Finally got some of the lattice up, painting the rest of it in the garage. We have an ice storm headed this way. All the landings around the steps are roughed in. I figure I'll let them settle for the winter and then bed them in better in the spring with more gravel and sand. Now, to finish pulling the 350 car motor so I can regasket and check it out, put the headers and M23Z in it.
The deck is done. Landscaping and such will have to wait until more spring like weather returns. She ain't perfect but it is way better than it was when I started. Hopefully, it will last for many more years.
So, now my wife wants some sort of shade over this thing. Women! Never happy. What's easy, looks nice and I can do? I've considered an inexpensive pergola or gazebo like this or maybe build a sturdy one myself out of 6x6: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PT4WP3Y/ref=sbl_dpx_B07W69PFQR_0 I've looked a fabric sail but I don't know what would the best mount for the farthest supports. Metal poles in the ground, 6x6 posts or mount something to the deck? https://www.amazon.com/SUNLAX-Recta...73ca-403a-923c-8152c45485fe&tag=21oak-20&th=1 My final idea was the fold out awning like this: https://www.amazon.com/ALEKO-AWCM16...ade&qid=1614029888&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-11&th=1
My vote is for the sail, but have never seen one in person to evaluate. Not sure how much tension they're under, but I would assume you could use uprights off the 6x6 posts and be fine. Thick-walled, square tube aluminum? You might be able to attach it to the house at that side. Don't at all care for the 'draped' canvas- seems it will just accumulate leaves / whatever is blowing around (plus blow around itself). A sail should moreso 'rinse clean' if it's pitched. Also think the draped style looks too 'frilly' (but maybe the wife prefers?) Pergolas aren't true shade-providers, and you're immediately spending a lot more vs. the other 2 (you well know what lumber costs these days).
That is what the third option is but a lot cheaper. We had a guy come out and quote one with a motorized shade for almost $3,000! I'm a handy guy and I don't want to pay that kind of cash for something flimsy. For that kind of money, I want a real roof over the deck. LOL
Shop your local RV dealer for awnings: https://www.campingworld.com/carefr...s-canopies-shades/rv-awnings/rv-patio-awnings They also have new fabric if it ever tears. Manual ones are easy to use with two people.
Maybe I'm thinking about this too hard. I'm thinking of building a pergola anchored to the house. Something like this.
If you shop around a bit, between online and the home improvement stores you could probably find a precut (premade) kit available to suit your needs. A friend of mine and I put up a pergola for a customer last summer that he bought as a premade kit (looks similar to your pic) from a local store. It looks awesome and we did it all in one day. Keith
Yeah, I figured that. LOL A buddy sent me this. I'm sure it is 10 times my frugal (aka cheapskate) price range though. Louvered slats and water proof.
