Shade FX

Pergolas are the ultimate outdoor living accessory. They define space in a way that makes it feel like a room, but without walls. They set the stage for cushioned furniture, coffee tables, ottomans and best of all, memorable parties and events. Till now, that was all a pergola provided, a defined outdoor space, leaving many wanting for sun and rain protection that just wasn’t part of the structure’s design purpose.

If you’ve been among those looking for comfort or protection from the elements at the push of a button, prepare for the awning of a new age! ShadeFX Canopies, has developed a new retractable canopy system that is designed to attach to wood pergola frames. Because it uses one beam (or track) to operate the canopy, it will not jam or bind if the wood frame shifts over time or the seasons. Only ShadeFX uses the new and patent pending ‘monorail drive’ that allows for areas up to 20’ wide and 30’ long to be protected from sun and rain. You can also order a waterproof fabric with welded seams that will protect from even heavy rain and for extended periods of time.

All ShadeFX canopies are made to order using only the finest materials like Sunbrella™ brand awning fabrics, and high strength 6063-T6 aluminum alloy components. When combined with the fact that it operates on a posted pergola frame, the result is a canopy system strong enough to take the winds of seaside locales, urban rooftops, and even Texas.

Visit www.shadefx.com to see a gallery of installations that reflect quality, performance, and outdoor living taken to the extreme in comfort and style. There are three versions available that range from affordable (operated manually) to downright indulgent (remote control motor drive). In all cases we’ll help you get the one that’s right for you. The future of outdoor living is ShadeFX. Ask for ShadeFX and we’ll do our best to make it the lifestyle decision you’ll never regret!

In todays tough economic times it's easy to get caught up in financial woes. Most people are worried about losing their jobs and how they are going to make it if that happens. If you have expendable income try your hardest to help those that may be in fear of losing their jobs by buying products that are made right here in the U.S.A. Pergola Depot is proud to offer do-it-yourself pergola kits that are made in America.

Spring is coming!

With winter getting ready to say good-bye it's time to start your outdoor plans. While these may include hiking and camping, don't forget about your own backyard. Pergola Depot offers a wide selection of do it yourself kits. Pergola Depot started with the philosopy that everyone should be able to afford a beautiful backyard. So what are you waiting for? Order a do it yourself pergola kit that won't break the bank!

Summer Kitchen

In your quest for the ultimate in outdoor living one must truly experience the epitome of an oasis by adding a summer kitchen. What is a summer kitchen? It's the outdoor bar-b-q times ten! Imagine your grill standing all alone beside the beige stucco of your house. Kind of a sad existence for such a giving machine. Now imagine a beautiful covered, yet not enclosed, back porch. Surrounding your once lonely grill is custom cabinetry. You have storage for all your grilling utensils. Your mini fridge is stocked with cold beer, a bottle of wine and pure spring water. The beautiful Eco friendly patio furniture you bought is set up to ensure that feeling you're in a five start resort. Your summer kitchen is surrounded by beautiful potted plants native to your climate. Your pergola with climbing hydrangea is nearby only to solidify that you are in the lap of luxury. The meals you prepare taste nothing less that what Wolfgang Puck would create for you in his restaurant. Anybody can go on vacation once a year, but how many people get to feel that way everyday? You could be one of those people sipping a drink, sitting on fine outdoor furniture and eating meals prepared in your very own summer kitchen.

Outdoor Accessories

It seems to me that once you decide that you're going to make your outdoor space a place you want to spend quality time in, why not go all out? If you have a pergola and add some plants, you might get a table and chairs, add some lighting, maybe even a water feature. These are mostly hard surfaces. Why not add an outdoor area rug? If you have your pergola over a patio this is a great way to soften thing up to create your "outdoor room". There are many websites that offer outdoor area rugs. Home Depot and Lowe's carry some as well as my personal favorite, Target. This is a great way to keep that outdoor indoor line seem a little more blurred.

Native Plants

I found a great website http://www.plantnative.org/how_intro.htm to find the native plants in your area. It also has a list of the drought resistant plants in your region. Planting drought resistant native plants is not only beneficial the the enviornment, but also budget friendly since they need to be watered less often. Everybody wins!

Climbing Vines

There are many options when it comes to climbing vines. Your pergola or trellis will be all the more beautiful with a vine as it's accessory. The most beautiful in my opionion is the Climbing Hydranga. It is the slowest to establish of all the climbers but is definately worth the wait. Once established they can grow up to 50 to 80 feet tall with blooms ranging about 6 to 10 inches in diameter. A sturdy tree trunk or pergola will help sustain such a large vine. Luckily they are not an overly aggressive vine and enhance your garden instead of take over it. The white flower blooms appear in June to late July. A climbing Hydranga is a welcome addition in my garden, hopefully you will enjoy one in yours!