Patio Shade Ideas for Your Home or Business

If you’re looking for ways to add some shade to your backyard patio or outdoor business space, there are a few options to consider. First, you could install a permanent awning, pavilion, or pergola. This can provide both sun and rain protection and can be a great spot to hang out in inclement weather. Another bonus of having overhead cover helps keep your patio cushions from fading from sun exposure.
Another option is to use movable shades, like umbrellas or shade sails. These can be moved around to provide sun or shade as needed and can be taken down when not in use. Finally, you could plant some trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your patio to provide natural shading. Whichever option you choose, adding some shade to your patio will make it a more enjoyable space to spend time in. In this blog we will talk about some of the options to get you started on what type of shade protection will work for you.
Custom Shade Options
There are a few things to consider before running out to purchase a custom-built product. The most important factor is of course the price. A permanent overhead protection can be quite expensive, especially if you want one that is large or made from high-quality materials. Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of upkeep it may require. Let’s take a look at your options!
Retractable Awnings
A custom retractable awning is a good choice for you if you have a patio or deck right off your back door or slider. What’s great about this option is you get to customize your awning: choose a style and fabric that will go with your décor, and they are compatible with home automation systems and controlled by a smart phone. You’ll want to hire an expert company to work with you as you need to make sure that the awning is properly installed so that it can withstand strong winds and weather conditions. But the best part of having a retractable awning is that you can easily retract it during winter months or while experiencing really severe weather conditions. Or if it’s colder weather you may just want that sun shining on you. With all of this in mind, a custom awning can be a great addition to your home that provides both form and function.
Wood & Vinyl Pavilions
Pavilions are a great way to add some shade and protection from the elements to your patio. Pavilion are custom built to fit your specific patio needs. You can what style pavilion, choose colors for siding and choose it to be made of wood or vinyl, there are many decorative roof styles to match your homes roof, so you know it will look great and provide the exact amount of shade and protection you need.
Pavilions provide excellent shade for your patio while also offering other benefits. Pavilions can be built to any size or shape to cover as much of your patio as you’d like. They also can be designed with a variety of materials to match your home’s style. Pavilions can include features such as ceiling fans, recessed lighting, fireplaces, electrical for refrigerators, TVs and sound systems – making them not only functional but also stylish. Pavilion make great outdoor living or dining rooms, pool side shade lounging, or bar game rooms too. Whether you’re looking to keep your patio cool in the summer or extend your outdoor living space year-round, a custom Pavilion is a great solution.
Wood & Vinyl Gazebos
Gazebos are a great way to add some shade to your patio or garden. Unlike umbrellas or pergolas, Gazebos provide 360-degree coverage, making them ideal for hot summer days. Gazebos can also be custom built to match the style of your home, and they can be outfitted with a variety of features, such as lighting and fans. In addition, Gazebos can be used all year round, making them a versatile and practical addition to any outdoor space. It can also be used for your outdoor grill, allowing you to cook even during inclement weather year-round! So, if you’re looking for a way to keep cool this summer, a Gazebo might be the perfect solution.
Wood & Vinyl Pergolas
If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and functional, you can’t go wrong with a pergola. Pergolas provide ample shade without blocking out all the sun, and they can be customized to match the style of your home. Plus, they offer a unique outdoor living space that you can enjoy year-round. Even though a pergola doesn’t provide a shelter for rain, it does provide a sense of enclosure and feels like you’re in an outdoor room. And if you like to garden, pergolas are great for climbing vines like wisteria that come back every year and bloom a beautiful lavender color hanging flower in the spring, and the vines will eventually cover your pergola and provide more shade underneath. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just relaxing by the pool, a pergola is the perfect way to stay cool and comfortable in your own backyard.
Seasonal Shade Options
Patio Umbrellas, Shade Sails, and Pop-Up Canopies/Gazebos are another option that is less permanent and versatile as you can easily move them around you yard, or even take them with you to the lake, camping or beach house. They are also less on the pocketbook, when working with a much smaller budget. If you are looking for a quick set up and fix to creating shade for a sunny patio or deck, a portable set-up maybe to perfect option this summer. Don’t forget that you need a place to store your canopy or umbrellas during the winter months.
Natural Shade Options
Planting Trees & Shrubs
Another option is to plant trees around the perimeter of the patio. This will provide natural shade and can also help to cool the area. Trees are a great option for providing natural shade. They can be planted close to the house to provide maximum coverage, and they will grow over time to provide even more shade. The downside is that they can be expensive to purchase and plant, and they can take several years to reach full growth. Evergreens would give you privacy all year long as they keep their leaves all winter. Planting a maple tree will provide shade during the warmer months, and when they lose their leaves in the fall, you’d be back to full sun for the winter. So, something to consider when choosing what type of tree will work for you through all seasons.
Ultimately, the best option for shading your patio will depend on your budget and timeline. If you’re patient and have the money to invest, trees are a great long-term solution and if you don’t mind spending a little bit of money upfront, umbrellas or awnings can provide immediate relief from the sun until your trees reach high enough to provide enough shade.
Now that we’ve gone over some patio shade ideas, you can decide which one is best for you. All of these options have their own unique benefits, so it really depends on what you’re looking for in a patio shade. If you want custom options, retractable awnings or pavilions are the way to go. They can be tailored to fit your specific needs and taste, and they provide great protection from the sun and rain. If you’re looking for something more seasonal, umbrellas, sails, and pop-up gazebos are perfect solutions that can be set up or taken down in minutes. And if you’re wanting something more natural, planting trees or shrubs is always a beautiful option that will add value, privacy and shade to your patio!