Guest Article by Adriana Lopez
Porch.com
If you’re like me, you’re looking forward to backyard barbecues with family and friends, and get-togethers around the pool. With sunnier, warmer weather, we have more opportunities to spend time outdoors. But hanging with the kids and the dog outside can be uncomfortable when the sun is too bright and the temperatures begin to escalate into the nineties. What’s worse, harmful UV rays can do a number on your skin, no matter your skin type (or whether you tan or burn). In the end, everyone ends up seeking cover. Luckily, there are many ways to create shade in even the sunniest yards.
Features like pergolas, awnings, and gazebos can provide you and your guests with some sun-blocking protection as you enjoy the warm weather. You can incorporate sun-cover features near your deck, patio, and even in open spaces in your landscape or garden.
Benefits of Installing Sun Cover in Your Yard
When we think about shade, we often think of trees. But many homes don’t have the luxury of tree shade. Trees can require more maintenance than many people think—and they take a long time to grow! But features like sun awnings or pergolas provide instant, comfortable shade and also add tremendous aesthetic appeal to your home or outdoor living space. Keep durability in mind when making an investment as you build sun covers. If you already have a sun cover for your yard, maybe it’s time to expand or refurbish it,
Choosing a Shade Feature for Your Home
When it comes to backyard shade features, the options are endless. Here are some of the most popular to consider:
Pergola
This attractive, permanent shade feature can be built stand-alone or attached to your home or garage. Open-frame construction is the main design feature of a pergola. Keep in mind that this structure won’t provide full shade, but you can add a cover to the top or trained climbing vines to shield the sun. As a support for vines and climbing plants, a pergola is tough to beat for its durability and beauty.
Canopy
This semi-permanent shade feature can be left out through the warm season, then disassembled when it gets cold. They’re not as durable as a true porch cover, even when they mimic the look of a gazebo or pergola. But the good thing is that they do come in many styles, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options. Best of all, you can easily transport your canopy to any setting or space.
Gazebo
The hardy, lovely gazebo is a time-honored classic. Homeowners who want to create a permanent shade feature might choose a more elaborate and traditional design—with gables, stairs, and decorative banisters. Don’t be afraid to create a custom design in any size that you choose. The larger and more elaborate the style, the more it’ll cost. But a well-built gazebo can increase your home’s value.
Awning
As a step up from most canopies, metal and PVC awnings on the market provide more durable cover than the textile options. However, they might not provide the full coverage you need when entertaining guests, because they are effective only for covering small areas. But these permanent features can enhance your home’s curb appeal and could be ideal for you if you don’t entertain or require expansive sun cover.
Other Sun-Cover Features
When you only need temporary sun cover, turn to simple solutions like screens, sun umbrellas, sun sails and curtains. A garage door screen not only blocks the sun and insects, but it allows air to circulate to keep the space cool and comfortable for those garage get-togethers. Sun umbrellas offer less, but they can be easily opened or closed as needed, and provide deep shade for a small area. Choose one of these options if you don’t want to install a more permanent feature in your space.
Should You Go DIY or Hire a Professional?
If you have the know-how and the tools for the job, building a shade feature for your patio, yard or deck is an awesome do-it-yourself project. If you don’t, it could end up costing more than if you just hired professionals from the start. There are also are safety considerations to keep in mind. In any case, it’s a good idea to weigh both routes by pricing materials and any tools you may need to rent or purchase. Gather some estimates from Hampton Roads contractors like Quality Built Exteriors.
Shading Specific Areas of Your Setting
Some shade features are more conducive to certain areas of your outdoor space than others. A pergola is perfect above a children’s play area to shade a sandbox, or install one over or near your patio, where you intend to spend most of your outdoor time. A gazebo would look out of place in most front yards but is perfect for the back yard. Choose sun covers that complement your needs as well as the look of your setting.
Adding Decorative Elements to Your Shade Feature
Once you add your shade feature, it’s time to finish it with decorative touches. Both gazebos and pergolas work great with hanging plants or climbing vines like morning glories, ivy, or trumpet vine. You can also install a lighting feature for both visual appeal and evening enjoyment. Other decorative details can include seating, lanterns, string lights and outdoor rugs.
Maintaining Your Shade Feature
As with any exterior feature exposed to the elements, your shade feature likely will require maintenance. If you choose vinyl or composite wood, you’ll only need to worry about the occasional hosing down, but with wood or metal, you’ll need to be painting or resealing periodically. Likewise, fabric awnings, sun sails or umbrellas will need to be occasionally washed and/or wiped down and will require replacement every 5-10 years, especially when damaged by heavy winds or storms.
Wrap Up
There are plenty of options to choose from to create outdoor shade. Consider how you intend to use your yard this spring or summer, and choose a shade feature that enhances your outdoor lifestyle. Since you can customize many of the options available to you, achieve a design that suits your needs and your aesthetic preferences.
Originally posted on Porch.com