Gazebos, arbors, pergolas etc

onlyroz

We are looking to create a decked area in our garden and we'd like to be able to sit out in the sun or shade as suits us (or even in the rain, if the recent weather is anything to go by). I like something as pretty as an arbor or pergola but which could provide the shade of a gazebo if we wanted. Does anybody have any suggestions? I've seen thing like this:

Which looks pretty, but looks like it could also be fiddly to put the canopy up or down. Does anybody have any experience of things like this? Or can offer any alternative suggestions?

I can appreciate the simplicity of a retractable awning, but I think they look butt-ugly. We'd like something that looks more natural, ideally with a wooden frame like an arbor.

gazza975526570

sorry i dont have an answer to your question but i agree - what you posted looks lovely and normal awnings look awful.

Id be more that happy with something like this in my garden

lostinrates

Regarding the design of the pne shown, i can see that if each contact point is a row of fastenings it would be fiddly, but if each 'line' of cantact were a rod/dowel, that gave support along the length and fitted in to a slot/beefed up cap hook type thing, i don't think it would be too ardous for the benefit.