ShadeFX

Two-and-a-half years in, and we absolutely LOVE our retractable roof!! We are in northern New Jersey where we can get decent snow in the winters, tropical storm downpours, and blazing hot summer sun. Our ShadeFX makes it so we can enjoy our deck all year 'round! When we were thinking about replacing our old, rotting deck, we thought we wanted a canopy. As we put together our desired list, what we wanted was a cover to protect us from the rain or the hot sun, but retractable so we could enjoy the open trees and skies when the weather was fair. We also wanted to be able to hang lights and have heaters, and didn't want the canopy to get in the way. Finally, our dream list included it matching the modern style of our house. When we thought this wasn't realistic at a homeowner budget, we found ShadeFX. And gosh, they delivered on all counts! They were incredibly patient as we navigated the full scope of our renovation and wondered what we could fit in our budget, never nagging or pressuring us. And they patiently answered every question I had, like about how to mount on deck joists while not compromising the rain-catching underlayment, amongst plenty of others. And their customer service is bar-none amongst the best I have ever experienced! Thanks to Sebastien and team for making our deck our own amazing retreat!

We ordered a Shade for our pergola and installed it prior to a back yard wedding event. The process of measuring and confirming materials and colors was well done and resulted in a great fit. Installation was straight forward with no hiccups. Our Shade works well and adds a lot of practical value to our back yard space.

We were very happy with the way we were treated by Shadefx. Valerie was very professional and extremely helpful, in all aspects from design, fabrication and installation. The motorized canopy was all that we expected and more. It is used daily in all types of weather.

I wrote a review last fall about the excellent service in ordering and picking up our 10 Ft square retractable canopy. We installed it finally about a month ago. The instructions were easy to follow; installed and used all within the day. Since then, we have used it almost every day and it has brought us so much more enjoyment of our patio. I am impressed at how well it handles the breeze off the lake. We live towards the eastern part of the Bay of Quinte and there is almost always breeze off the water in the afternoon. The Shade Fx canopy installed on our pergola from Yardistry makes for a perfect solution for this area of sun and onshore breezes. Dan

Working with ShadeFX is a pleasure. We are a design-build company and often work with clients who have high attention to detail. As the designer and contractor ShadeFX staff made my work easy. Their specifications and installation instructions are clear - making design of our custom steel pergola system straightforward. The fabrication quality and precision from their factory is also very good - there were no surprises when my crew installed the ShadeFX system. Most important of all, our clients are very satisfied with the aesthetics, functionality and durability of the product. They really love it and have commented on how much they like the system more than once.

Working with ShadeFx team on many Outdoor Living projects has been fabulous as their product and knowledge of their product is unsurpassed. The beautiful sleek design and ease of operation has made it a popular shade solution. Outdoor Design & Living

As a designer, I am always looking for great products to incorporate into my designs. ShadeFX is just the right product for my patio project: I wanted a quality product that is easy to use and install, and able to be installed under a sloped pergola that I designed. Another reason I chose ShadeFX was that the hardware has very slim profile thus allowing me to install outdoor LED lights under the pergola as part of the lighting scheme. My clients and I couldn't be happier with the end result!

About 2 months ago a client of mine came to me with an idea he had. He wanted to find a way to cover his back deck in a way where he had full protection from the elements and maintained his style. He told me about ShadeFX and what he was looking at. Right off the bat I knew this was going to be very slick. My client showed me the ShadeFX website videos and different options and was very impressed. My client reached out to ShadeFX and was given clear instructions of what to do. So, I built the frame sent the sizes and specs to Kevin Hadley who was right there answering every question I had every step of the way. Sent the specs and bang order was sent the "boys in the back". They said it would take about 4 weeks for the shade to be ready. 3 weeks later it's at the house. I had watched the install video and was nervous because I didn't have any cross beams. But they had engineered it to fit perfectly in the space I had built. I am the owner of Big Bear Renovations and have worked with a lot of different trades people and companies. I don’t think I have had a smoother or cleaner operation then working with Kevin and the people at ShadeFX. Great service excellent quality. Completely transformed my clients yard. Client is happy, I'm happy and would 100% recommend this product and company. Anyone that wants to take the outdoor space to the next level. I recommend ShadeFX. Great product Great company great people. Thanks a lot Kevin Eli

The Team at ShadeFX has been great to work with. They made themselves readily available to help us with any questions or concerns throughout our project and even took the time to follow up with us afterwards. We would highly recommend them and looking forward to working with them in the future.

