Rotating slats for shading terraces, bioclimatic pergolas, gazebos, and balconies
Rotating slats, also known as louvres, are a system for creating adjustable shade for bioclimatic pergolas, patios, balconies, gazebos, sun screens and louvre screens. Unlike a fixed infill, they allow you to adjust the shading angle according to the sun’s position, the level of privacy desired or the need for ventilation.
The complete system consists of a rotating-louvre mechanism and compatible slats, which are installed in a prepared frame or supporting structure. A popular option is also movable suspended structures with this type of adjustable infill, for example, for shading windows or in a sliding screen system to enclose a patio.
When choosing, it is important to distinguish whether the shading will be used vertically as a side wall or horizontally as overhead shading:
- Side shading is primarily for shade, privacy and airflow.
- Overhead (roof) shading. Here, you also need to consider the slope, the overlap between the slats and water drainage.
With this system, you can create a pergola side wall, a patio shade screen, balcony shading or even adjustable overhead pergola shading to suit your needs. For more information about the shading system, read on.
Mechanism for adjustable shading louvers, 1070 mm, aluminium, RAL 7016, pair, with 2 control levers
Length: 107 cm, for 12 slats, 2 control levers
€ excluding VAT 56,51 € including VAT 69,51In stock Details
Mechanism for rotating sun-shading slats, 1070 mm, steel, RAL 7016, pair, with 2 operating levers
Length: 107 cm, for 12 slats, 2 control levers
€ excluding VAT 48,78 € including VAT 59,99In stock Details
Mechanism for rotating sun-shading slats, 1090 mm, aluminium, RAL 7016, pair, shared control via linkage
Length: 109 cm, for 12 slats, common control, without levers
€ excluding VAT 64,88 € including VAT 79,81within 14 days Details
Aluminium slat for pivoting shading mechanisms, 94x20mm, RAL 7016
Size: 94x20 mm, Color: anthracite, Length: 2.4 and 1.2 m
€ excluding VAT 22,61 € including VAT 27,81within 7 days Details
Aluminium slat for rotating shading mechanisms, 94x20mm, wood-effect finish
Size: 94x20 mm, Color: woodgrain, Length: 2.4 and 1.2 m
€ excluding VAT 24,30 € including VAT 29,89within 7 days Details
Rectangular aluminium box section 100x20x1,2 mm
Rectangular profile 100x20x1.2 mm.
Price per 2 m
Within 3 weeks Details
Rectangular aluminum box section 100x20x1,5 mm
Rectangular profile 100x20x1,5mm.
Price per 2 m
In stock Details
Rectangular aluminum box section 100x20x2 mm
Rectangular profile 100x20x2mm.
Price per 2 m
In stock Details
Rectangular aluminium box section 100x20x1,2 mm, anthracite RAL7016 textured finish
Aluminium profile 100×20x1.2 mm. Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m. Price per 2m
€ excluding VAT 18,42 € including VAT 22,66Within 3 weeks Details
Rectangular aluminium box section 100x20x1.5 mm, anthracite RAL7016 with a textured finish
Aluminium profile 100×20x1,5mm. Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m. Price for 2m
€ excluding VAT 26,00 € including VAT 31,98In stock Details
Rectangular aluminium box section 100x20x1.2 mm, anthracite RAL7016 with a smooth finish
Aluminium profile 100×20x1.2 mm. Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m. Price per 2m
€ excluding VAT 18,42 € including VAT 22,66Within 3 weeks Details
Rectangular aluminum box section, 100x20x1.5 mm, anthracite RAL7016, smooth finish
Aluminium profile 100×20x1,5mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price per 2m
In stock Details
Aluminium fence slat 100x20 mm, rectangular profile, textured wood-effect finish, LUVIA decor (Light Oak)
Aluminium slat 100×20x1,2 mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price per 2m
In stock Details
Aluminium fence slat 100x20 mm, rectangular profile, textured wood effect, NARONA finish (Dark Walnut)
Aluminium slat 100×20x1,1 mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price per 2m
In stock Details
Aluminium fence slat 100x20 mm, rectangular, wood-effect textured finish, SOLANSA decor (Golden Oak)
Aluminium slat 100×20x1,2 mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price per 2m
In stock Details
Aluminium fence slat 105x20 mm, parallelogram shape, wood-effect finish with texture, LUVIA decor (Light Oak)
Aluminium slat 105×20x1,2 mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price for 2m
within 7 days Details
Aluminium fence slat 105x20 mm, parallelogram shape, wood-effect finish with texture, SOLANSA décor (Golden Oak)
Aluminium slat 105×20x1,2 mm
Slat length: 2m, 3m, 6m.
