Pergolas - Why Shade Is Becoming a Bigger Part of Outdoor Projects

Brian Wey
Feb 5
3 min read

I spend a lot of time talking with contractors, yard managers, and business owners who are already deep into outdoor projects. Decks, patios, pools, hardscape, commercial courtyards. One thing I keep hearing is that customers want more usable outdoor space, not just something that looks good on day one.

They want shade that actually works. They want something that still looks right five or ten years from now. And they are asking those questions earlier in the project than they used to.

Shade Is No Longer an Afterthought

Shade used to come up late, if at all. A patio would get built, then someone would realize it was too hot to use in the afternoon. Now, shade is part of the planning conversation from the start.

People are thinking about how they will use the space throughout the day. They want relief from the sun without blocking light or airflow. They also want something that feels intentional, not like an add on that showed up after everything else was finished.

Why Adding a New Product Makes People Hesitate

I understand why adding a new product line gives contractors pause. New suppliers take time. New installs can create headaches. Nobody wants callbacks, warranty issues, or a product that looks great in photos but turns into a problem later.

Most businesses I talk to are careful about what they put their name behind, and they should be. Reputation is built job by job, and one bad product can undo a lot of good work.

Where Great Plains Pergolas Fit In

This is where Great Plains Pergolas fit naturally into an existing product mix. If you already build or install wood structures, this is not a stretch. These kits go together like a structure, not a decorative accessory.

Posts, beams, rafters. Everything is sized consistently and comes precut and predrilled. The installation feels familiar, just without the extra steps that come later with wood.

Durability Shows Up After the Job Is Done

The biggest difference shows up once the project is finished. Aluminum does not twist, cup, or check. There is no painting or staining cycle to explain to a customer a few years down the road.

The finish holds its color, even in heat. It does not get brittle or chalky. For contractors, that usually means fewer questions after the invoice is paid. For owners, it means they can actually enjoy the space instead of maintaining it.

Residential and Commercial Uses Are Growing

I see these going into residential backyards all the time, especially over decks and patios where people want shade but still want light and airflow. What surprises some people is how much commercial use there is as well.

Restaurants, apartment courtyards, senior living facilities, office patios. Anywhere a clean, consistent structure matters and long term upkeep is a real concern.

Simple, Predictable, and Easy to Plan Around

What I appreciate most is the simplicity. Standard sizes cover most jobs. Custom options are there when a space needs something different. It is a solid structure that works as intended and keeps doing so year after year.

That predictability matters when you are trying to plan projects, timelines, and customer expectations.

Solving a Problem Without Adding Risk

For partners, this is really about helping customers solve a problem without adding risk to the business. If pergolas are already coming up in conversations, this gives you a way to address that request with something reliable and consistent.

If you are curious how this could fit into your current work, feel free to reach out. https://greatplainspergolas.com/become-a-dealer/