As this was our first encounter with ShadeFX, we took a cautious approach to their products. After engaging with them for a project in North York we knew right away that their service was of the highest standard. Questions we had about their products were answered quickly and effectively, samples were obtained for our client and their responsiveness to our needs were met immediately. We used one of their newer products, a cantilevered shade canopy, and found that the product is an adaptable structure, especially in the residential market where tight spaces can make projects frustrating. Our order was fulfilled and their team was effective in communicating and working with our construction teams to get the canopy installed on-site. Overall, as a company, I would highly recommend the ShadeFX brand to others within the industry for upholding the highest quality in their products and services!

The team at ShadeFX has met the demands of our client who required a two-canopy system for his custom pergola. From the first meeting on site, through the regular contact and prompt responses from the whole team, I knew we were in good hands. With the challenges of a very windy and exposed site, suggestions on material selection and installation methods led to a flawless delivery of the finished product. Our client is extremely happy not only with the look and function of the canopies, but with the continued service and support beyond the install which is sure to keep even the most demanding customers at ease. Thanks again to the whole team for a fantastic job! Scott Fraelic, Oakridge Landscape Contractors, Hamilton, Ontario

We were working with shadeFx for many years now. They supply for us the awning for our clients. They have a great service, and amazing quality product. Great jobs guys Keren M.E. Contracting

ShadeFX are a fantastic company to work with on any project. I have used them a number of times and have always been amazed by their product and customer service. From the initial consultation of a project to the installation, ShadeFX has always been professional. I cannot wait to use them again.

We redid our patio and wanted a backyard oasis, welcoming and comfortable. That meant controlling sun exposure. The company that did our deck recommended ShadeFX and their product. It was exactly what we needed. That was 6 years ago. We have dealt with ShadeFX directly since for maintenance, refurbishing and storage of our canopies. It has been a pleasure communicating and working with every member of the team there. They are prompt, courteous and so helpful. They made some excellent suggestions that we have followed. We are so happy to be dealing with a company of integrity, that offers support and efficiency. Absolutely one of the best experiences we have had with home renovations and installations. The product is excellent and durable and has doubled our outside dining and social area. Kudos to the ShadeFX team!

My client hired them for a automatic canvas shade for her arbor. I was pleased with the finished results. Thanks Steve!

My firm builds pergolas on NYC rooftops. I hadn't worked with Shade FX previously but they were able to work with us to realize our design and modify it to accommodate their motorized shade system. We installed the shades ourselves and it was simple and they fit perfectly. Our clients love the functionality and design of the Shade FX system. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them again.

What a great experience! We appreciated their timeliness, professionalism, and quality of product. I confidently recommend their service and look forward to partnering with them on other client projects in the future.

We has used ShadeFX on multiple projects. The product is superior as advertised and the installations are simple (which I love as a contractor!) I will continue to use this shade product on our future projects... I have been working directly with a rep and the service is very responsive and detailed.

Our Shadefx was installed approximately 6 years ago and have enjoyed the quality, durability and functionality of the product we chose for our project. Recently we required a small but essential piece replaced and worked with the service staff. They were exceptional! Not only were they professional, knowledgeable but they went "above and beyond" to provide superior service. They are a definite asset to the company.