Price per 2m
within 7 days Details
Rotating louvres are a suitable solution for providing side shade for a pergola, terrace, balcony, or gazebo when you don't want a solid wall but an adjustable shade screen. The system consists of a mechanism and louvres, which are installed in a prepared frame. Allow for 12 louvres per metre of height. When choosing, decide whether you want simple lever operation or a cleaner look with linked controls. The louvres are not included with the mechanism and must be selected separately based on the dimensions, colour, and intended use.
How the rotating louvre system works
The rotating louvre system consists of a mechanism and louvres. The mechanism is attached to a prepared frame or supporting structure and allows you to adjust the angle of the louvres. This means the shade doesn't have to be simply open or closed. You can close the louvres to block the sun, angle them for ventilation, or adjust them to provide more privacy.
This solution is used wherever a solid infill would feel too enclosed, but a completely open structure doesn't provide enough comfort. Rotating louvres create an adjustable shade screen that can be tailored to the weather, the position of the sun, and how you use the space.
Different mechanisms - What's the difference between a mechanism with levers and one with linked controls?
When choosing a mechanism, the main factors are the type of control, the material, and where it will be used.. Lever-operated mechanisms control the louvres in groups. In a standard configuration, one lever controls 6 louvres, and one pair of mechanisms typically operates 12 louvres. It's a simple, practical, easy-to-use solution for pergola side walls, terraces, balconies, and gazebos.
- Aluminium mechanism for rotating louvres with 2 operating levers is lighter, suitable for outdoor use, and a good fit for visible areas of pergolas or modern terraces. It's suitable when you want simple manual operation and a lighter system.
- Steel mechanism with levers is a more robust option. It's a good choice for utility structures, more functional privacy screens, or installations with a sturdy frame where you're looking for a durable, cost-effective solution.
- Aluminium mechanism with linked controls is a good choice when you want a cleaner look. With this type, all the louvres are adjusted at once with a single movement. It's particularly suitable for larger louvre sections, modern pergolas, and locations where visible operating levers are not wanted.
Which louvres to use with the mechanism
Which louvres is the mechanism suitable for? Mechanisms for adjustable shading are designed for louvres in the following size range: approximately 94 to 100 mm wide and 20 mm thick. The most commonly used profile is around 95 × 20 mm. We offer two types of aluminium louvres:
- Interlocking rotating louvres for a shading system (with drainage channel) 95 x 20 mm. They're versatile, and their drainage channels can handle light rain, making them suitable for overhead pergola shading too. Please note: Rotating louvres do not provide a completely watertight system and are not a full replacement for a roof.
- Aluminium infill louvres and profiles: flat (100 x 20 mm) or rhombus-shaped (105 x 20 mm). Aluminium infill profiles are suitable for pergola shading and as infill for gates, fences, and railings. They can also be used for air-conditioning unit covers, bin enclosures, various canopies, indoor and outdoor privacy screens, and other functional structures and decorative features. The wide range of uses for infill profiles makes it easy to coordinate several features in the same style throughout your outdoor space.
Allow for 12 louvres per metre of height.. Mechanisms are typically around 107 to 109 cm long and have mounting points for 12 louvres. For larger areas, multiply the quantity according to the height or the number of louvre sections.
If using a different profile, always check the louvre thickness, the mounting shape, and that the louvres can move freely when rotated. Not every louvre with similar dimensions will necessarily fit correctly. It's also important to consider whether the louvre will be installed vertically in a side wall or horizontally as overhead shading.
Pergola side shading or overhead shading
For side-mounted use, rotating louvres mainly provide shade, privacy, and ventilation. They're suitable as a pergola side wall, terrace screen, balcony screen, gazebo infill, or adjustable sunshade. When open, they let in light and air; when angled closed, they help reduce overheating and unwanted views from outside.
For overhead use, for example above a pergola seating area, the design requires more careful consideration. You need to account for louvre deflection, the direction of water runoff, overlap when closed, frame strength, and wind exposure. A horizontally installed louvre is subjected to different stresses than one used vertically in a side wall.
With a suitable profile and the correct slope, rotating louvres can also help in light rain, but they should not be presented as a fully watertight roof. In heavy rain, crosswinds, an unsuitable slope, or without proper drainage, water may drip through the system. If you want the pergola to be protected from rain, gutters or another drainage solution should be included in the design from the outset. For this purpose, choose from our range aluminium louvres with a drainage channel for rotating shade mechanisms.
Flat, rhombus-shaped, or interlocking louvres
Flat or rhombus-shaped aluminium louvres are primarily suitable for side shading, sun screens, balconies, and louvre walls. When closed, they create a more continuous shade screen while still allowing natural ventilation.
