Choose a retractable canopy when an open sky is your priority. Consider a louvered pergola when adjustable light and an architectural roof matter more. Add side screens for low-angle sun and privacy.
Begin with the sunlight
Watch the space in the morning, at midday and in the late afternoon. Overhead shade helps when the sun is high; vertical screens can be more useful when sunlight enters from the side. Note which windows and views must remain clear.
Compare the complete system
The frame, roof, drainage, fixings and controls work together. Ask for model-specific limits and installation details. Fabric roofs and louvered roofs vary between manufacturers, so one product’s wind or rain rating cannot be applied to another.
Plan for the way you live
Leave enough circulation around dining chairs and lounge seating. Consider where posts will stand, how the roof meets the building and where water will discharge. Resolve these before choosing optional lighting or automation.