Is there a metal recycler or scrap yard near you? The recycling company where I take cans and bottles buy all scrap metals. I've bought things there. This one sells metal for a little more than they pay for it, by the pound. I saw a bunch of wrought iron fencing there yesterday but don't need it yet. Some people here use freecycle or Craigslist. You can post what you're looking for there and might get lucky. Read Susie's post on the conversation side about getting things on Freecycle (Link below). Tell everyone you know what you're looking for. Someone may have it laying around and just give it to you. Try Google images. Whatever materials you're looking for, I know someone is throwing it away right now. Linda Here is a link that might be useful: Susie Rose's Good Advice

cuesta, If considering polycarb panels, what choices would I have? Don't know the price difference using non-corrugated. I can have the cover built to provide water runoff, tying in to the roof a bit higher than the outer support columns. Height of the columns is 10', add a couple +/-' for rafter supports and rafters, Max width would be about 14'. There will be air circulation on three open sides plus about 2' along the house side. Overall dimensions will be 14' x 28', plus adjacent 10' x 10'. For now I'd like to find the best for my situation/needs product and then plan the framing around the dimensions of those materials. Hoping for a consensus among this forum, then pricing and praying it's feasible. Also wondering if there's a source for seconds. Know of one for the shade cloth I'm considering. See I misspelled cuesta above. Sorry. So wish I knew more Spanish. Looking forward to more specific direction re products. And hope I haven't lost y'all with all my yacking. Rosie p.s. also want to know the life expectancy of the polycarb pls.

We have a pergola over our back patio that is roughly the size of a garage (400sq. ft.) When we moved in ten years ago, it was covered in an ugly yellow corrugated pvc material that cast a very golden hue through our french doors and made our den seem very dark. Seven years ago, we replaced it with a clear UV protective corrugated material from Home Depot. We live in Dallas, so I can attest that it definitely stands up to sun, but I can't be certain about wind. Our pergola faces east and is protected on two sides (north and west) by brick walls. We've heard an occasional strong gust lift a few of the panels ending with a small banging noise, but nothing has flown off... yet. How about wisteria or another climbing vine instead? Once they're mature, you can sit out in the rain and not get wet. Not to mention the gorgeous blossoms. But first check out which vine does well for your area. Good luck!

Look at Lexan not fiberglass or plexi both of those will discolor and get brittle from the heat . Does i it need to be totally water proof ? I ask becuase often tho clear covers hold the heat in the space below. I love the pergolas with the canvas that can be opened or closed . This is one idea