Interlocking rotating louvres are a better choice when you want a more compact closed position. They're mainly used in applications where customers want smaller gaps between louvres or are considering overhead pergola shading. For roofing applications, however, the result depends not only on the louvre but also on the slope, length, overlap, and drainage.
Benefits of aluminium louvres
Aluminium is a suitable material for outdoor use. It's lightweight and strong, won't rust, and unlike wood, doesn't need regular painting. Powder coating improves the surface's resistance to moisture, UV radiation, and everyday wear.
The most popular colour is anthracite RAL 7016, which complements modern buildings, fences, gates, windows, roofs, bin stores, and exterior features such as lighting. Anthracite also pairs beautifully with modern wood-effect finishes. Maintenance is easy. Simply rinse the louvres with water as needed.
What to prepare before ordering
Before choosing the mechanism and louvres, we recommend checking the dimensions of the louvre section, how it will be used (as a side wall or overhead shading), the type of control, and the colour you want. For larger areas, you should also consider frame strength, wind exposure, and the maximum recommended louvre length.
If you're unsure which option to choose, we're happy to advise you. Have the opening's width and height, a photo of the installation location, and a brief description of how it will be used ready. This will help us determine the right type of mechanism, the number of louvres, and any technical limitations.
What should I buy for pergola side shading?
If you already have a frame or supporting structure, you only need to buy:
- a mechanism for rotating louvres
- louvres for adjustable shading
- or a complete kit for making an adjustable shade screen
If you don't yet have a structure for mounting the adjustable shade, you can build one from:
- structural profiles
- wooden beams, using carpentry hardware
What's included and what's not
The mechanism package includes all the necessary screws and fasteners.. Louvres are not included with the mechanism! You can choose the louvres that best suit your needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions about rotating louvres
What's the difference between a mechanism with levers and one with linked controls?
A lever-operated mechanism controls the louvres in groups.. Typically, one lever controls 6 louvres, and one pair of mechanisms operates 12 louvres. It's a simple solution for pergola side walls, balconies, and gazebos. A mechanism with linked controls adjusts all the louvres at once with a single movement and has a cleaner look because it has no visible operating levers. It's particularly suitable for larger louvre sections and more modern pergolas where all the louvres across the entire area need to rotate at once.
Can rotating mechanisms be shortened??
Yes, but the method depends on the type of mechanism:
- Aluminium lever-operated mechanism and steel lever-operated mechanism have two levers, each controlling a group of six louvres. To retain full functionality, they should therefore be shortened in groups of approximately 50 cm. They can be shortened more precisely, but some louvres will no longer be controlled together by a lever.
- The aluminium mechanism with linked controls can be adjusted much more precisely, by approximately one louvre at a time, in increments of around 10 cm.
How many louvres do I need per metre of height?
Allow for 12 louvres per metre of height.. Mechanisms are typically around 107 to 109 cm long and have mounting points for 12 louvres. For larger areas, multiply the quantity according to the height or the number of louvre sections.
Which louvres is the mechanism suitable for?
The mechanism is suitable for slats approximately 94 to 100 mm wide and 20 mm thick. The most commonly used profile is around 95 × 20 mm. For a different profile, check its thickness and mounting shape, and make sure the slats can move freely as they rotate.
Can the rotating slats be shortened?
Yes, all slats can be cut to the required length.
- Slats with a drainage channel, 94 × 20 mm are recommended for use up to a maximum length of approximately 2.4 m.
- For other profiles, the maximum length depends on the wall thickness. We recommend using thin-walled profiles up to approximately 2 m, and profiles with a wall thickness of at least 1.5 mm, such as profile 100 × 20 × 1.5 mm, up to approximately 3 m.
For greater lengths, a reinforcing profile can be added to the back to limit slat deflection.
Can rotating slats also be used for a pergola roof?
Yes, rotating slats can also be used as overhead shading for a pergola, but the design is technically more demanding than for side shading. For horizontal use, the type and length of the slats, the slope of the structure, wind loads, and the method of water drainage are all important.
For overhead shading, the most suitable options are interlocking rotating slats with bent edges. When closed, the slats rotate into a flat plane and interlock, while their bent edges help direct water toward the edge of the structure or into a prepared drainage system.
Note: Rotating shading slats do not provide a 100% watertight system and are not a full substitute for a roof. Adjustable pergola shading should be distinguished from full rainproof roofing.
Will 100 × 20 mm slats fit the mechanism?
The mechanisms work with slats approximately 94 to 100 mm wide and 20 mm thick. For a different profile, however, you need to check the mounting and ensure the slats move smoothly as they rotate.
From our own experience, we know that aluminium 100 x 20 mm slats fit the mechanism and form a louvre pattern when closed. They do not lie flat.
