How To Cool Off The Backyard
Outdoor areas don’t have to be all about soaking in the sun. Sometimes it’s nice to relax in a shady spot, shielded from the harsh rays. There are many ways to bring shade to an outdoor space. You can build a new freestanding structure or enhance an existing patio or pergola through the addition of a shade screen. Many such screens are made from fabric or canvas, but even materials like lattice and bamboo are popular options that cast delicately dappled light onto the outdoor living space beneath or behind. Best of all, there’s no need to call in a contractor most of these projects are simple enough for the average homeowner to complete easily and quickly, often within the space of a single weekend. So check out our gallery to see a selection of yard improvements that will have you made in the shade.
Stylish Ways To Find Relief From The Heat
The Spruce / Almar Creative
While it’s relaxing and restorative to spend time outdoors, not everyone wants to or should be exposing themselves to the sun’s rays. Sometimes, it’s just too hot. So, when planning an outdoor room or environment, include at least one source of shade in your designsideally in areas of activity where you can benefit from the fresh air without being in direct sunlight.
Keep A Shaded Kid’s Chair Handy To Pull Up To The Picnic Table
Promising review: “We purchased two of these chairs for our beach trip. We needed one for our 4-month-old and one for our 2-year-old. They both loved them. Mom also loved them because I didn’t have to hold the chunky 4-month-old the whole time on the beach. We use them at home in the backyard as well, and can see ourselves using them on trips in the future.”
Get it from Amazon for $66.07+ .
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Block The Sun With Shade Cloth
Shading fabrics are also excellent patio shade ideas. These types of draperies are wear-resistant and do not easily sag. It can also remain flexible even through long sun exposure. You can fasten a shade cloth on your pergola to give you protection from the sun and wind. It is also an inexpensive solution that you can do yourself with a few carpentry skills.
Adjust Your Shade Angle With An Offset Cantilever Umbrella Made To Give You Some Serious Versatility
Promising review: “This product is larger than expected and was very easy to assemble, it took about 20 minutes to unpack, put together, position, and place the pavers. I purchased eight 16×16 inch pavers at a local store and that is more than enough weight for our fairly windy backyard . The umbrella is fixed and does not sway in the wind. You are able to tilt it so that it can be directly overhead or to the side to block sun later in the day or early in the morning. Great value!” Kyle
Get it from Amazon for $169+ .
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Look For Furniture With A Built
This lounge set is from Next
Swap the sun’s harsh glare for a secluded seating spot instead, by opting for furniture with a built-in canopy. Popular back in the 1920s these fan-style folding covers were often found dotted along the beaches of Cannes and Nice. Today they are just as effective for blocking out the sun simply raise or lower the canopy as needed.
They are great for keeping out a stiff breeze too. This design, in a dark gray faux rattan, features a canopy sofa, two movable seats, footstool and side table. They all slot neatly together when not in use, which is great if your patio is particularly compact and bijou.
You can find more small patio ideas in our guide.
Make Your Shady Spot A Focal Point
Make a statement with a design like this one from Room in the Garden
Turn your need for shade ideas for patios into an opportunity to add a little drama. A finely crafted metal gazebo such as this hexagonal design will bring a smile to everyone’s face and become a magical setting for your morning coffee to your evening drinks.
Although a large structure, the open trellis sides are designed so you can see through to the garden beyond, ensuring the shelter doesn’t dominate and block the view. Add a canvas roof liner for extra protection from sun and showers. Side coverings are also available in myriad colors.
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What Is The Best Way To Create Shade In A Garden
Perhaps, after perusing all these lovely shade ideas for patios and gardens, you’re a little unsure on the best one for you. Well there’s no definitive answer, as the right pick depends on a multitude of factors, including your budget and sense of style.
If you’re looking for a quick and generally inexpensive solution, then you can’t go far wrong with a parasol. In fact, in a survey by VonHaus, it was found that 40% of people would choose a parasol as their go-to garden cover. ‘These practical as well as stylish, come-rain-or-shine protectors are the best way to create your perfect alfresco space,’ the team say. Plus, with the variety of colors and patterns on offer, it’s easy to pick one that complements your other patio ideas.
A stylish pagoda from Kettler
A gazebo, on the other hand, is a little more robust . You can opt for permanent builds or temporary structures, but either way, they will offer more shelter. They provide the opportunity to create more of a ‘garden room’ too. ‘Even a canopy-style one without sides will not only provide shelter but will also give you the perfect area to showcase your decorative talent,’ says Jess Contomichalos, Stylist at Danetti. ‘You could hang bunting, festive lights and set up a buffet table or bar area under the canopied section.’ Our outdoor bar ideas feature has plenty of inspo.
