Why would you not want shade in your backyard? It’s hot sitting or playing in the sun – often so hot, we give up and go back indoors. You can’t enjoy the beautiful summer weather that way, and all too soon it will fade into fall. A shade structure can boost the appeal of your backyard and extend its livability as the weather cools.
Shade your children’s play area.
Eliminate the dangers of sunburn and lasting damage from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, with a shade structure. Concerns about protecting children have increased to the point where some school districts around the country now require playground shade.
So whether you’re covering grass, a wading pool or a swing-set, you can give them the cover they need. Increase your parental “cool” by building a shade structure that doubles as a fort.
A shade structure creates comfortable “play areas” for adults, too.
Deck, patio or lawn, there’s a shade structure just right for the way you use your backyard. Create a cool space for formal seating arrangements complete with sofa and chairs and full BBQ kitchen, or place a café table for two under a leafy trellis – with a retractable fabric cover to fend off those occasional summer showers. Put your shade structure poolside or by the tennis court or over the croquet court.
Create a room.
You can use a shade structure to visually designate an entirely separate space within your yard or create an extension of your indoor rooms that encourages people to flow in and out.
Cool your interior.
A shade structure that protects your windows improves indoor comfort without the high cost of air conditioning. It also provides the same protection for indoor furnishings, carpet, drapes, etc. as it does for your skin, because UV light can cause fading and deterioration. Your belongings will last longer, protecting your investment.
Increase your property value.
One of the most popular trends in home ownership in recent years is improving outdoor spaces. Potential buyers look for these amenities for all the same reasons you want them. Think of your shade structure as adding backyard “curb appeal.”
There’s a shade structure just right for your backyard.
Why buy some pre-made, comes-in-a-box shade structure that isn’t what you really want or need and will look exactly like everyone else’s shade structure? Your backyard should reflect your family’s individual personality.
You’re limited only by the size and shape of your space and your imagination. Well, you may have to abide by some homeowners’ association rules or municipal regulations. But with the amazing array of options available for your shade structure, if you can dream it up, a professional awning company can build it .
You can design it to coordinate with your home’s exterior colors or blend in with your landscaping or provide a brightly contrasting focal point. Your shade structure can be a permanent addition to your backyard, or it can be a seasonal enhancement.
What kind of shade structure can you create?
- A traditional retractable or fixed angled style that attaches to your home’s exterior wall. It can be quite deep, if you add support poles at the outside corners.
- A free-standing canopy, such as a tent, umbrella or sail.
- An old-fashioned gazebo, with Victorian or contemporary design.
- A leafy pergola.
- Any combination you like.
Who says you can have only one? If you have enough room, creating multiple individual units enables you to design each one to match the purpose and size of that particular location. Use a colorful print or stripes to cover the kids’ play space, something more sleek or sophisticated to cover your seating and entertaining area.
Even your pets will appreciate a sheltered spot to rest and a water dish that isn’t hot from the sun. So think shade structure and turn your backyard into the cool place to be.
