Hello everyone,
I have an interesting project planned, but it’s proving to be a bit challenging.
I have a garden shed in my allotment garden, and since I already have a large hut, I’m not allowed to build a pergola with a fixed roof (which probably wouldn’t be considered a pergola anymore). So, I came up with the idea of building a freestanding pergola and installing an awning that can extend over the pergola when needed. (I would replace the awning fabric with a PVC tarp to ensure it is waterproof.)
Unfortunately, I can’t attach an awning to my shed because the shed and gutter are too low, and there’s also a basement staircase in the way.
So, I would need to build a pergola and screw the awning to a wooden beam, but I’m unsure about this, as the right choice of wood is necessary and proper concrete foundations would be required.
I will upload some photos to give you an idea. Of course, I also considered fixing the beams to the basement wall, but I’m concerned about the stability of the wall (the garden is at least 70 years old), and I’m afraid the wall might crack.
The awning is 3.50m (11.5 ft) wide and extends 3.50m (11.5 ft). The pergola should be approximately 2.30m (7.5 ft) high at the highest point and about 2.0m (6.5 ft) deep at the lowest. The length should be around 3 meters (9.8 ft) and the width about 3.50 meters (11.5 ft).
Also, the pergola is not allowed to have rafters; it may only have a U-shape and cannot be a closed structure. However, I would still like to install one crossbeam in the middle of the pergola, arguing that it is needed for stability, as there’s no other way.
Currently, I have spruce beams with typical cracks for this material (I also have two beams about 2.90m (9.5 ft) long without cracks, probably larch).
As an alternative, if the project turns out to be too difficult, I’m considering switching to a rolling track system with a PVC tarp or a good-quality shade sail. Has anyone had experience with these?
PS: I don’t want to use steel pipes. Also, another idea just came to me that might work: attaching the pergola with the roof rafters under the roof tiles, and thereby securely mounting the awning to the pergola. For example:
I have an interesting project planned, but it’s proving to be a bit challenging.
I have a garden shed in my allotment garden, and since I already have a large hut, I’m not allowed to build a pergola with a fixed roof (which probably wouldn’t be considered a pergola anymore). So, I came up with the idea of building a freestanding pergola and installing an awning that can extend over the pergola when needed. (I would replace the awning fabric with a PVC tarp to ensure it is waterproof.)
Unfortunately, I can’t attach an awning to my shed because the shed and gutter are too low, and there’s also a basement staircase in the way.
So, I would need to build a pergola and screw the awning to a wooden beam, but I’m unsure about this, as the right choice of wood is necessary and proper concrete foundations would be required.
I will upload some photos to give you an idea. Of course, I also considered fixing the beams to the basement wall, but I’m concerned about the stability of the wall (the garden is at least 70 years old), and I’m afraid the wall might crack.
The awning is 3.50m (11.5 ft) wide and extends 3.50m (11.5 ft). The pergola should be approximately 2.30m (7.5 ft) high at the highest point and about 2.0m (6.5 ft) deep at the lowest. The length should be around 3 meters (9.8 ft) and the width about 3.50 meters (11.5 ft).
Also, the pergola is not allowed to have rafters; it may only have a U-shape and cannot be a closed structure. However, I would still like to install one crossbeam in the middle of the pergola, arguing that it is needed for stability, as there’s no other way.
Currently, I have spruce beams with typical cracks for this material (I also have two beams about 2.90m (9.5 ft) long without cracks, probably larch).
As an alternative, if the project turns out to be too difficult, I’m considering switching to a rolling track system with a PVC tarp or a good-quality shade sail. Has anyone had experience with these?
PS: I don’t want to use steel pipes. Also, another idea just came to me that might work: attaching the pergola with the roof rafters under the roof tiles, and thereby securely mounting the awning to the pergola. For example:
L
laie_micha7 May 2026 09:15After further consideration, I have decided to forget about the articulated awning and instead plan to install a sliding roof (which basically serves the same function as an awning) on the pergola.
My plan is as follows:
I will build a U-shaped pergola with removable rafters. A truck tarpaulin will be attached to a sliding rail system so it can be opened and closed by pulling. If necessary, I can insert the rafters that are not permanently screwed in to ensure higher stability.
Now my question to you: Has anyone ever built or seen this kind of “roof on rollers”? Can anyone recommend anything?
My plan is as follows:
I will build a U-shaped pergola with removable rafters. A truck tarpaulin will be attached to a sliding rail system so it can be opened and closed by pulling. If necessary, I can insert the rafters that are not permanently screwed in to ensure higher stability.
Now my question to you: Has anyone ever built or seen this kind of “roof on rollers”? Can anyone recommend anything?
H
hanghaus20238 May 2026 20:27Search for louvered roof. A sunshade sail is a simpler option.