An elegantly built deck is always a wonderful supplement to your house, but when it is exposed to too much sunlight, it becomes impossible to spend time on it. Choosing the right shade solution not only brings comfort to you but also protects you, along with your family members and furniture, from the harsh UV rays.
As professionals specialized in building a comfortable outdoor living zone, we are ready at Smart Shade Structures to share some tips on how to shade a deck effectively so that it is used throughout the year. One highly effective approach involves incorporating retractable shade structures into your deck design, as these can be adjusted to meet your needs throughout the day, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Determining the Needs of Your Deck
Before deciding on the shade solution to go with, it is important to take several things into consideration. You should consider the time the deck is exposed to the sun. You should also consider the direction from which the sun will shine into the deck.
Another thing to consider is the climate and conditions of the location where the shade solution is to go. If it is too windy, it could necessitate a more permanent installation. Thinking through these details will help you determine the best way to shade a deck for your specific space.
Best Shading Techniques
With a clear idea of what you are looking to achieve, you can weigh the possibilities. Every option has several advantages associated with it, and it is up to you to determine what is best (with our guidance, of course). For many homeowners, finding the best way to provide shade on a deck involves comparing both style and practicality to meet their comfort needs.
Retractable Awnings
One common and very versatile option is the retractable awning. They are fixed on your house and can be pulled out when you want to shade it and retracted when you don’t want to shade it. If you’re searching for shade ideas for a deck, retractable awnings offer an adaptable solution. These shade systems are made of various materials and can either be controlled manually or by a remote.
Pergolas
As experts in the field, we understand and agree that a pergola is a fantastic option to increase shade and improve decor. Pergolas define and demarcate the outdoor living zone and are constructed using materials such as wood, vinyl, and aluminum.
Although a conventional pergola is supposed to increase shade, it is possible to increase the amount of shade by installing a retractable canopy, fabric sails, and vines. When considering shade options for a deck, adding value to your house with an efficient design on the structure is an important aspect.
Shade Sails
Shade sails are also a great option, giving a more modern and artistic look. They are actually fabric canopies which can also be stretched and installed using posts, giving a wonderful design composed of interlocking components. They are very versatile, not very expensive, and are produced in various colors and designs. Shade sails are also very efficient when it comes to blocking UV rays and can these rays coming from a specific direction.
Umbrellas
The conventional patio umbrella is the most basic and most convenient to transfer. The cantilever umbrella is most suitable as it enables the owner to turn it to shade the entire area without posts inside. Although patio umbrellas are convenient to transfer and store, they are not very stable and also less protective compared to permanent options.
Plants and Greenery
Shade offered by plants is a beautiful and extremely eco-friendly option. Planting trees surrounding your decking will result in an effective and free source of shade. You could also consider installing a trellis and an arbor and growing vines such as wisteria and clematis on it. The atmosphere surrounding it will not only cool but also increase the calm and beauty of the outdoors.
Develop Your Dream Outdoor Retreat
Picking the most suitable shade option to add to decking is finding a balance between what is most practical to you and what is most suitable on the aesthetic angle. You can go with the practicality of awnings, the convenience of umbrellas, and the classic look of pergolas, whatever is most suitable to what you require on your decking!