Shade Solutions: Pergola, Roof, or Open Sky in Your Backyard

Deck Builders Staten Island · Apr 16, 2026 · 3m

In this episode of Deck Builders Staten Island, we talk about shade, sun, and comfort in your outdoor living space, and how to choose between a pergola, a solid roof, or leaving part of your deck or patio open to the sky. Homeowners often know they want “more shade” but are not sure which structure matches their budget, their yard, and their long-term plans for the space. This episode walks you through the pros and cons of each approach so you can design a backyard that feels comfortable and usable through more of the year.

We start with pergolas, which are open-framed overhead structures…