Variable Shade for Pergolas, Arbors, and Lattice

Variable shade means you can choose how much sunlight shines between the rafters of your pergola. Typical options are 30% or 60% with metal (aluminum) construction and unlimited with wood construction.

When constructing a pergola, beams are the few supporting members which rest atop the columns. Rafters are the more numerous members which rest atop the beams and give the pergola it's trademark appearance and variable shade options.

Beams are generally not able to be adjusted in terms of the number of beams and the spacing between them. Beams are required for structural support of the rafters.

Rafters can be adjusted. By adjusting the spacing between the rafters, you can have less or more sun shine through to the covered space below.

Common examples of why customers might choose less or more shade are;

A poolside resting place with lawn chairs for stretching out might need more sun for tanning and recovering some heat after swimming.
A garden pergola with a hammock strung below it might need less sun so that even in the hot summers, a nap or good book can be enjoyed without being disturbed by the blinding sun.

Our customers have many different requirements and we can accommodate them with variable shade.

Also see these pages with more information about patio cover, pergola, sunroom, and screen room options.