Top Ten Ways to Get Shade On Your Patio This Summer - Expert Home Improvement Advice by Philip Barron

Summer is coming up everyone and we all know what that means! It’s time to relax and enjoy the summer breeze, outdoors. There’s nothing better than catching fresh air in our own garden, in the middle of the day, even though sometimes the weather can be quite challenging. So, we need ways to escape from the harsh summer sun or take shelter from the tropical storms that occasionally interrupt our afternoons. In these cases, shade makers are the perfect solution for you. Not only do they help create a stylish outdoor common area, but once you start taking advantage of them, you’ll certainly want to hang out there! Whether it’s for building a fresh environment for the hot summer days or offering a stunning, well-designed look to your garden, here are some cool and elegant ideas to create some shade for your outdoor area:

Table of Contents

1. Gazebo

Not only does it offer a very traditional vibe, but if you’re into oriental furniture styles, this can be an elegant solution. It creates a covered seating area where you can read, relax, or hang out with your friends. It already comes with its own shade and (bonus alert!) due to its different shaded areas you’ll always be protected as the sun moves through the sky. Lastly, it provides a protected space for your children to play, or for your animals to relax. Similar to gazebos, you also have pergolas. If you want to see some options, check out these pergola reviews.

2. Pavilion

A pavilion is a semi-permanent shade structure option. Why do we call it semi-permanent? Even though it’s solid and safe, you can effortlessly move it around or remove it at all! They do require assembly and can be attached to a deck, patio or the ground for stability and long-term use. They are designed to withstand the elements on a long-term basis and provide daily protection from the sun. If you want something with more style and sturdiness but your budget doesn’t cover a larger structure with a permanent cover, a pavilion is kind of the perfect middle ground. Also, if you’re a bit handy it’s that type of fun, rewarding, and fairly easy task.

3. Pop-up Canopy

If you need some extra shade only every once in a while, it’s probably not worth the expense to install a permanent shade structure. Pop-Up Canopies can be a more affordable purchase to provide the temporary shade anywhere you might need it. The advantages of these canopies include the ability to keep your shade, all day long, as well as the ability to store them out of sight when you don’t need them.

4. Bamboo Shading

If you like to think of yourself as a friend of the environment, this can be a great option for you! Bamboo provides all the shade you’re looking for without hurting the budget and the world. The rolls can be purchased in both dark and light tones at a very cheap price, so you’re able to create a practical space that also goes well with your house! Bamboo shading adds texture to your patio, while at the same time creating a tropical vibe, one that goes amazingly well with some mojitos!

5. Shade Sails

Shade Sails are an easy and attractive way to create some shadows in your outdoor living areas. They transform an ordinary garden into a much more interesting-looking space. Shade sails can also look incredibly modern and sleek, or a bit more rustic, depending on the tones and landscape of your patio. But of course, you also have a large variety of colors to choose from, so go for the ones that work with your home. Some pro tips: avoid bright colors, as they will fade quickly in the harsh sun, and maybe go for some gray tones – they just work beautifully, outdoors.

Lastly, choose a sail with high UV and waterproofing protection and make sure it’s large enough to give you sufficient shade on your patio or deck. This option is typically easy to install and can be purchased online or at home improvement stores or some garden centers, but you may have to order custom sails to make sure they properly fit your space.

6. Cabanas

Bring in the tropics! A cabana is perfect for a pretty wide range of shade materials that can be anything from fabric to wood. It’s an option common in patios with a pool, facing the water. For example, a rustic pergola is one of the most favorite options among outdoor decors, as it combines the low-maintenance shade with its long-lasting ability and authentic aspect. Can you imagine a late-night romantic date inside a stunning cabana with some citronella candles in the corners? It may sound like a rom-com, but it can become a reality, pretty easily.

7. Awnings

Simple, traditional and flexible, awnings have been around forever and are a tried-and-true way to easily add shade to outdoor areas. In most cases, they don’t require any support beams, as they can be attached directly to your home, meaning you can purchase them for a more permanent solution.

There are basically three types of awning to choose from: solid metal awnings, fabric awnings that are stationary, and fabric awnings that are retractable. The latter one is the more versatile option, as it will allow you to decide when you would like protection from the sun and rain and when you would like to enjoy those sweet and warm sun rays. Lastly, not only can they be purchased at a very reasonable price, but you also have the choice between manually and fully motorized models.

8. Tall Plants and Bushes

Hey nature-lovers, listen up! If you’re a fan of natural shade, this option can definitely increase the visual appeal of your outdoor living area. Planting tall plants and bushes will increase privacy and provide a stunning fresh shade throughout the day, as well as making your garden more enjoyable. You can do it as a border near your patio or deck, or even plant them in containers that can be arranged on or near your entertaining spaces. Add that to a freshly cut grass, and your patio will have that elegant feel to it. For a well-taken care off lawn we recommend the best commercial walk behind mower.

9. Install an Arbor

Arbors have trellis-like structures on either side, which allows vines to easily grow up and over the structure, providing that much-needed shadow. Some of them are large enough to include bench seating on the sides, where you can read a thrilling book or enjoy your morning coffee.

10. Permanent Roof

Electronically controlled roof louvers are the ultimate solution for regulating the elements when the budget is not really a concern. They’re practical when it comes to what kind of sunlight you want, because, with the touch of a button, you can enjoy maximum sunlight, diffused light or full shade. The blades interlock also gives you full rain protection.

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. If you have time and budget this is definitely your most elegant and attractive patio furniture for creating shade.

Get Creative

It all comes to imagination, and while this article goes through some quick ideas to improve your home’s outdoor aspect, if you have any other ideas feel free to share! Some are more expensive than others, and that’s why you need to pick the most sustainable, long term option for you and for your budget! Now you know how you should be spending your summer evenings – making a barbecue or a dinner party, while knowing your children are playing safely outside, out of the sun’s UV radiation.