Top 3 Best Ways To Create Shade On Your Patio

You might be thinking, one of the cool things about a patio is that you can sit outside in the sun. So, why would you want to create shade on it?! As much as we love the sunlight, it’s not good to expose yourself to it for extended periods. Plus, it can get way too hot at times, so some shade is a good thing. You can sit outside for longer and enjoy the fresh air without burning to a crisp or drowning in a pool of your own sweat! 

It sounds like a fantastic idea, and here are the top three ways to create shade on your backyard patio: 

Large umbrellas

The first idea is simple; get a large free-standing umbrella that sits on the patio and opens up to provide shade. You can find some that pair with patio tables too, so the umbrella fits into the middle of the table and offers shade around it. This is a great idea if you only want to shade a small area of the patio when you’re eating, leaving the rest open for sunbathing. 

Freestanding umbrellas can be moved around too, meaning you control where the shade is depending on the sun – or on who wants to be in it. The problem with an umbrella is that it may not be large enough to cover the whole patio. It also has a good chance of flailing and falling in high winds. 

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Pop-up canopy tents

A pop-up canopy tent has four legs, a canopy on top, and completely open sides. It’s placed on your patio and provides total shade and cover for the whole thing. This is a brilliant idea if it’s super hot and you want to sit outside in complete shade without getting burnt. It also comes in handy if it rains – you can still sit outside but with some overhead protection. 

It is also possible to buy permanent canopies or gazebos for a patio, but they’re more expensive and you have to settle for constantly being in the shade. Again, like umbrellas, there is a stability issue in the wind. It’s also a bit of a pain erecting and taking down the canopy depending on when you need it. Still, a fine choice for more overall coverage when compared to an umbrella. 

Awnings

The last solution is an awning that stretches out over the patio and delivers both shade and coverage from the rain. You can find retractable awnings that attach to your house and pull out as far as you need. In terms of convenience and shade coverage, this is arguably the best option for a lot of people. You can adjust how much shade is based on how far out the awning retracts, and there’s no need to worry about wind as it’s attached to your house. 

The only slight concern is the size of your patio. If it’s really big, you may struggle to find an awning that pulls out far enough to keep it all in the shade. Of course, if your patio isn’t located right outside your house, this won’t be an option for you. 

Consider all three ideas if you need some shade from the sun this summer. They’ll protect you – and your patio – from sun damage, leading to a cooler and more comfortable outdoor seating area. 

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Josie Smith