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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Awning or pergola with retractable roof for a small patio?

2 replies

IamEarthymama · 13/08/2026 14:19

AIBU for traffic, sorry!

I have a tiny garden with a tiny patio. In the first pandemic summer my daughter and son in law installed a retractable awning for us and it has been great.
However, it was left extended when we went on holiday and high winds put paid to the material.
I don't know whether to replace like for like or to buy a pergola with a retractable roof.
the downsides of the awning were that it could not be adjusted to the angle of the sun during the day.
The fixed pergolas look as though Curti and could be fixed to the sides to provide shade at different angles.
I attach a link to the pergolas I'm looking at, they aren't expensive I know.

Have you got one of these? Please let me know what you think.
I could get a gazebo with side curtains but the patio is surrounded by plants in containers and I need them to have some light. My

Outsunny 2 x 3(m) Lean To Pergola with Retractable Roof for Patio Khaki | Wall Mounted Garden Gazebo, Outdoor Sun Shade Shelter, Deck https://amzn.eu/d/0fkhbnnf

https://amzn.eu/d/0hsikNGx

Amazon

Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/0fkhbnnf?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-am-i-being-unreasonable-5566178-awning-or-pergola-with-retractable-roof-for-a-small-patio

OP posts:
IamEarthymama · 13/08/2026 21:16

Anyone...

OP posts:
greencitrine · 13/08/2026 21:36

I haven't ever had a pergola but have thought about getting a giant cantilever parasol. Partly that's because I don't fancy paying someone to dig pergola or gazebo supports into my patio though. Would a parasol like that give you the angled shade you need?

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