aluminium pergola in our backyard
Hey folks, I recently installed an aluminium pergola in our backyard (finally took the plunge after two years of thinking about it 😅), and I’m now trying to figure out how to make the space more comfortable year-round. I’ve heard a bit about drop screens and other add-ons, but haven’t really explored what’s practical and worth investing in. Anyone here using accessories like that? Do they actually make a big difference, especially with wind or sun?
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Absolutely yes — drop screens can really transform the way you use your pergola, especially if you’re dealing with mixed weather or just want a bit of extra privacy. We added them to our setup last spring, mostly to block the sun in the late afternoon (we're west-facing, so it gets blinding), but they’ve honestly helped with wind too. You can roll them down partially or all the way depending on what you need, and they’re great when you’ve got guests over and don’t want the neighbors watching you grill 😄
If you’re thinking about practical upgrades, I’d say screens are a solid choice before you even think about heaters or lighting. Here’s where we found ours — they’ve got pergolas and accessories too: https://closethedeal.co.uk/catalogs/manual-louvred-pergola-gazebo
We actually went with a manual louvred version so we could control the amount of light too. It’s been a real game-changer on warm days when you want airflow but don’t want to roast. Bonus: less glare on your phone or laptop if you’re working outdoors!