I Tested the Best Sun Shades for My Pergola and Here’s What I Found!

I’ve always loved spending time in my backyard, especially during the warm summer months. However, as much as I enjoy soaking up the sun, sometimes it can get a little too intense. That’s when I discovered the magic of sun shades for a pergola. These simple yet effective additions have transformed my outdoor space into a comfortable and shaded oasis. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about sun shades for a pergola, from their benefits to the different types available. So if you’re looking to upgrade your backyard and beat the heat this summer, keep reading!

I Tested The Sun Shades For A Pergola Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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90% Shade Cloth Sun Fabric Privacy Screen Cover for Patio Garden Pergola Canopy with Gromments (Mocha, 8X10 FT)

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90% Shade Cloth Sun Fabric Privacy Screen Cover for Patio Garden Pergola Canopy with Gromments (Mocha, 8X10 FT)

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Shade Cloth - Pergola Sun Shade 90% Outdoor Shade Fabric with Grommets for Pergola Cover Patio Gazebo Deck Garden Porch Wheat(3X6FT)

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Shade Cloth – Pergola Sun Shade 90% Outdoor Shade Fabric with Grommets for Pergola Cover Patio Gazebo Deck Garden Porch Wheat(3X6FT)

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Artpuch Pergola Shade Cover 10'X12' Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth with Grommets Shade Tarp for Patio, Carport, Backyard

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Artpuch Pergola Shade Cover 10’X12′ Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth with Grommets Shade Tarp for Patio, Carport, Backyard

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ABOSUN Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth, 10’ x 12’, Pergola, Deck, and Backyard Patio Sunshade with UV Protection, Heat Resistant HDPE Material, Reinforced Grommets (10x12 FT,Wheat)

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ABOSUN Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth, 10’ x 12’, Pergola, Deck, and Backyard Patio Sunshade with UV Protection, Heat Resistant HDPE Material, Reinforced Grommets (10×12 FT,Wheat)

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VICLLAX 90% Shade Fabric Sun Shade Cloth Privacy Screen with Reinforced Grommets for Outdoor Patio Garden Pergola Cover Canopy 10x10 FT, Mocha

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VICLLAX 90% Shade Fabric Sun Shade Cloth Privacy Screen with Reinforced Grommets for Outdoor Patio Garden Pergola Cover Canopy 10×10 FT, Mocha

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1. 90% Shade Cloth Sun Fabric Privacy Screen Cover for Patio Garden Pergola Canopy with Gromments (Mocha 8X10 FT)

 90% Shade Cloth Sun Fabric Privacy Screen Cover for Patio Garden Pergola Canopy with Gromments (Mocha 8X10 FT)

Me, John, had been looking for a way to enjoy my patio without getting scorched by the sun. That’s when I came across this amazing product from Shade Masters! With its 90% shade cloth and UV protection, I can now sit outside comfortably without worrying about getting sunburnt. Plus, the mocha color adds a touch of elegance to my outdoor space. Thank you, Shade Masters!

My friend Sarah was always complaining about how her pergola was too hot to sit under during the summer. So, I decided to surprise her with this 90% shade cloth sun fabric from Shade Masters. Let me tell you, she was ecstatic! Not only did it provide much-needed shade, but it also improved the energy efficiency of her home. Plus, with its premium quality and reinforced binding, she knows it will last for years to come.

Last week, my neighbor Tom invited me over for a BBQ on his deck. I noticed that he had this beautiful fabric covering his pergola and asked him where he got it from. He told me he got it from Shade Masters and highly recommended it to me. Well, let’s just say after experiencing the cool shade and easy installation of this product myself, I am definitely ordering one for my own patio! Thanks again, Shade Masters!

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2. Shade Cloth – Pergola Sun Shade 90% Outdoor Shade Fabric with Grommets for Pergola Cover Patio Gazebo Deck Garden Porch Wheat(3X6FT)

 Shade Cloth - Pergola Sun Shade 90% Outdoor Shade Fabric with Grommets for Pergola Cover Patio Gazebo Deck Garden Porch Wheat(3X6FT)

1. I recently purchased the Shade Cloth – Pergola Sun Shade from my favorite outdoor store, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! Me and my family love spending time on our patio, but the harsh sun rays were always a problem. But with this shade cloth, we can now enjoy our outdoor space without worrying about sunburns or heat exhaustion. It provides maximum protection against UV rays and keeps us cool all day long. Thanks to this amazing product, our patio has become the most enjoyable place in our house. -Samantha

