Utah summers are bright and dry, and a deck that faces west or south can be too hot to use from noon until sunset. A pergola or shade cover fixes that, and it also gives the deck a sense of being an outdoor room. Here are the pergola and shade designs we build most often along the Wasatch Front, and how to choose between them.
Classic timber pergolas
A timber pergola is a frame of posts, beams and rafters with an open top. It gives filtered shade that moves through the day, and it frames the view without closing in the deck.
- Cedar is a favorite wood for pergolas. It’s naturally resistant to rot and insects, and it looks warm next to composite decking. On our Santaquin pecan deck, a cedar pergola sits over TimberTech Pecan boards.
- Rafter spacing decides how much shade you get. Tighter rafters, or a second layer of purlins on top, cast more shade.
- Finish. We seal exposed wood with Messmer’s UV Plus so it holds its color in Utah’s strong sun.
Covered roofs and louvered roofs
When you want real protection from sun, rain and snow, a solid roof is the answer.
- Wood-framed roofs tie into the house roof line and can be finished underneath with a soffit, recessed lights and a ceiling fan.
- Timber with polycarbonate panels keeps the open-beam look but stops rain while still letting light through.
- Louvered roofs from Sundance have aluminum slats you can open for sun or close for shade and rain.
- Aluminum covers such as Evolution covers are low-maintenance and come in clean, modern profiles.
See more options on our roofs and shade design page.
Shade sails
SugarHouse shade sails are tensioned fabric stretched between posts or the house. They’re a good choice when you want strong shade over part of a deck without a full roof, and they add a modern shape to the backyard.
How to choose
A few questions settle most decisions:
- Which way does the deck face? West and south-facing decks need the most shade. A louvered or solid roof makes the biggest difference there.
- Do you want to use the deck in the rain or shoulder seasons? If yes, go with a solid or louvered roof.
- Is there a view to protect? An open pergola or shade sail keeps sight lines open.
- How much upkeep do you want? Aluminum and louvered systems need almost none. Wood looks great but needs a fresh coat of sealer every few years.
- Snow load. Utah winters put real weight on a roof. Any covered structure has to be engineered and built for snow, especially on the benches and up the canyons.
Build the pergola with the deck
The best time to add a pergola is when the deck is built. The posts can be tied into the deck framing and footings, and the whole thing is designed to look like one piece. If you’re planning a new deck, ask us to include shade in the design. Browse pergola and covered deck projects, or contact us for a free estimate over the phone.