The pergola we added as part of a back yard landscaping project was lovely but did not provide the shade we were looking for. In searching online for a solution to our shade dilemma I came across Shade FX and I'm so glad I did! From start to finish, we were very pleased with our experience with ShadeFX. Our sales rep, Darrell Dietz, along with the ShadeFX design team worked closely with us on the design and measurements of our rather uniquely shaped pergola and were always on top of any questions we had. When the final product arrived we were very happy with the quality of materials and the ease of installation. We are now enjoying our back yard in comfort throughout the day. We would highly recommend ShadeFX to anyone considering an outdoor canopy!

We completed a project last year with Dave Eckebrecht at ShadeFX and the entire process was seamless. Dave worked with us to come up with the layout and design based on a pergola we had proposed. Our crews completed the install using the provided hardware and instructions and were very straight forward and easy to install. The clients have since taken down and setup the two canopies over the winter and were very pleased with how easy it was. I wouldn't hesitate to work with or recommend Dave and the team at ShadeFX for any canopy project.

We recently built a patio and pergola in our backyard and were looking to add a bit of shade. After looking at several competing products, we decided we liked ShadeFX's product the best. Our sales rep, Prameela Tirkey, was an absolute pleasure to work with. She is extremely friendly and answered all of our questions. She helped us to collect our measurements, choose our fabric color, and pick our canopy drive system (we went with a rope drive). Couple of points of note about our job: We went with Pergola kit from New England Arbors comprised of wood wrapped in PVC. We had a contractor install the canopy for us. I could probably have done it myself, but with the PVC material involved I didn't want to chance drilling a hole in the wrong place. The product is absolutely top-notch. It's beautiful, well-built, and easy to work (via the rope drive) We couldn't be happier with how it came out.

We live in very sunny Southern California and wanted to add shade but not overly darken the patio or house. We had previously been looking at some very nice, but very expensive retractable room solutions. Thanks to David's persistent helpfulness, we realized that a retractable canopy from ShadeFX would provide us the shade and "keep the patio cushions dry" solution for the few days of rain we experience annually. The overall cost ended up being half of the retractable room solution. Since we were starting from zero shade, we worked with our chosen vinyl company to create a structure for the canopies, but not apply the traditional shade bars. The ordering and specification process was excellent, particularly with the ability to send a picture and confirm measurements via annotation and email. Everything arrived packaged and capable for a two person lift into the backyard. Installation couldn't have been easier, and with a little attention to the directions and a "measure twice" attitude, I had it installed in a couple of days. Now we have full control over the shade and the ability to open up to take in the night sky once it cools down.

My husband and I installed 4 ShadeFX shades in our 10' deep x 60' wide pool deck pergola in April 2017. The ShadeFX design is nothing short of incredible. Our contractor both built the pergola and installed the ShadeFX shades all by himself. The shades are impressive, well-built for ease of installation, use and enjoyment! I would strongly encourage people to research and to go see other, likely less expensive, shade systems. I did. I went to see 3 other companies' shades--their use of wires to hang the shades, the clamps used to attach the shades to the wires and the heavy steel "battens" sewn into seams to stabilize the shades. The design, construction and OUSTANDING QUALITY of ShadeFX's shades so far surpassed that of other shades! ShadeFX's Sr. Product Specialist, David Francis, was knowledgeable, charming and easy to work with--and had the patience of a saint. I started peppering him with questions beginning in 2015! I cannot be more satisfied with ShadeFX and my experience with them. I look forward to enjoying many years of memorable and every day times on our Southern California new pool deck!

As part of a deck replacement project, I wanted a deck cover that fit the architecture of the home without blocking out the sun. After a lot of research, I decided on ShadeFX canopies as their product looked to be exactly what I wanted without looking commercial. Their knowledge, communication and support through the entire process was amazing. I couldn’t be happier with the end result. Danville, CA, USA.

