enjoy all the comfort that today's pergola manufacturers offer. When it comes to modern pergolas, the most common roof types are

the transparent polycarbonate roof is UV-resistant. Strictly speaking, it does not provide shade, but protects against the sun's rays;
the double-glazed glass roof can be Argon-treated for better solar protection;
the aluminium sandwich panel is a perfect blackout, creating shade under the pergola while retaining natural light.

Request a quote

Akena Pergola - Polycarbonate alvéolaire

Polycarbonate honeycomb

Glass roof

Toiture véranda en panneaux sandwich avec spots led - Akena

Sandwich panel

To these roofs can be added a number of options, such as a sunroof or skylight.

Classic roofs for shading a pergola

When it comes to pergolas with more traditional roofs, you're spoilt for choice. You can choose a permanent roof, which will cover the pergola whatever the weather and whatever the heat. Or you can opt for a removable or retractable roof. This is the case with bioclimatic pergolas, to which we'll return in the last paragraph. Some ideas for pergola roofs :

The canisse roof

The canisse roof creates shade to protect from the sun's rays. Bamboo, wicker, heather, mulch - there's a wide choice;

The velum

The velum is a horizontal canvas held in place by cables. It can be hoisted back and forth depending on the position of the sun and the area to be shaded;

The bamboo panel

The bamboo panel is made from woven bamboo canes and is approximately 2 metres wide, creating a pretty, solid roof;

Shade cloth

The shade cloth for a pergola is stretched over the structure and can be removed in winter;

The wooden roof

Wooden roofs are often slatted to create a sunbreaker effect.

Once you've decided on your roof, you can add equipment to provide even more shade for your pergola. It's a common misconception that only the roof can provide shade under a pergola. The roof is the main component of the pergola and it is essential to make your choice strategically. However, the roof is not the only way to shade your pergola. Depending on the position of the sun or your decorative needs, you can use other equipment: the sunbreaker is placed under the roof. Motorised vertical blinds not only create shade under the pergola, but also protect it from outside view. Curtains, like blinds, create shade and privacy, and are highly decorative.

Akena Pergola - Aménagement terrasse - Stores screen

There are several easy ways to green a pergola. The first is to create a green roof. To do this, it is very important to make the structure. If the pergola backs onto the house, the roof beams are mounted perpendicular to the front. You then plant one or more climbing plants about thirty centimetres from one of the pillars of your pergola. The climbing plant will blossom on the structure and roof in a few months and shade the pergola. The second solution is to create a trellis system on the side to be shaded. The climbing plants will stop the sun's rays before they reach the pergola.

When it comes to varieties of climbing plants, you can look no further than: Virginia creeper; wisteria; climbing rose; clematis; sweet pea; jasmine... The list is long, colourful and fragrant! Another idea for creating shade under your pergola is to plant a tree! You might not think about it, but there are so many varieties of tree that you're bound to find one that suits your garden. What's more, it will provide shade all year round, while also decorating the area around the pergola.

How to put plants in a pergola?

Modern, attractive and practical, the bioclimatic pergola has not finished making a name for itself! It has adjustable slats that can be motorised or controlled manually. This feature allows you to protect yourself from the sun's rays and also to tame the elements. By tilting the slats up to 135°, you can create natural ventilation to air out the pergola on hot days. You can take advantage of the sun's rays when they are weak, and shade your pergola when necessary. You can also protect yourself from the elements by closing the bioclimatic pergola's retractable slats if it suddenly rains!

Interested in a pergola project? Ask our AKENA technical advisor to help you with your project!

Contact Akena