Homeowner Jane Empey wanted to recreate a relaxing and welcoming outdoor space that feels like an extension of the home. Due to lush landscaping in and around the backyard, a calming sanctuary was already in the making.

There is a hot tub tucked away to the side of the yard but the highlight of the backyard is the inviting outdoor dining and living area. Low-maintenance concrete pavers line the yard and a custom wooden six-post pergola is erected at the back, over the two areas. The middle posts and the arrangement of the furniture help to define the spaces.

The Empeys were pleased with the new space but the custom pergola did nothing to protect them from the hot sun and its harmful UV rays. During the sunny days, the space became uncomfortable and unusable. To cool things down, the homeowners contacted ShadeFX for a retractable shade solution.

“I just had two canopies from ShadeFX installed on my existing pergola. One was 10 x 10 over my dining area and a 10 x12 canopy over the seating area. Kevin, the Product Specialist, was helpful in my decision as to which covering would best meet my needs. The installation team that came out to measure provided suggestions as to how I could modify my structure in order to allow for installation of a retracting canopy. Once the product was ready, Tom and Nate had it installed in a matter of hours. I have finally been able to enjoy the lovely weather, protected from the sun!”

– Jane Empey, Homeowner

The two canopies are installed in a ‘kissing arrangement’ meeting at their extended positions. Sunbrella Cloud was chosen for the canopy fabric and the canopy hardware powder-coated black to match the darker tones in the wood pergola.

The homeowners wanted shade from the sun, but their new canopies also provide protection when it rains. With the orientation of the canopies, the Empeys can choose which space they want to use, regardless of the weather conditions.

In need of a custom shade solution? We can help.