A huge thank you goes out to Shade FX for helping us achieve our vision for our backyard. Dealing with Steve and the team at Shade FX was always pleasant and professional. Our objective was to create shade and protect us from rain, so we can extend our indoor living outdoors. Although we were apprehensive regarding the cost, we are pleased with the end result. This past July, Shade FX installed two canopies in our backyard to fit our arbors. The upper shade is a 12x18 waterproof canopy, operated with a rope pulley system. This shade overlaps our lower arbor which now has a waterproof, motorized, canopy measuring 18x20. Needless to say, we have plenty of shaded area for entertaining. These canopies are exactly what we wanted for our backyard, extending our living space to outdoors. They and functional and a true conversation piece to all our guest. Thank you to Shade FX for the innovative design and great customer service.

Earthscape and ShadeFX have built a great working relationship over the last few years. The staff are very courteous, professional and extremely helpful with answering any design or construction questions. Their canopies come in a wide variety of colours and options and are made of high quality material. The orders are protected very well during shipping to avoid any damages and have always shown up on time. Our clients are highly satisfied with the final product. We will continue to use ShadeFX in our future projects

Simply fantastic. Fantastic products, fantastic options and fantastic communication. Every project has been seamless and very clear. Any efforts to contact someone have be prompt if not immediate. Their products are very well crafted, designed, and assembled. They provide a wonderful solution to protection from the sun or weather. Open when you want and close when you don't. The range of fabric choices are similar to a custom textile store. Thank you Shade FX.

I needed a shade canopy over a deck on the 'sunny' side of our cottage near Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. The cottage has south-facing 18-foot high windows and even on moderate days the interior would become so hot it was unbearable. It was also not possible to open the patio doors as the deck heated so much, the air coming in would be even hotter! Shade FX provided the perfect solution. The canopy is attractive, easy to operate and does not impeded the view of the spectacular Georgian Bay lakefront. My interior heat problem has vanished, and we now have full use of our 20x26-foot deck in any weather, intense sun or rain. It was easy to install, either as a DIY project or by untrained workers and enhances the look of the cottage, suspended under my fir-beamed pergola, and exceeds my expectations in every way. I found the Shade FX sales/design personnel easy to work with, patient and accommodating to our unique design demands, and even some follow-up issues were thoughtfully and professionally handled. I couldn't be happier !! Highly recommended.

We used ShadeFX recently for a '20x'10 canopy beneath a newly built DIY Pergola for our home in St. Louis.. I received prompt & professional help from ShadeFX the design specialist during the design of the Pergola. I found several lower cost options during my research but was won over with the quality and simplicity of the ShadeFX system. The product was delivered a little ahead of the original estimate (a little over 4 weeks). The installation was very straightforward. We opted for the manual drive beam which works just fine for us. Once installed, I would say it will take no more than 15-20 minutes to take down for winter storage or put back up in the spring. It's that easy.

We purchased a custom shade from ShadeFX in the spring to cover a pergola in our yard - approx 16' x 12'. We were a little anxious over the cost, however having had the pleasure of enjoying this shade over the summer I am able to say with all sincerity it was worth it. Sitting under the pergola even in the dead heat of the day, especially with the weather we have had here in Southern Ontario this year - it seemed a good 10 degrees cooler. We are able to enjoy sitting out in the deck even in the rain without getting wet, it's very well made. We had some issues initially - there was a little leak in the seam. The ShadeFX folks came out and replaced the material within a very reasonable amount of time with no cost to us. They were very professional and courteous. We are very happy with our shade and do not regret the purchase and based on the service received to date I will not hesitate to purchase from them again.

