Spending time outdoors is not only about soaking in the sun. Sometimes, we need a shady spot to relax and enjoy ourselves with our family and friends. There are many ways to block the sun on your patio, from adding shade screens to freestanding shade structures.
Popular materials for adding shades include bamboo, fabric, canvas, lattice, woven solar screens, etc. These materials meet the required functional need, which means blocking the sunlight without disrupting the view. Most of the methods discussed below are cheap and can be implemented by homeowners quickly and easily to ensure that the sun does not drive you off your patio.
Cantilever or Patio Table Umbrella
When looking to get shade for your patio, homeowners can go back to their basics. They can add umbrellas to their outdoor areas hung on ropes or wires that stretch between posts. A patio table umbrella provides shade to outdoor tables by slipping into a hole present in the center of the table.
The umbrella usually has a strong base that provides stability and ensures the umbrella does not go anywhere. A market umbrella could also be bought, which consists of venting, which would be helpful if living in extremely windy geographical areas.
A comparatively newer and more efficient product in the market is the solar-powered LED umbrella. Another umbrella form is a Cantilever umbrella that provides more shade than other umbrellas, including patio table umbrellas.
The base of the umbrella is fixed to the side, and it provides shade at the desired place through the arm which suspends the umbrella. Umbrellas are cheap and easy to install options.
Use Retractable Awnings
For people living in areas with mixed weather conditions, a retractable awning might be the best thing for sun or rain protection on some days and no protection on others. The two types of awnings include those that have articulated arms and are operated manually and those that have telescopic arms and are operated through a small motor.
The type of material used for the awnings depends on the homeowner’s choice. Newer materials also include UV rays and protection materials.
Gazebo
A gazebo is a permanent shade for your patio, which has a roof and open sides structure. This enables homeowners to block the sun while also getting breezes and a clear sky view. The gazebo does provide shade, but curtains can be added for privacy. The gazebos available in the market are of standard sizes, but one can make their gazebo too.
Shade Sail
Shade sails are huge airy-looking fabric pieces that are the easiest shade providers. Generally, the corners of the cloth are attached to hooks to the posts or your home, or they may be secured with the tree through ropes or twines.
Depending on the durability of the installation and construction process and the fabric used, shade sails could be installed for permanent or temporary use, but most people use this method for temporary use since it is extremely economical.
Trellis
People who worry about the sun when it’s lower in the sky can find relief by building a trellis. This method would help get a shade against the sun while the plants on it would make the outdoor space aesthetically pleasing. Homeowners themselves can build this colorful combination of plants and trellis.
Plant Trees
While numerous short-term relief methods are available in the market, another idea is to plant trees. This would take time and daily effort to ensure that the plant grows properly, but it will provide shade every day in the future. Trees containing nuts and fruits are not preferred since they attract birds, causing unnecessary trouble.
Build an Arbor
Arbors are garden structures that provide shade and privacy for homeowners. This structure has a trellis and benches, and homeowners can also add trees, bushes, or climbers around it to make it look aesthetically pleasing. The sizes of the trees, bushes, and climbers depend on the homeowner’s personal choice and provide shade accordingly.
Pergola
Pergolas are outdoor structures that allow relief from the harsh UV rays of the sun without completely blocking the sunlight. The wooden slates allow sunlight to pass through the small holes. Pergolas come in various sizes and shapes, which means they can provide varied types of dappled shade through the latticework on the precast.
To further enhance the function of their pergolas, people sometimes cover them with fabric or grow vines on the upper lattice. Pergolas can also become a fun, party, or entertainment spot away from home.
Raise a Canopy of Vines
Lattice canopies consisting of leafy vines make for aesthetic additions to the patio. It provides a dual purpose: it provides shade and adds greenery to the desired area. These privacy shades can also be built by homeowners using fittings and pipes.
This would be a great idea, especially for people who have smaller patios. Another idea for temporary shade could be to use a pop-up shade. This idea could be extremely helpful for a cookout or party as you can set it up at your desired place and then pack it up and store it when not needed. One can also take it to camps or parks, considering its portable nature.
Shade by the pool
While homeowners can use umbrellas for providing shade to their poolsides, this is not the only option they have. Homeowners can consider getting a covered structure that would provide shade to their outdoor furniture and make it look spacious. This would make for a perfect relaxing place during summers.
The methods discussed above can help you enjoy your patio retreat by providing short-term and long-term shade solutions. Shade costs vary greatly depending on the method you are considering. To ensure your patio blocks the sun efficiently, homeowners must consider the specifications of the fabric used, if any.
Homeowners must choose a fabric with a low openness factor, leading to a higher extent of light control and a stronger weave. The fabric’s color must be chosen depending on whether the goal is visibility increase or temperature control. Shades also differ depending on their functional options. People must choose from manually-operated and track guides based on their budgets and choices.