How about a louvered pergola. The slats are adjustable so you can have shade/sun and also can also be waterproof so you can sit out even on a rainy day. Expensive option I know and doesn’t help with a post being in the way, they do look good tho. Quick google search came up with this: https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/outdoor-living-pod

Yes I had seen louvered roof systems, just the cost really in that case.

Also what a structure like that (or pergola) would like off a single storey extension with hipped/lean to roof. Haven't seen any examples, always seems to be off a main house/2 storey.

Electric retractable awning mounted on the house itself? Not cheap again but very easy and won't take up any garden space. Weinor is one brand. Only potential issue is that I can't see how much space you have between the top of your doors and guttering, so not sure if it would be enough.

Thanks everyone for your comments! Yes, space above the doors is limited and not very strong right now, although rendering will strengthen it up. I have looked at retractable awnings but the angle is likely insufficient. I think they need 14 degree pitch and we just won't have that. The doors are 2.1m high and the ground patio level will be brought up to the sill.

Oh I see, yes that's an issue. How about roller blinds above your bifolds on the inside? Downside of course is you lose the view out, and doesn't provide patio shade, but it's fairly cheap and simple.

We already have integral Venetian blinds in the glass but we want to have the bifolds open when it's nice weather, not shut it out just because of the sun!

I have seen parasols that have a flat edge! Like half a parasol (half circle I think they are called??) and that would sit right up against your wall

Thanks Tani. Well, the one we have trialled is square so technically it can sit right up against the wall... however, I'm just not sure aesthetically it looks right. They look better "free-standing" in their own space.

The half round one might work better as they come out at the side unlike the square one ie

Ha I could have written this post myself! We also have a single storey extension with integral blinds in our 4m bifold doors...our garden is west facing meaning sun all afternoon/evening. We looked at cantilever parasols last weekend but I am just not sure...it would be upwards of £1k. Our air con is being hooked up next week so at least we will be cool when the bifolds are closed but that doesn’t solve the issue of wanting to enjoy the doors open when we want. I also looked at awnings but we have downlighters in our soffits which we wouldn’t be able to use. Decisions decision....

Tuin do a pergola with retractable canopy 5m X 3m

Whippet girl - do you have the product details as I cannot find it?
Thank you

We have one of those as well. Metal framed - grey powder coated.

I searched for ‘retractable roof gazebo’ and found them

edited... posted by mistake!

Yes I did see Tuin’s Offering. You can get the retractable awning separately so did wonder about that. It’s 5m wide, no option for other sizes (and they say don’t ask!)

Here's the link: https://www.tuin.co.uk/Sliding-Garden-Shade-Awning.html

Hi, just interested if you found a solution in the end?

Same! im interested too if you found a solution as i have a similar issue. I want an awning (doesnt take up floor space), but very limited space above the window/french door and between the faschia. Apparently you can get around that by using cantilever brackets/ spreaders, but my husband isn’t keen as he‘s concerned about any potential issues to the brickwork/roof. also, it’s pretty expensive!

I’ve got exactly the same issue. Two sets of bifolds one of 3 metres and one of 7.3 metres. The gap between the top of the bifolds and the overhang from the eaves is 40mm. I pegged some lightweight tarpaulin sheets to the gutters (yes I used clothes pegs) and this reduced the temperature inside by 10C! There is the option to fit ceiling mounted curtain runners to the underside of the eaves and hang weather proof, UV proof curtains to this tracking. The bifolds can still open underneath the tracking. Downsides - I only have about 1 metre either side to tie back the curtains and take them down during autumn/summer. Will definitely reduce the solar gain but is a real pain. AC being installed but this will constantly fight the sunlight so I’m still thinking what to do?

By the way the tracking and curtains are readily available on Amazon

We had a similar issue with large sliders across back with limited space above to install awning.

We’ve just bought 2 large parasols from harbour lifestyle that work really well positioned across doors. Looks like they’re out of stock now but you may find something similar next year. We’re happy with these as a cheaper alternative to awning and can easily move on casters to cover patio table or sofa.

https://www.harbourlifestyle.co.uk/products/pacific-lifestyle-challenger-t2-premium-3-5m-x-2-6m-rectangular-cantilever-parasol-in-black

I used ChatGPT to design a solution using customised aluminium louvred pergola from I photo and was impressed with the result; great way to see what it would look like!