Sit Down Under A Makeshift Canopy
This canopy of many colors gives the drab patio a functional makeover. Makeshift canopies belong to the easy patio shade ideas. This is best if you do not want to commit to permanent fixtures. Shove some colorful chairs and tables or set up your barbecue grill beside it. You can enjoy your backyard sans the scorching heat. And when summer is over, you can just remove it and wait for the next season to hang it again.
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Construct A Permanent Roof
If you have an existing deck or patio that does not have a cover, you can always construct a permanent, solid roof to transform it into a covered patio. This is a more expensive option than those we have mentioned so far, but it is also a permanent solution that comes with the opportunity to significantly enhance the look and function of your patio.
This option will take longer to install, usually requires hiring a contractor and will most likely involve building permits, but if you have the time and the budget, this is your most elegant, attractive option for creating shade.
Park An Adorable Kid’s Swing That’ll Lure Them Into Actually Wanting To Sit In The Shade
Promising review: “I love my swing. I have three daughters who love to sit on the back porch and swing. It holds a good 100 lb. between my small girls. My girls are 1, 2, and 5 years old. This made a perfect Christmas gift. They swing on it every day. I do wish the material was thicker for the seat but it can be easily swapped out. It was definitely worth the money.” samone
Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ .
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Shade For Modern Farmhouse
Designed by Gaston Architects, this house on 2.5-acres in the rolling hills of Atascadero, California, near San Luis Obispo, resembles a farmhousea modern one with all the conveniences. All of that outdoor space required a need for shade, which is provided with simple umbrellas and flat awnings that project from the roofline and have a corrugated, modern-rustic look that goes perfectly with the farmhouse design.
Landscape architect on the project was CM Design builder was Semmes & Company of Atascadero.
Mosquito Netting Side Shade
The design of this DIY patio shade is simply admirable which is so inspiring to try with about $200 cost in the making. You will need to prepare some cheap materials like mosquito netting and bamboo poles to create the shade in no time.
The light string is also installed on top of the frame to make it enjoyable at night. It can be a nice idea to try when you want to hold an intimate outdoor dinner with your family.A
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Plant Trees As A Deck Shade Solution
If you want to naturally shield your patio or deck from the hot summer sun, plant a deciduous tree. They give plenty of shade in the summer and shed their leaves in the fall.
Research the shade trees that are recommended for your region. Find out how tall and wide theyll grow. You need to make sure theyll fit in your available space. Consider both the canopy of leaves and the root system width when choosing a tree.
Trees are valuable, living shade solutions, but they require planning. Avoid planting trees near your homes foundation and utility lines. Theyre excellent at seeking water. Trees will often find your underground water lines if theyre within reach of their roots.
A Temporary Triangle Sun Shade
If you want an inexpensive and effortless way of shading your front yard, get your hands on a fabulous sunshade. Aside from the sun protection, they also add a sense of style as chic decorations. Triangle sun shades are practical as you can prop and hang them easily on poles. They are also one of the coolest patio shade ideas, quite literally. These breathable shades allow the passage of air to cool down the area underneath it. Speak about cool ventilation and sun protection!
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Opt For Cabanas Or Palapas
A cabana is typically near water, like a beach, with an open flap on the water-side of the structure. Typically constructed with mixtures of wood and fabric, cabanas are highly customizable by their very nature. But they usually have at least three sides covered, or all sides, in order to serve as a changing room or similar private area. Its quite easy to add curtains to a covered patio to construct a cabana, with a resulting aesthetic that feels closer to a high-end private resort. Building palapas can require a bit more planning, but theres a reason why theyre so popular among hot beaches in Mexico. A thatched-roof composed of dried palm leaves can be incredibly good at blocking the sun with a distinctive Central American architectural style.
Go With Some Classic Aluminum Retractable Awnings If You Prefer Something Sturdy But Don’t Want To Be Married To A Set Amount Of Shade On Your Deck
Promising review: “Purchased two units. Delivered on time and intact. Surprised that it was already assembled and just needed to be mounted. Key to mounting is finding your first stud!! Then 16 inches on center to the next stud, etc. Once the mounting brackets were up it was only 10 minutes to finish. We have a 20′ deck and wanted the option to split up the sun hitting the deck, so we can choose to deploy one or two awnings. Very pleased with final product.” Timothy Moore
Get it from Amazon for $129.99.