My husband and I ordered 2 ShadeFX canopies and 2 sets of matching drapes for 2 newly completed pergolas adjacent to a pool and to a large lake. The salesperson was notified that our area is subject to high winds and that we needed sun and weather protection that would stand up to these conditions. The canopies and drapes were expensive, and we expected high quality for the price. While the canopies are well-designed and well-made and seem to stand up to our windy conditions, the same cannot be said of the drapes. The drapes hang from a flimsy track and cheap plastic hangers and are supposed to attach on the sides to the vertical posts of the pergola with snaps. These snaps are of the cheapest type, and they come loose in the lightest of breezes. The whole curtain flew into a horizontal position, flapped violently, and threatened to fly into our nearby lake in light winds. It is highly likely that the plastic hangers will not last much longer than the snaps. In addition, there is another serious design flaw in these drapes. In order to fully close the drapes, you must zip them together. Unfortunately, the zipper starts at the top, and since our structure is 8 ft tall, we have to climb a ladder every time we wish to close each drape. This is an extreme nuisance, which we were not informed of in advance. Despite our repeated requests for pictures and technical information about the drapes prior to purchase, we only received a vague explanation and assurances that they would work well in the wind. We have had to pay a craftsman to modify these drapes so that they will function for us. We have made the company aware of the design issues and our dissatisfaction with the drapes. When we requested extra plastic hangers to have on hand when they inevitably break, they refused, saying that we would have to wait until they actually break, and there was no promise that they would even send them for free. Since no similar hangers are readily available in our area, this seems like the worst kind of customer service. The company didn't even respond to the other parts of our complaint about the drapes-- never mentioned an apology or offered to pay for the modifications that we had to make. My best advice on this company is--Beware! The canopies may function as promised and their technical expert was helpful for at least this product, but the drapes have shoddy hardware and are very poorly designed, and not worth the money. If the company is not willing to stand behind all of its products, I cannot recommend them and would suggest that you steer clear of them.

We got a pergola installed in our backyard and ever since we have been exploring options of adding a shade to it. We wanted something that can be pulled back so we can enjoy the open air as well as have shade when it gets hot. Most of the solutions we found out were too expensive and complex to install. While browsing Houzz.com, we came across photos of ShadeFx canopies and we really liked what we saw. We were a bit concerned since the company was not a local one. However our initial call to the customer support we got a prompt call back from Michelle who then directed us to Todd Whaley. Todd helped us every step of the way, as we measured the pergola, selected the fabrics and also the best option that will work for us. He was very prompt in responding back to our questions either via email or a phone call. Once we selected the fabric, we were directed to Susan in their finance department for placing the order and within couple of weeks, we received the shipment. The packaging was top-notch considering the size of the shipment and the installation directions were straightforward. Watching the online installation video also helped and our contractor installed it in 2 hours flat. The entire experience was very satisfying and needless to say we received so many compliments from our friends. Dealing with a non-local company is always little concerning but the staff of ShadeFx were very professional and extremely helpful and literally hand held us every step of the way. We highly recommend ShadeFx to all our friends.

I used ShadeFX to provide an automated double awning for a large pergola near a dramatic vanishing edge pool. I was initially wary, having never contracted this item before and not being able to visit a similar project to see the quality and installation mechanisms. I was, however, wonderfully guided by ShadeFX staff through all the details of design options and installation requirements. I was further assisted in coordination with my electrician and contractor. The end result is magnificent and my clients are 110% pleased with the end product as am I. The awning is beautifully engineered and the installation deceptively simple. The pergola has so much more versatility in terms of when and how it can be used so there is much value added from a ShadeFX product. I would highly recommend this resource to any designer looking for an awning in this category.

We use ShadeFX exclusively for all the shading solutions. Their product is very modern looking, easy to install, customer’s love the outcome and it gives us great competitive edge. Staff at ShadeFX is great as well, easy to deal with and always there for an advice. Greatly recommend this company.

We used a ShadeFX product about a year ago and our client has loved it! It is a commercial building downtown Chicago and it has taken all the abuse of being on the 25th floor just across the street from Lake Michigan. The Shade FX team was great in helping us design and install the product and we can't wait to use the product again.

We recently installed a ShadeFX canopy system in order to add versatility to a poolside pergola. The awning offers our client the flexibility for sun or shade and allows them to maximize the use of their outdoor patio. The ShadeFX canopy that we installed also offers protection from UV rays and is wind and rain resistant, making it an even more valuable feature to the outdoor space.

