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When the sun is out we head outside to our patio, porch or deck. But sometimes those rays are just a bit too hot, and can turn our outdoor area into a very uncomfortable space. While a permanent arbor or overhang might be out of your price range, there are plenty of ways to add shade to your space without spending too much money.
Trees make the best shade
Of course the very best type of shade comes from Mother Nature: trees.
Trees offer the perfect canopy and can instantly cool down the outdoor area. The green leaves move gently in a breeze and create a lovely scene over our heads. The downside is that trees can also drop their leaves, leaving your outdoor space unprotected from the sun. And you can exactly move the branches into the right spot. Trees work best as natural shading when you actually place your tables, chairs or hammock underneath the trees, that way you know you'll have a decent amount of sun blockage.
Adjustable Umbrellas
Umbrellas are an easy way to block the sun from your patio and the best type will have a tilting mechanism. Umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes and colors and can be an overwhelming choice. What you'll want to look for is an umbrella with a crank turn opening mechanism (this is the easiest to open) as well as a tilting mechanism so you can block the sun as it moves throughout the day. Additionally, look for a sturdy base (this should be very heavy). If you are in a windy location, make sure your umbrella has vents to allow wind to go through the material.
The best time to buy an outdoor umbrella? Look for sales starting mid-July, but be aware that you may find limited colors or patterns.
Trellis and Vines
An inexpensive way to block the sun is to install a piece of lattice material or pre-made trellis. Plant a fast growing vine to grow onto the trellis and you'll have a nice, green "wall" to block the sun. This is particularly effective if the sun always catches your patio or deck as it's setting - this tends to feel extra hot during the summer. The nice thing about buying lattice material from the hardware store is that it's very inexpensive and you can cut it to the right size and shape. If you need to install this on a deck or patio, place the lattice into a good-sized planter box so you can plant your vine.
Drapery and Curtains
A slightly newer way to add shade to the yard is to use outdoor drapery or curtains. You can purchase pre-made drapes at a store or make your own using outdoor fabric. Purchase standard curtain rods or hang the grommets of the drapery panel over S-hooks from the outdoor rafters. Outdoor drapery does a great job of hiding unsightly areas of the yard or view as well, and can make an outdoor space feel a lot more like an outdoor living room. Be sure you remove these curtains at the end of the season, clean them, and store them in a dry area.
Triangle Sail Cloths
A triangle sail cloth is exactly what it sounds like: a piece of durable, outdoor material in the shape of a triangle, with grommets at each corner. This sail cloth (like the one pictured above) can be affixed to a tree, house or other permanent structure using rope. The nice thing about a triangle sail cloth is that because each corner is tied individually, you can raise or lower it to angle the cloth towards the sun. Despite the shape, it usually does a great job at shading the sun. And many homeowners actually hang several over their yard or patio to create multiple areas of shade. You can find them for under $100 but larger ones will cost more.
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