Planning Free Standing Structures
We Want to Help
These can be a little tricky and we want to help to make sure everything is just right for you. That’s why we recommend that you contact us for this particular project type.
We are about to make planning easier than you could have imagined with a planning session where we will draw on photos you send us as you watch in real time.
- We will direct you to a submission form.
- You will send photos and contact info.
- We will call you and take care of the rest.
- Get excited. We’re about to have some fun!
More Helpful Information
Unique planning details for:
Awnings
If you are planning an Awning, you will skip steps 2 & 5 in the planning menu above! Your menu should really look like this:
Why you should SKIP Step 2 – Top Attachment
For Fixed Awnings we use Grommets (instead of either Velcro or Tracking).
Generally for Fixed Awnings, the top attachment is some overhead bar where the top canvas of the awning is laced to the bar. With this arrangement, neither tracking or Velcro can be secured to a bar with lacing wrapping the bar.
Aww, but I really wanted to slide these using tracking? The tracking feature is not used as much as you might imagine. You can still enter and exit through magnetic doorways and with our black mesh it is crystal clear to see through.
For Fixed Awnings, we place grommets along the top of the curtain panel every 6-inches so that you can secure the top of the curtain to the overhead bar using plastic cable “zip ties“ (there will be enough space around lacings). By placing a bit of horizontal tension between zip ties, the top of the panel will be taut along the bar and lay nice and flat.
If you are using our instant price estimator, SELECTING “Velcro” as the top attachment will give you the same estimate as grommets.
Why you should SKIP Step 5 – Project Planning
We will need to place your order for you over the phone
Awnings are unique and we would like to personally assist you. The good news is that Fixed Awnings are the easiest of applications. We will explain all the specifics to you in a planning session and show you exactly how to measure from photos you will send to us.
Please Familiarize yourself with Steps 1, 3, & 4 (above)
Having this information will help you better understand how everything works. Follow along as if it were Velcro Attachment. Eventually you will need this information to self-install your project.
When you are ready, click the Contact Us Button and follow the instructions for emailing digital photos. We have software that enables us to draw on your photos AS YOU WATCH. We will simplify everything for you and walk you through the process stress free.
Pergolas / Open Top Structures
If you are planning a project with no roof, your planning menu should look like this:
Wondering if We Do Roof Panels?
If you are trying to protect against flying insects, you may not need a roof panel.
It has to do with the way mosquitos behave. Think of them as blind and are following their noses. Mosquitos tend to vector directly at their hosts. A mosquito wouldn’t be thinking, “Ha, these knuckleheads forgot to put a roof panel up there. Come on boys, over the top!”
If a mosquito takes anything but a direct path to you, it is not by intention. They were likely blown up and over the top with a wind current. The necessity of a roof panel is really the height of your pergola and the likelihood of a wind gust getting them up and over.
So in the interest of our good clients, we tell them there is a good chance a roof panel is not necessary for bugs and there is plenty of time to spend money. Why not do the wall panels and see if you aren’t in the lucky club. Our experience is that 80% of folks are in the lucky club!
SKIP Step 5 – Project Planning
Please Familiarize yourself with Steps 1-4 (above)
Having this information will help you better understand how everything works. Eventually you will need this information to self-install your project.
When you are ready, click the Contact Us Button at the top of any page and follow the instructions for emailing digital photos. We have software that enables us to draw on your photos AS YOU WATCH. We will simplify everything for you and walk you through the process stress free.
Free Standing With 5 Or More Sides (Some Gazebos)
If you are planning a gazebo with 5 or more sides, your planning menu should look like this:
Notes On Top Attachment – (Step 2)
The client with the gazebo shown here wanted tracking in the worse way. He anticipated pretty swags and opening his panels daily. Kurt’s favorite way to handle these is a Velcro attachment taking a path OUTSIDE the columns. Yep, like wrapping a gazebo with a big “soup can label”. The client was thrilled with the results and saved money not having to purchase track hardware and the many panels necessary for a tracking configuration.
- Curtains still have magnetic doorways to enter
- The panels are very stable in the wind with skeletal columns behind them
- Configuring an inside hang with tracking is always tricky and expensive
- They are crystal clear to see through and made to get wet
- You always enter into a bug-free zone and when you want to leave, just leave
SKIP Step 5 – Project Planning
We will need to place your order for you over the phone
Gazebos are unique and we would like to personally assist you. The good news is that Fixed Awnings are the easiest of applications. We will explain all the specifics to you in a planning session and show you exactly how to measure from photos you will send to us. In the meantime:
Please Familiarize yourself with Steps 1-4 (above)
Having this information will help you better understand how everything works. Eventually you will need this information to self-install your project.
When you are ready, click the Contact Us Button at the top of any page and follow the instructions for emailing digital photos. We have software that enables us to draw on your photos AS YOU WATCH. We will simplify everything for you and walk you through the process stress free.