When the weather is nice enough to be outside, it’s hard not to overindulge. However, sometimes it’s too hot, and the sun’s rays are too harsh to be in them all day long. It’s important to consider how to create shade in your outdoor space so that you have a place to enjoy the fresh air without stressing about a sunburn.
If you’re in the process of an outdoor renovation, these are our top five ways to create shade in your outdoor space:
1. Umbrellas
Umbrellas may seem basic, but they’re one of the best ways to create shade and have more flexibility. The great thing about umbrellas is their portable nature and the fact that you can fold them up and put them in storage during cooler months. Movable umbrellas allow you to move shade to the space in your yard where you need it. You can have a smaller weighted umbrella or even an oversized umbrella that will feel more like a fixed structure.
2. Shade shelter and structures
Having a more fixed structure can add sophistication and increase your home’s curb appeal. Fixed structures have a way of making your backyard look like an all-inclusive resort somewhere tropical. Pergolas are a great way to create a shady oasis with more privacy. Having a few constructed shade shelters or spaces in an outdoor space allows you to step out into the sun or seek the refuge of the shade when you’re sitting for longer.
Another benefit of a constructed and fixed structure is its more weather-resistant nature. You don’t need to pack it up when the weather cools off in the fall. Some of these shade structures make great outdoor spaces for propane fire areas with seating in the cooler months. Building a shade shelter, gazebo, or pergola may take more time and commitment, but it requires less maintenance than some solutions. It won’t blow over in the wind and can be used all year round, which is why it’s one of our favorite shade solutions.
3. Trees and greenery
Trees are the masters of shade. The benefit to a tree for shade is that it adds an earthy element and can become a focal point for your outdoor space to build around. Some trees act like outdoor art with their textured bark and twisting limbs. If you have a large tree already in your outdoor space, consider how you can work with it in your outdoor renovation rather than chopping it down just to replace it with a shade structure.
Trees aren’t the only green way to create shade. You can build a stunning shade structure and use plants to grow a roof and sun protection. Using timber framing and fast-growing trees or vines together will create a garden-like oasis in any outdoor space. If you have a bit of a green thumb and are looking for a way to create shade while matching a garden aesthetic, this shade structure is the right one for you.
Fun fact: a tree can lower your home’s temperature by as much as 20 degrees!
4. Awnings
Awnings are an excellent shade solution if you want to be able to roll them back for a few hours of sunbathing. If you have limited outdoor space, an awning can be the perfect shade structure as it will provide a large amount of shelter when rolled out while being easily retractable when you want to let in the light.
Lucky for homeowners, modern awnings have come a long way, and you’re no longer limited to the clunky, unattractive canvas awnings of the past. Lighter and more durable materials mean you can have attractive awnings that are easy to operate.
5. Fencing
Finding shade isn’t always about looking up. Sometimes, the best shade structures are more vertical. Couple wall panels with a pergola or gazebo, and you have the perfect shade structure for any time of day! Fences or walls around structures can also help you keep plants and greenery healthy with a few hours of sun protection. Not only do fences provide privacy from prying neighbors, but they also offer welcome shade in those early morning and late evening hours when the sun’s lower in the sky.
Shade is a crucial element to consider in any outdoor renovation project. Finding the right way to create shade in your outdoor space means considering what looks great and makes a comfortable place to relax. How you decorate, design, and place these shade solutions will depend on your outdoor space and unique design style. We serve homeowners in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Need help with home remodeling and renovation needs? If you’re trying to elevate your outdoor space, we’re here to help.
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