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Learn how to make a slide-wire canopy with free how-to instructions.
The process can be broken down into segments, as shown by SailRite, who developed it:
Measuring Pergola & Calculating Panel Dimensions
Installing Eye Bolts
Rigging Wires
Cutting Fabric & Hemming Sides .
Creating First Sleeve
Creating Intermediate Sleeves
Creating Last Sleeve
Installing Drainage Grommets
Preparing Pipes for Sleeves
Attaching Hardware to Panels
Hanging Panels
Installing Pulley & Rope System (Optional)
Materials List
And they also know what materials you will need:
Polyfab Pro Stainless Steel Eye Bolt With Nut & Washers 5/16″ (8mm)
Polyfab Pro Stainless Steel Turnbuckle Eye & Eye With Nut 5/16″ (8mm)
1/2” EMT Conduit Pipe
Nicopress Sleeves 1/8″
Wire Rope 7×7 Stainless Steel 1/8″
Phifertex Plus Vinyl Mesh 54″ Fabric (we used Garden Green)
Seamstick 1/4″ Basting Tape for Canvas
Polyester V-69 or Profilen PTFE Lifetime Thread (we used clear)
Strap Eye Stamped Stainless Steel
Self-Drilling Screws Stainless Steel #8 x 1/2”
Fixed Eye Snap Hook Stainless Steel 3/8″
Spur Grommet #2 #26316 (not required with Phifertex)
1” Polyester or Sunbrella Webbing (Not required if pulley rope system is used)
If you’re building the optional rope pulley system, these materials will also be required:
Harken 092 Cheek Bullet Block
Pan Head Screws Stainless Steel #8 x 3/4”
Harken 226 Micro Block Double
Harken 082 Bullet Block Single
Leechline Dacron 1/8″ in Black or White
Harken 471 Micro Carbo-Cam Cleat
Pan Head Screws Stainless Steel #8 x 1-1/4″
As for tools, they have a list, but I won’t go into that. Needless to say, it’s a considerable project, but one that can be undertaken by a handy DIYer.
This whole thing is done by a company called SailRite, who provide info and materials for people wanting to do this.