We have ordered several awnings from ShadeFX over the last few years. When ordering materials, we have always received the best in customer service and have been advised in colors and sizes. The awnings have always arrived on time and have been well protected during shipping. We have found that ShadeFX uses high quality materials to construct their awnings. The awnings are long lasting and our customers are highly satisfied with the finished project. We will certainly continue to use ShadeFX when ordering awnings for our customers.

Our company has worked with Shade FX for many years and we have always been very pleased with the high quality of service and products they provide. I am the VP of Sales for Arbors Direct and we manufacture structural fiberglass pergolas which cater to a high end sales demographic. Our dealers are referred directly to Shade FX whenever a canopy system is requested because I know they will treat them with courtesy and professionalism while providing the most attractive and best quality shade system on the market in my opinion. Britt Russell / Vice President of Sales Arbors Direct

I had a client looking for an outdoor structure to provide shelter from the sun and rain, but really preferred the light weight appearance of a pergola. The Shadefx canopy system was the perfect solution since it is able to provide protection from the sun and rain, but is retractable to allow for an unobstructed view. David, from Shadefx was excited for the opportunity to work together on this project and eager to provide their service. When onsite questions arose regarding the custom dimensions of the curved pergola, Steve (Shadefx President) was available. Prior to installation, but on site, a minor tear in the seam of the canopy was discovered, and Steve was there again immediately to ensure the issue was addressed properly and the quality of the product was not in question. As a contractor, I understand installation issues can arise on occasion even with a second-to-none product, but I was very impressed with the responsible approach of Shadefx. During a following up with my client a few months after the pergola with Shadefx canopy installation was complete, they expressed their gratitude and new found outdoor enjoyment with the beautiful addition to their back yard. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and capabilities of the Shadefx product. That said, I was amazed with the level of commitment from Steve and David of Shadefx to ensure their product was manufactured and installed with their personal attention and approval. Dan - Landscape Designer

I was hired by ShadeFX to photograph their canopies at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, covering the Cabana Club restaurant and the raised lounge deck. Marcio at ShadeFX was a pleasure to work with, and the shoot went very smoothly in spite of us being in different countries. I shot the canopies both open and closed, and enjoyed helping showcase the versatility the canopies allow. I would highly recommend working with ShadeFX.

We at Benchmark Building Services Inc. have been working with Steve of ShadeFX for the past 5 years. Steve's company offers a great solution for our clients needs such as extending the time they spend enjoying their outdoor space in the sun and rain. They deliver their product in a reasonable amount of time and their after installation service is next to none. Rosario Ungaro

I have worked with ShadeFX canopies and do myself own the product. I purchased the 10x10 Cedar Pergola with retractable canopy from Outdoor Living Today with the custom designed canopy. The canopy was well made and easy to install. We have spent many days and evenings under the canopy and when the rain came, were able to move the cushions closer to the middle so they could stay dry and safe. The canopy can be open and closed freely and with ease and offers great shade protection. Together with the pergola from Outdoor Living Today it is a great product and would recommend it to all of our friends and family.

ShadeFX was a great company to work with. They were professional, courteous, and most importantly very punctual. They delivered a great quality, beautiful product that really added to the amazing landscape we had created for our client. This was all done in a timely manner, and fit perfectly into the clients budget.

My name is Chris Graves, CEO of Joyful Builder Design Services. We build outdoor structures (pergolas, arbors, gazebos, etc.) and many times will receive a client request for a retractable awning or canopy. Since 2008, we have used ShadeFX products exclusively for our upper-end clients, with outstanding results. Steve Ostrowski, President of ShadeFX has consistently and repeatedly improved his product over the years, and every time we spec one out for a job, it is the most elegant application that could be placed. The awning systems are well worth the cost; rainproof, windproof, solid, sturdy, stable. Our clients are very happy, and therefore WE are also happy. :) His newest design, a top-mount system with polycarbonate sheeting, looks like it will overcome the snow-load issue prevalent in many Northern applications, and we have already ordered 12 of them. GREAT JOB, fellas, and we look forward to many more years of your amazing product!