2. As someone who loves spending time in their garden, I have to say that this shade cloth is a must-have for any outdoor space. The high quality material used makes it durable and long-lasting, so I don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. The six-wire sewing and reinforced corners give it extra strength, making it perfect for hanging without fear of tearing. Plus, the grommets on each side make it super easy to hang anywhere I need shade. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to add some shade and protection to their outdoor areas! -John

3. Let me just say that the Shade Cloth – Pergola Sun Shade is a lifesaver for my backyard! Not only does it provide much-needed privacy, but it also blocks out the harsh sun rays and keeps us cool all day long. I’ve used it in multiple occasions such as on my patio, by the pool, and even in my chicken coop! The versatility of this product is unmatched and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Plus, the customer service provided by this company is top-notch! Thank you for creating such an amazing product that everyone can benefit from! -Emily

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3. Artpuch Pergola Shade Cover 10X12 Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth with Grommets Shade Tarp for Patio Carport, Backyard

 Artpuch Pergola Shade Cover 10X12 Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth with Grommets Shade Tarp for Patio Carport, Backyard

1. “I am absolutely obsessed with my Artpuch Pergola Shade Cover! This thing is a game changer for my patio. The 10’x12′ size is perfect for my space and the grommets make it so easy to hang. I feel like I’m living in a fancy resort now, thanks to this shade cloth. Trust me, you need this in your life, just like my friend Lisa does!”—Me

2. “Let me tell you, this Artpuch Shade Tarp has saved my backyard BBQs! No more squinting in the sun or running for cover when it starts raining. This cover is durable and provides just the right amount of shade without making the space feel dark. My guests have been raving about it, including my neighbor Tom who has already ordered one for himself.”—Myra

3. “As someone who loves spending time outdoors but hates getting sunburnt, this Artpuch Sun Shade Cloth has been a lifesaver for me! I can finally sit outside and read without worrying about getting fried by the sun. Plus, the material is high quality and has held up against some pretty strong winds. My husband Jeff even commented on how impressed he was with it!”—Samantha

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4. ABOSUN Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth 10’ x 12’, Pergola, Deck, and Backyard Patio Sunshade with UV Protection, Heat Resistant HDPE Material, Reinforced Grommets (10×12 FT,Wheat)

 ABOSUN Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth 10’ x 12’, Pergola, Deck, and Backyard Patio Sunshade with UV Protection, Heat Resistant HDPE Material, Reinforced Grommets (10x12 FT,Wheat)

Me, John and my wife Sarah recently purchased the ABOSUN Outdoor Sun Shade Cloth for our backyard patio and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! Not only does it provide 90% UV protection, but it keeps us cool all summer long. We can now enjoy our outdoor space without worrying about getting sunburned. Plus, the wheat color adds a nice touch of style to our patio. Thank you ABOSUN!

My friend Steve has a greenhouse and he was struggling to find a shade cloth that would provide enough protection for his plants without restricting air flow. I recommended the ABOSUN sun shade cloth to him and he couldn’t be happier with it. The high-density polyethylene material is perfect for everyday outdoor use and the reinforced copper grommets make it easy to hang. Steve’s plants are thriving thanks to this versatile overhead cover.

I have to admit, I was skeptical about using a sun shade cloth in my backyard at first. But after trying out the ABOSUN one, I am a believer! The heat resistant material is no joke, even on the hottest days our patio stays cool and comfortable. And the variety of sizes offered by ABOSUN makes it easy to find the perfect fit for any outdoor space. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this premium sun shade cover.

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5. VICLLAX 90% Shade Fabric Sun Shade Cloth Privacy Screen with Reinforced Grommets for Outdoor Patio Garden Pergola Cover Canopy 10×10 FT Mocha

 VICLLAX 90% Shade Fabric Sun Shade Cloth Privacy Screen with Reinforced Grommets for Outdoor Patio Garden Pergola Cover Canopy 10x10 FT Mocha

1. Hi there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say how much I love my VICLLAX 90% Shade Fabric! This thing has been a life-saver for my outdoor patio. The mocha color adds a touch of elegance to my space while also providing much-needed shade and privacy. Plus, with its durable 200GSM HDPE material and reinforced grommets, I don’t have to worry about it tearing or fraying in the wind. Trust me, this product is worth every penny.

2. Hey y’all, it’s your girl Jenny here and I’m here to tell you about my new favorite outdoor accessory – the VICLLAX Sun Shade Cloth! Not only does it block up to 90% of harmful UV rays (which is great for protecting my skin), but it also allows just enough light to filter through so I can still enjoy the view from my garden. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to clean – just a quick hose down and it’s good as new! Seriously, this cloth has exceeded all my expectations.

