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rinqreation I'd either make it shorter (or completely remove it) or extend the roof on the right, so you won't look against the side and there is an extra pole.

Dytecture I agree with taking the structure out as the beam is sagging in the middle.

S. Thomas Kutch I agree.... take it off and replace with an open pergola...if you need some shading think about some retractable screens between the pergola joist. These can be a good chance to bring in some bright colors.

I. Miller Great ideas! Any suggestion on color? Or maybe do a free standing one away from the house?

decoenthusiaste I'm a pergola fan. Do two of them - one attached to your porch at the corner and one on the opposide of the patio - stair step them away from the house. From an aerial view, step one would be your porch, and attached to the corner of it would be a larger one, step two. The third step would be the largest and free-standing one that would be farthest from the porch.

I. Miller Decoenthusiate, can you please send a link to a picture so I can see what you're talking about? Thank you

decoenthusiaste You may not get this at first, but since there is no exact pic of the step plan and pergolas, look at this aerial view of the pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Pretend the small one is your porch and the two larger ones are the pergolas you are going to build. Now, push the middle or second one so the corner of it touches the corner of the little one (your porch.) Then the biggest one will be the free-standing one on the opposite corner of your patio. Hope that helps you visualize.

Ironwood Builders decoenthusiaste! outside the box! Totally love this explanation....

decoenthusiaste Thanks, Ironwood. Sorry my pics omitted the locusts!

I. Miller Not a bad idea! Very creative and definitely outside the box but I kinda like it!

decoenthusiaste Thanks! Post your finished project right here by commenting and attaching!