How To Create Outdoor Shade: A Round-up Of 22 Ideas
Written By: Sommer PoquetteSunday, March 8, 2015
I often joke that my body is solar powered. When Im in the sun, I feel energized and Im overall in a happier mood. That being said, I live where sunshine isnt something I get to enjoy all that often. In fact, it is -13 degrees Fahrenheit where I am right now, in Michigan As much as I would love to soak up some natural rays, Im not going to go outside and freeze to death Ill just wait until the weather gets warmer to bask in the suns glow.
Speaking of which, there can be too much of a good thing. Even though the sun feels good and we all need vitamin D and natural sunlight, come July, even us chilly mid-Westerners will take refuge under an awning or canopy for shade to get out of the heat and prevent sunburn.
Every backyard space should have a plan for integrating a comfortable shaded area, for our pets, our children, certain plants, our company and for ourselves
At my house, we have a back deck that is directly exposed to afternoon sunshine. This particular deck is hot to walk on, and plants left to grow on it often die if I leave them exposed all day. Even my sunbathing Great Dane, Ellie, avoids the back deck on hot days. There is zero shade.
This may sound blissful for those currently buried in snow, but its no fun during the hot summer months. To prepare for this summer, Im researching a variety of ways to provide shade to our patio.
My husband assumed this would be a costly project, but Im determined to show him that we can make our backyard and deck shady with a variety of DIY and/or affordable canopy options like those available from Quik Shade. Since he is the exact opposite of me and prefers to be out of the sun, I think he might come to like the idea of using our deck with a canopy on a Sunday afternoon, instead of sitting indoors. With so few warm weather days where I live, we need to take advantage of all the fresh air we can get
If youre like me and you have a deck, patio or backyard that needs a shady spot, youre in luck. Ive found 22 fabulous ideas for how to create outdoor shade affordably. From using PVC pipes and pergola, to curtains and umb>
Photo Collage Courtesy of Sommer Poquette.
Photo Collage Courtesy of Sommer Poquette.
What ideas do you have for giving your outdoor space some shade during the hot summer months?
| Sommer Poquette is a green-and-clean mom blogger from Michigan who writes for The Home Depot. While Michigan is still in the thick of winters cold, that hasnt deterred Sommer from dreaming about summer days warm enough to need shade protection from the sun. For Home Depots canopies and other shade-providing structures, you can go online to the Home Depot website. |
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