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Go For A Super Chic Parasol
Bring a nautical tone to your plot with this parasol from Cox and Cox
Need a cool spot to enjoy your morning coffee? Then pop up one of the best garden parasols for instant shade. They come in all shapes and sizes, from neat, arcing shapes just big enough for two to supersized rectangular canopies designed to comfortably cover a dining table for eight.
Single colors tend to be the norm stone, gray, black and cream are all chic contemporary choices but we particularly love this Riviera-inspired parasol above. The bold blue trim adds a jaunty nautical touch thats sure to be a firm favorite for years.
Try An Adjustable Roof
The Deluxe Outdoor Living Pod from Caribbean Blinds
‘Outdoor structures such as canopies and pergolas are a great addition to any space, especially when they can be installed with multiple features in mind to create a pleasant atmosphere and essentially provide the comfort of indoors, outdoors,’ says Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds.
Take a look at this sleek design above, for instance the aluminium louvered roof can be adjusted to provide the perfect amount of shade. And if it rains, it can be closed completely to form a watertight cover. There are also heaters and LED lighting installed in the structure too, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the zone all year round at any time of day or night.
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Permanent Awning For Deck
A permanent awning for decks is also one of the patio awning ideas we want to recommend. This choice is best for people who are determined to protect their valuable patio furniture all-year-round. Typically, a fixed awning is made from aluminum and metal frames. Making your own permanent awning is doable with the right carpentry skills. However, if you are still unsure about how things need to be done, it is best to consult a key professional.
Invest In A Mobile Vented Umbrella That Gives You Plenty Of Shade Control In Case You’re Super Fortunate And Have A Backyard That Also Includes A Freaking Lake
Promising review: “Assembly took me about two hours, but the product has everything you need with easy to understand instructions. Best of all is relaxing in this oasis on my patio! The lounger has a gentle rocking/bouncing motion that makes for the best naps. The fabric is tough and the built-in-cushion and head rest are very comfortable. The attached umbrella is adjustable so I can reposition it depending on the position of the sun.” C.T.Mallier
Get it from Amazon for $164.99+ .
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Hanging Plants & Branches
If you have access to branches, collect a bunch of them to create a shade covering for your deck! Its a fun way to get crafty and it wont break the budget.
Not a fan of gathering sticks from the local forest? No problem, you can do something similar by building a simple structure that allows you to hang a bunch of potted plants overhead instead.
Cover Your Patio With A Pavilion
Pavilions are not quite canopies and are not quite permanent structures, which makes this semi-permanent patio cover a good choice for homeowners who are not quite ready to invest in a permanent structure and for renters who want something nicer than a canopy but that they can disassemble and take with them when they move.
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How To Shade Your Patio Or Deck On A Budget
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
We all like to take advantage of our outdoor living areas during the summer months but sometimes the Australian sun can prove just a bit overpowering. Yet there are ways to add shade to your patio or deck that dont have to involve major building works or huge financial outlay. Here are a few ideas for shading your outdoor living space without breaking the bank.
Sun Umbrella / Parasol
A parasol or sun umbrella is probably the most common way to add temporary shade to a patio or deck area, and its not hard to see why these are so popular, as they come at almost any price point to suit the users budget, are simple and instant to erect, and can be easily stored when not in use. To make the most of a sun umbrella, youll need an outdoor dining table or picnic bench with a hole through the center where you can slot the umbrella. To keep it safe, stable, and prevent it from flying off in high wind, use a weighted parasol base. If you dont want your shade to be over an outdoor dining space, you could instead fix it straight into the ground with a sun lounger underneath, or set it directly over some chairs or a garden bench.
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Make It Airy With Sail Shade
Sunshade sails in large cuts can cover a wider expanse of your patio. This rectangular sunshade, for example, offers a light and airy feel to your front yard. All you need is a stable pole to hold the corners together. It is effortless sun protection that will not send debris on the surface. You also do not need to worry as it will not pool rainwater during a downpour.
Diy Pergola With Lattice Roof
This one is a good inspiration to make a pergola which gives a better shade for you. The wooden panel with lattice pattern is added to the top of the pergola which works well as the shading roof.
Then, some curtains are also installed to make the patio way more comfortable to enjoy. The size of the pergola is enough to protect a large dining set perfectly.A
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