Best Backyard Shade Ideas
Updated: Dec. 01, 2023
A shaded area is essential if you spend lots of time outside. This summer, keep cool with these backyard shade ideas.
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Now that the weather’s warm, my family likes to head to our backyard patio for barbecues, games with the kids and quiet evenings alone with a book or tablet. As much as we love it, sometimes we just can’t stay out there in full sun.
If you need to keep your patio shaded and comfortable, here are some options.
Pergolas
Adding a pergola is a beautiful and permanent way to create shade on a deck or patio. Generally made of metal or wood, these structures add a visually pleasing framework to any outdoor space.
Pergolas usually come as a prefabricated kit that requires assembly. They need to be attached to a patio or deck, something with sturdy footing. They can be costly, up to $10,000, and in some municipalities require a building permit.
Pergolas that support climbing plants will have openings to let in light. Though many come with fabric awnings that block the sun and rain, they’re best used in tandem with another option.
Pros
- Attractive and long-lasting;
- Most kits are easy to assemble.
Cons
- Expensive;
- Permanent installation may require a permit;
- Usually not a standalone shade solution.
Roll-Down Awnings
Roll-down or motorized awnings may seem old-fashioned, but they do have one key advantage — they provide shade inside and outside a house.
Assume your home has a bow window on the south side that receives direct sunlight throughout the summer. If your deck or patio faces south in front of this window, a roll-down or motorized awning could be your best option for providing shade outside, as well as lowering the temperature and saving on energy costs inside.
Roll-down and motorized awnings require permanent installation into sturdy wood-framed or cinder block walls, and don’t handle high winds or heavy rains well. But even with these disadvantages, awnings could be your ticket to a more comfortable indoor and outdoor experience. Speaking of, take a peek at these front door awning ideas to add instant curb appeal, too.
Pros
- Limits sun exposure inside and outside the house;
- Can be partially rolled out depending on desired coverage;
- Neatly rolls up when not in use.
Cons
- Permanent installation required;
- Must be rolled down every time;
- Shouldn’t be used in high winds or heavy rains.
Shade Sails
These triangular or rectangular fabric swaths are an inexpensive, effective method of shading large areas.
Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, shade sails can be configured in overlapping patterns to cool patios, backyard swimming pools and any unusually shaped areas of your yard.
A shade sail is an excellent option for homeowners with existing permanent anchor points in their yards. However, they aren’t waterproof. And because many are transparent, they may not adequately block strong sunlight.
Pros
- Inexpensive;
- Can be configured for unique shapes;
- Don’t require daily setup.
Cons
- Sturdy rigging and anchor points are required;
- Doesn’t completely block harmful UV rays;
- Won’t block rain.
Patio Umbrellas
This go-to option is now available in a variety of styles, including the traditional center-of-table model as well as popular cantilever or tilting models.
Though manufacturers improved tilting and cantilever umbrellas in the past few years, patio umbrellas tend to have the same problems they always have: They require a sturdy, heavy base that’s often not included; they may bounce or blow over in the wind; and cantilever styles tend to spin if not securely anchored.
Patio umbrellas remain the best choice for those with a small patio set, or for renters who can’t install anything permanent.
Pros
- Plenty of size and canopy options to fit your specific patio;
- Easily adjustable to the sun level;
- No permanent installation is required.
Cons
- Cannot be used in windy conditions;
- Require a sturdy base, usually sold separately.
Shade on the Go
The need for shade never ends, and sometimes a portable option is the best solution. A packable canopy like the Neso Sidelines can provide sun protection at the beach, picnics and weekend soccer tournaments. Constructed with quality materials, it can be set up and broken down in minutes, with lots of sizes and colors available.
Pros
- Can be brought nearly anywhere;
- Sets up and breaks down quickly.
Cons
- Not suitable for bigger groups;
- Isn’t waterproof.
