If you'd like to increase the amount of shade your pergola creates there are several options you can choose. (All of these options are available during the checkout process.) The least expensive option is to choose lattice panels for the rooftop.
If you prefer the traditional open pergola roof but want more shade, consider adding additional roof slats and/or roof rafters. The standard spacing for the 2" x 2" roof slats is 18" on center. The rafters below them (1 7/8"W x 5 3/4"H on the large pergolas and 1 7/8”W x 3 3/4”H on the smaller pergolas) are also at 18” on center as the standard spacing. The 18” on center spacing allows for good visibility and significant shading. When you consider that the sun is rarely directly overhead, the standard 18" on center spacing is a good balance between visibility (night sky viewing..) and shading during the day. For a small additional cost, you can significantly increase shading by ordering your pergola with the roof slats at 12" on center. If you require additional shading, you can move the roof slats less than 12" on center. Just
email or call us if you’d like to do this.
An additional shade increasing option is to move the rafters to 12” on center also. Because the rafters are significant sized timbers, this is a costlier addition than the roof slats. But, the pergolas with both 12” slat spacing and 12” rafter spacing offer an attractive and very shady structure. We can custom make the pergola roofs with the slat and rafter spacing that works best for you.