When we renovated our backyard we removed the old pergola and built a cleaner, more modern structure. We wanted a shaded patio so it would be comfortable in the summer, but permanent and adjustable shade systems were far beyond our budget.
Pre-made shade sails were an option, but they didn’t suit the new pergola’s look. Instead, we made our own shades from UV-protective sun shade fabric so they would complement the pergola’s beams and keep the design simple and cohesive.
The project was straightforward, durable, and cost a fraction of custom permanent solutions. Below is a clear, SEO-friendly guide on how to make and install a removable pergola shade for your patio.
Table of contents
- What material is best for a patio shade?
- Supplies
- How To Make A Pergola Shade
- How To Install The Pergola Shade
- Cost
- Do the shades blow around?
- Is the shade removable?
- How do you clean this pergola shade?
What material is best for a patio shade?
We used a sunblock shade cloth that provides UV protection. It’s breathable rather than waterproof, which we preferred because it won’t trap hot air underneath or get excessively heavy when it rains. The breathable weave lets warm air escape while still blocking harsh sun.
The fabric is fade- and stain-resistant, very durable, and doesn’t fray when cut. Its lightweight nature made cutting and installation easy.
Supplies
- Sunblock shade cloth — amount depends on patio size
- Screw-in snap kit — includes caps, sockets, and screws for mounting
- Drill with Phillips head bit or screwdriver
- Sharp scissors
How To Make A Pergola Shade
Determine the length. Cut each strip roughly 1.5 times the length of the pergola span you plan to cover. This gives enough material for weaving between beams and leaves a soft drape. You can adjust longer for more sag or shorter for a tauter look. We recommend leaving extra length for a trial fit and trimming after the test run.
Determine the width. Our shade roll was 8′ wide folded in half. We made each strip about 42″ wide by trimming about an inch from the folded edge. Measure your pergola and any beams you need to work around before cutting.
Cut each strip to the desired length and width with sharp scissors. The fabric does not fray easily, so clean cuts work well.
Prepare the ends. Fold about 1.5″ of one short end over to create a reinforced edge for the snaps. This gives the snap hardware a solid area to clamp onto.
Attach snaps to the fabric. Space snaps across the folded end—five across 42″ worked well for us; adjust the number for your width. Push the snap cap through the folded fabric and attach the socket on the opposite side. Use the anvil and punch from your kit to set the snap: place the cap side down in the setting tool, position the punch on the socket, and hammer a few times to lock it in place. Repeat for each snap.
Test fit and trim. Hang one strip through the pergola beams for a trial. We wove the fabric over and under the beams to achieve the desired drape. Trim the strip as needed, keeping the 1.5″ fold for the other end before adding snaps there.
How To Install The Pergola Shade
Install screw-in snaps on the pergola. Use the screw-in snap pieces from the kit to mark positions on the wood beams that correspond to the snaps on your fabric. Pre-drill if needed, then screw each snap into place with a drill or screwdriver.
Align and snap the shade in place. With the snaps installed on both the fabric and beams, weave the shade over one beam and under the next, then snap the fabric to the mounted snaps. Repeat the process on the other side of the strip.
Repeat and alternate. Add remaining shades across the pergola. For a consistent pattern, alternate the over/under weave on each strip to create a layered, intentional look.
Cost
This DIY option is budget-friendly. Our costs were:
- Two rolls of shade fabric – $157.98
- Screw-in snap kit – $14.98
With tools we already owned (drill, screwdriver, scissors), the total came to $172.96—about a tenth of many custom permanent shade options.
Do the shades blow around?
Because we only snapped the strips at the ends, they can move in the wind. We like the relaxed, airy effect, but if you prefer a stable installation, you have options:
- Add snaps across each beam to secure the fabric in multiple places so it stays perfectly in place.
- Pull the fabric tighter to reduce loose material that catches the wind.
Is the shade removable?
Yes. We used snaps specifically so the shades could be removed quickly for cleaning, storage, or during storms. Unsnap and unweave the fabric to take it down; reinstall the same way.
How do you clean this pergola shade?
After 18 months our shades still looked great and we hadn’t needed to remove them. Light rain rinsed off most debris. If cleaning is necessary, unsnap and unweave the strips and hose them down or use a power washer on a gentle setting.
Ready to enjoy your patio this summer—shade included! Follow the steps above to build a practical, removable pergola shade that looks intentional and keeps your outdoor space comfortable on sunny days.
DIY Patio Shade
Equipment
-
Drill or screwdriver
-
Scissors
Materials
- Sunshade material Amount depends on patio size
- Screw-in snap kit
Instructions
Making the Pergola Shade
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Determine the length. Cut strips about 1.5x the pergola span to allow for weaving and a gentle drape. Adjust to your preference.
-
Determine the width. Measure between beams and trim the roll to the needed width. We made ours ~42″.
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Cut each strip with sharp scissors to the chosen dimensions.
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Fold one short end about 1.5″ to create a reinforced edge for snaps.
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Set snaps on the fabric. Space and attach snaps across the folded edge using the setting tool and hammer to secure each socket in place.
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Test fit and trim. Hang a strip through the beams to check drape and length, then trim as needed while leaving the fold for the opposite end.
Installing the Pergola Shade
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Install screw-in snaps on beams. Mark positions that line up with the snaps on the fabric and screw the hardware into the wood.
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Attach the shade. Weave the fabric over and under beams, then snap it to the installed hardware.
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Repeat for remaining strips. Alternate the over/under pattern for a layered appearance across the pergola.
Notes
- Measure your pergola and any beams before cutting to ensure proper width and spacing.
- Make the first shade slightly longer, do a test run, and then trim for an exact fit.