How To Create Shade In Your Backyard

Depending on where you live, your options for shade in your backyard may be limited. If you have no trees in your yard, for example, being stuck in the bright sun can make your backyard uncomfortable. The prolonged sun exposure can even shorten the life of patio and deck furniture, rugs, outdoor gear and outdoor living appliances.

Protect furniture from sun damage before it happens, and protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Make temporary or permanent shade just where you need it.

How To Create Temporary Backyard Shade For Small Areas

Umbrellas and parasols offer a portable way to block the sun in small areas. They are typically designed to be installed when necessary and kept in storage otherwise to prevent them from being damaged from even moderate amounts of wind, hail or snow.

Modern umbrellas are lightweight and colorful and may use advanced fabrics. Most of them are designed with a center pole that supports collapsable ribs that radiate from a central point. Advanced designs may use a cantilever-style construction.

Umbrellas, depending on the model, may be mounted to the floor, wall, or a suitable piece of stable furniture like a table.

How To Create Temporary Backyard Shade For Larger Areas

Canopies are good for picnic tables, groups of lounge chairs, and places like over a barbecue grill or where food is being served for example. Canopies may offer more usable space than an umbrella since there is no need for a center pole.

Portable canopies, AKA pop up shelters, depending on their construction, can provide support for string lights and similar fixtures and attachments. They are a workable solution if you want to protect furniture from the sun, provide shelter from light mists and showers, or create a more inviting space.

Canopy sails and shade sails may be used in some areas. Some models may take more than one person to install and need strong attachment points, which can make their use limited.

How To Create Permanent Backyard Shade

Pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions are permanent structures. They can include power outlets for appliances, tools, and recreational equipment. They can enhance the look of your backyard and increase the value of your home.

Pergolas are usually sturdy enough to support permanent features like light fixtures, sliding doors or wind or privacy screens. Roof styles can be open, solid, or covered, with retractable or rotating louvers or fabric. Most models feature automatic controls, sensors and Smart Home compatibility.

How To Create Shade For Backyard Decks & Patios

Decks, patios, and porches often have one feature in common. They are attached to or are in close contact with an adjacent construction like your home, a fence, or an outbuilding or hardscape structure. This type of location may be perfect for a retractable awning or canopy.

Most free standing canopy and awning models do not need a nearby wall for additional support. They can be perfect for creating private and protected zones on large decks.

A retractable awning or canopy allows users to decide if they want sun or shade. They can offer a stylish way to protect expensive outdoor living appliances, bbq’s, rugs and furniture from sun damage and add value to your property.

How To Create Shade For Backyard Gardens

It may be hard to grow some plants in full sun. Lattice walls and pergolas may help solve this problem.

Lattice walls do not have to be permanent fixtures. They can be moved and stored easily because of their lightweight construction. Care should be taken to attach them firmly to the ground so they won’t be damaged by sudden gusts of wind.

Pergolas are permanent structures that can give your garden royal treatment. Some designs incorporate lattices and lattice-like structures in their construction. With a lattice style pergola, you may be able to tailor the amount of sun, wind, and rain your plants need for optimal growth and protection.

How To Create Shade For Backyard Hot Tubs

Backyard hot tubs are fun when they’re in the shade, and you can add shade in a variety of ways depending on where the hut tub is placed.

If the tub is between walls or in a corner, a retractable shade sail may be a perfect fit. For comfort, a retractable awning or canopy is usually more convenient. Free standing models can be placed almost anywhere. Some of these models can be controlled automatically or with an app on your smartphone or tablet.

It’s More Comfortable In The Shade

UV rays can be harmful. People, pets, equipment, and furniture need protection from the sun.  If you’re wondering how to create backyard shade to protect a special feature like a brick barbecue grill or a picnic table, one of these solutions is sure to help. The right kind of protection can turn an uncomfortable area that you rarely use into an asset where you and your guests can relax.