How Do Louvered Pergolas Work?

A louvered pergola is an innovative outdoor structure that transforms your backyard or patio area into a versatile living space. Unlike traditional pergolas, a louvered pergola features adjustable slats, or louvers, that can be tilted to control the amount of sunlight or shade in the area beneath. But, how does this feature work? 

Louvered pergolas are equipped with a series of horizontal slats that can be rotated to various angles. This rotation is facilitated by a lever, gears, and a series of linkages. When the lever is moved, the gears engage, causing the linkages to move the louvers.

The louvers can be adjusted to fully open, fully closed, or anywhere in between. When fully open, the louvers are generally parallel to the ground, allowing maximum sunlight to filter through. When fully closed, the louvers overlap each other to form a solid roof-like structure, providing full shade and protection from rain.

Many louvered pergolas nowadays are motorized and can be controlled with the push of a button, a remote control, or even a smartphone app. Some high-tech models have built-in sensors that automatically adjust the louvers based on weather conditions. For instance, if it starts to rain, the sensor triggers the louvers to close, keeping your outdoor space dry.

In addition to their functional benefits, louvered pergolas also add architectural interest to your outdoor space. They can be customized to match your home's aesthetic and can be outfitted with additional features like lighting, fans, or heaters to further enhance your outdoor living experience.

Whether you're looking to create a sunny spot for lounging or a covered area for outdoor dining, a louvered pergola can accommodate your needs with ease and style.