How to 'roof' a pergola?

Beenie

We have a pergola over part of our patio.

The original idea was to grow honeysuckle over the top to form a 'green roof' and keep the sun off us when dining. It hasn't worked.

What I would like is some sort of lightweight roofing solution but I don't know what to look for or what it is called.

Small sheets of sky blue plastic would work, but do they exist, and if so, who sells them?

Ebe_Scrooge

Why did the honeysuckle not work ? Did you give it some framework to cling to - either twine or netting ?

But be that as it may, how about some very fine mesh netting ? Something like this :

http://www.twowests.co.uk/category/nettings/shade-netting

This would give you the shade, without being too obtrusive. It's not waterproof, obviously, so won't keep the rain off - but it sounds like you're looking for shade rather than rainproofing ?

I'm not particularly recommending this site in any way - in fact, the same stuff is easily available at Homebase, B&Q, etc. etc.

lstar337

Why didn't the Honeysuckle work?

Would another creeper like a clematis be any better?

I cant see plastic sheets looking very nice!

Davesnave

Vines are better than honeysuckle and shouldn't get mildew etc, but like most plants, they'll take a few years of training to cover a pergola.

If you wish to go down the plastic route, I've seen pergolas with polycarbonate above which didn't look too obtrusive from ground level, but they were clear, not coloured and designed to give rain shelter. I've not heard of blue polycarbonate, but I believe there's a bronze tinted one made for shade.

Gordon_Hose

We had Wisteria all over out pergola, it kept dropping flowers into our food so we chopped the lot down!

Beenie

We didn't use a mesh so the honeysuckle grew into a great dome on one side of the pergola. So, not only does it look stupid but it drops flowers and dead leaves onto the table.

We are primarily looking for shade but also want some protection from showers. That's why we thought about plastic (which now I know is called polycarbonate sheet, so thanks for that!)

chez22

I used this on mine http://www.wickes.co.uk/Mini-Profile-Corrugated-Sheet-660mmx2-4m/p/240170 its been on two years now. Its great to be able to sit outside and have bbqs etc even when its raining. The only problem is it does need cleaned from time to time (moss etc).

cyclonebri1

If I were you I'd fit the green mesh that is sold in better nursuries for shading gardens. Just remember any flimsy materials and that includes flat plastic sheet that you are considering, will need removing before the snows.

Pergolas covered in vines etc sound a great idea but when the grubs start dropping in the raviola you start to rethink.;);)