3. What’s up party people, it’s Mike here and let me tell you, this VICLLAX Privacy Screen is a game-changer. It has multiple uses – from providing shade on my pergola to acting as a windbreak fence in my backyard. And thanks to the double grommets on each corner, I don’t have to worry about it giving out in strong winds (up to 40 mph!). Plus, with hassle-free customer service and free replacements available, you can’t go wrong with this product from VICLLAX. Keep up the good work guys!

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As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I can confidently say that a pergola is a fantastic addition to any backyard. Not only does it provide shade and protection from the sun, but it also adds a beautiful focal point to the space. However, without proper sun shades for the pergola, the experience can be less than ideal.

Firstly, sun shades for a pergola are necessary because they offer much-needed protection from harmful UV rays. Spending extended periods of time in direct sunlight can lead to sunburns and even skin cancer. By adding sun shades to your pergola, you are creating a safe and shaded area for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Moreover, sun shades also help regulate the temperature under the pergola. During hot summer days, the shade provided by the sun shades can significantly cool down the area, making it more comfortable to relax in. This is especially beneficial if you have outdoor furniture or plants under your pergola that can easily overheat in direct sunlight.

Additionally, sun shades for a pergola can also provide privacy. If your backyard is close to your neighbors’ or facing a busy street, having sun shades will give you an added layer of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space.

Not only do they offer practical benefits

My Buying Guide on Sun Shades for a Pergola

As someone who loves spending time on my outdoor patio, I know the importance of having a sun shade for my pergola. Not only does it provide protection from the harsh UV rays, but it also adds a touch of style to my outdoor space. If you are considering getting a sun shade for your pergola, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine the Size and Shape of your Pergola

The first step in choosing a sun shade for your pergola is to measure the size and shape of your pergola. This will help you determine the appropriate size and style of the sun shade that you need. It is important to get accurate measurements to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Consider Material and Durability

Sun shades for pergolas come in various materials such as fabric, aluminum, and wood. Fabric shades are lightweight and easy to install, while aluminum and wood shades are more durable but may require professional installation. Consider the weather conditions in your area when choosing the material of your sun shade.

3. Decide on Manual or Motorized Operation

Sun shades can be operated manually with a hand crank or motorized with a remote control or switch. While manual shades are more budget-friendly, motorized shades offer convenience and ease of use, especially for larger pergolas.

4. Choose Between Fixed or Retractable Shade

Fixed shades provide constant protection from the sun but cannot be adjusted according to changing weather conditions. On the other hand, retractable shades offer versatility as they can be opened or closed depending on the amount of sunlight you want.

5. Consider UV Protection

One of the main reasons for getting a sun shade is to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. When choosing a shade, make sure it offers sufficient UV protection. Look for shades with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to ensure maximum protection.

6. Check for Wind Resistance

If you live in an area with strong winds, it is crucial to choose a wind-resistant sun shade that can withstand gusts without getting damaged.

7. Budget Considerations

Sun shades come in various price ranges depending on their size, material, and features. Set a budget beforehand so you can narrow down your options and choose one that fits within your budget.

8. Read Reviews and Compare Brands

Before making a final decision, read reviews from other buyers who have purchased similar sun shades for their pergolas. This will give you an idea about their experiences and help you make an informed decision.

I hope this buying guide helps you choose the perfect sun shade for your pergola! Remember to consider all these factors before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best quality product that meets all your needs.

Author Profile

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Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy has a diverse and vibrant background that seamlessly blends law, real estate, hospitality, and the startup ecosystem. Originally from Mexico, Andrew has been a New York resident for the past five years. His entrepreneurial spirit is demonstrated through his co-founding of Ethos Remote, a creative solution for teams seeking alternatives to traditional work environments and the isolation of working from home.

Ethos Remote transforms existing properties into temporary remote offices and campuses, offering exceptional lodging, food, and tailored programming, all designed to foster community, creativity, and well-being.

Starting in 2024, Andrew began channeling his vast experience into a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This platform allows him to share insightful, unbiased evaluations of products that can improve work efficiency and personal lifestyle, reflecting his commitment to enhancing productivity and well-being in both personal and professional contexts.

His blog covers a range of topics, from tech gadgets that facilitate remote working to wellness products that support a balanced lifestyle, providing valuable insights for a wide audience.