How to Tent My Pagola

Pagolas (sometimes referred to as ergolas) are decorative gazebos designed to shade the occupants, while also providing an open-air feeling, due to the open roof structure. The problem arrives at the same time as precipitation. Due to the open slat roof designs of pagolas, they are not suitable in rainy climates, thus, tenting yours could provide the amount of protection from the elements you desire. Aesthetics is of course important, so choose your fabrics to suit your desired style.

4 curtain rails
4 curtains)
8 curtain hooks)
Plywood sheets
Hammer and nails
2-inch by 4-inch studs
Asphalt shingles (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which side of the pagola you wish any precipitation to fall off. This should be the side opposite the most-used entrance.
- 2
  Connect a 2x4 stud to the top edge of the determined entrance side, followed by plywood sheet(s) connected to this 2x4, creating a slight slant for any precipitation to drain off. The end opposite the 2x4 should be nailed down to the slats of the pagola roof structure to secure it in place. Ensure that the plywood sheeting covers the entire area of the slat roof structure.
- 3
  Shingle the upper side of the plywood roof cover if you wish to waterproof it permanently.
- 4
  Install four curtain rails along the upper edge of each side of your pagola, These will allow for the installation of decorative curtains, which should be able to be opened in the middle and hung on hooks on each of the four pagola pillars in the corners when not in use or when a fully closed structure is not needed.
- 5
  Install the curtains onto the curtain rods. Choose a curtain fabric that best suits the theme you wish to create in your pagola. Curtain retaining hooks should now also be installed, two on each post, about 4 feet from the base of the posts.

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