A Betterliving retractable fabric canopy in a navy and white stripe, installed within two existing cedar wood pergolas at a St. Catharines property. One sits on a stone paver patio; the other, a larger structure, is built over a deck.

Project Details

The homeowners had two cedar pergolas in their backyard. The first is on a stone paver patio with mature gardens all around it. The second, larger structure is built over a deck. On a July afternoon in St. Catharines, sitting under open pergola rafters means squinting into direct sun for hours. They wanted shade without giving up the open-air feel the pergolas provide.

A Betterliving retractable fabric canopy was installed within each pergola structure. The navy and white stripe fabric threads through the rafters and gathers in gentle waves when retracted, keeping the visual character of the wood pergolas completely intact. When extended, it covers the full seating area below, blocking direct sun while allowing air to circulate freely. On clear evenings or when the sun is low, the canopy pulls back in seconds.

The installation works with the wood structure rather than replacing it. The canopy hardware attaches to the pergola rafters with no major work on the house exterior. That makes it a practical option for homeowners who have already invested in a quality pergola and want shade without starting over with a new structure.

Installed by Alexander Awnings in St. Catharines, Ontario. The city has long shoulder seasons, and a quality shade system extends the comfortable window on both patios by weeks each year.