HAPPATIO 12' X 12' Retractable Pergola Canopy for Backyards, Gardens, Patios, Outdoor Pergola with Sun Shade Canopy, Includes Ground Studs and Expansion Screws (Brown)

Update: Someone asked a question whether Pergola cover can be open or not so thought to provide an update here. I live in Northern CA and this past winter was crazy with frequent rains and high wind storms. Initially I tie the top cover of the pergola with a rope but on a stormy day I noticed that the whole pergola was shaking like crazy that’s when I decided to dissemble the whole pergola for the season and glad I took that decision. We had weeks of rain and high windy days and I am sure the pergola might not be able to handle such high wind.I would like to mention that dissembling the pergola was very easy. I was able to do it within an hour with the help of a friend. I assembled it again a month back when the storm season was gone and I am glad to say this time the installation was quick. I was able to fasten all the nuts and screws as if it is new and pergola looks pretty good (pics attached). I am now confident that I can safely assemble and disable the whole unit safely as many times as I want.I am very happy with this pergola. I bought it based on the reviews, price and size of it at the time when I was making a purchase. When I was searching online I found similar items from different brands and all looks almost similar so it was not easy to decide but based on the price, instructions and reviews from fellow shoppers I choose this item. My item arrived fast and all parts and material were in great shape. I like the fact that the individual pieces are lightweight as compared to the wooden pergola and yet it fells sturdy.The video instructions on how to install this product was very helpful but I still spend around 6 hours with 2 people to install it. First, I installed it on grass but on a rainy day, it does not feel very secured. With the help of my three other friends, I was able to move this pergola on the concrete patio. I screwed the base and on top of it I put sandbag on each legs to make it more secure.The top of the Pergola is not able to stop the heavy rain and with high wind the top splits open. I learned the hard way that the top is not good for a rainy or windy days. Now I slide the top to an end and tie it with a bungee cord on the rainy days.On a sunny day, it serves its purpose and provide much-needed shade when sitting under it. It is able to blocks the direct sunlight and sitting under it feels more comfortable Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and planning to add a rolling shade at one end to provide more protection on hot sunny day.

I originally purchased 2, but quickly bought one more for a total of 3! This is exactly what I needed for backyard privacy & shade here in super hot AZ. All pergolas arrived quickly with all items intact, undamaged, and all hardware included. They were easy to assemble and sturdy once put up. With the first pergola, I made the mistake of taking metal items out of their plastic bags immediately and soon realized the stickers identifying the items had stuck to the bags instead of the metal (the heat here is likely the culprit of this issue). After that learning curve, the other two were easy to assemble (although not a one-person job). I purchased 6' by 12' shade screens for the back as added shade & privacy. I love love love them, and I cannot wait to start personalizing and adding more plant-life under my pergolas. I'm not sure how long the plastic rolling wheels/hooks for the canopy will last in this sun, but the shades are easy to roll back and are just beautiful. I have a resort in my back yard. :-)

Pros:Good for the price. This was by far the lowest price I could find in this type of wood look. I like it, and I appreciate it for our use of purpose.Cons:Certain parts look very cheaply made. The plastic cap that you have to attach to the end of the aluminum poles are VERY cheap looking.Magnets are not very effective as I hoped for. Slightest wind will push the canopy at least half way if not completely. We don't have high winds in my area luckily, but I need to figure something out for that part. Not a deal breaker, but good to have an alternative plan for this.I was able to assemble this 90% myself as 5ft female, but the recommendation is two people.Recommendation :As others mention here, keep the bolts slightly loose until entire structure is pretty ready to be tightened. Read the steps carefully before building this as Step 6 gets a bit tricky if you don't pay attention at Step 3. I missed the part that L2 only requires one side to be bolted, and I had to go back to unscrew. Same goes to Step 4 only one side is bolted for L2.For Step 5, I had to pull out my own tool as the nut wrench was made like a toy. Also, I don't do too much of DIYs, so it was hard to tell on the instructions if I had to tighten it to the limit or at the tip as the picture indicates. If one is supposed to tighten it to the limit, this toy is impossible to utilize. If at the tip, then fingers would do.I have to see how long this structure will withhold. My guess is 2-3 years, but we shall see.Overall, for the price, it's ok. Not recommended for high wind areas.