4 Simple Patio Shade Ideas

4 Simple Patio Shade Ideas

Looking to beat the heat this summer? Now you can, without having to stay cooped up inside! We’ve put together 4 patio shade ideas that you can use to DIY your own summer shelter and make a backyard oasis.

Create a Patio Awning

What it is: An awning is essentially a roof cover which can be made of fabric, wood, aluminum, or vinyl. We recommend using tear-resistant, waterproof and flame-retardant vinyl for fabric awnings since it’s the most durable fabric up for the job. Vinyl laminated fabrics are recommended for awnings because they cover these properties. If you’re looking for all that, plus stain resistance, opt for vinyl coated fabrics instead.

Why use it: Creates full shade for your deck, patio furniture, etc., plus it’s easy to clean.

Ideal for: Complete shade, plus additional privacy.

Tutorial: DIY Awning Tutorial (Simple Details Blog)

4 Simple Patio Shade Ideas - Vinyl Awning
Customer Photo

Build a Garden Pergola

What it is: A pergola is an outdoor roof structure that’s supported by columns. They can be wooden, vinyl or even aluminum.

Why use it: Garden pergolas often feature vines and flowers growing on the top and sides, which not only makes them a beautiful addition to any patio but can also help provide more shade.

Ideal for: Some shade over small seating areas in the garden or yard.

Tutorial: How to Build a Wood Pergola (HGTV)

4 Simple Patio Shade Ideas - DIY Pergola

Get a Shade Sail

What it is: A shade sail is a piece of triangular or square mesh fabric that’s made to be hung, in order to block out the sun and protect against harmful rays.

Why use it: People like to use shade sails because you can get creative and make your own custom design. You can even dress up the actual fabric with fabric scraps, ribbons or other materials. They can be hung from any tall structure (building, tree, pole, etc.).

Ideal for: Protection against harmful rays plus partial shade with air circulation for patios, decks, children’s’ play areas, outdoor entertainment areas, etc.

Tutorial: How to Install Shade Sails (Bunnings Warehouse)

Patio Shade Ideas - Shade Sail

Use a Shade Cloth

What it is: A shade cloth is a mesh fabric that provides sun/wind protection, plus reduced temperature for your outdoor area, plants and more.

Why use it: Some prefer using shade cloths instead of shade sails due to the rectangular length. Shade cloths can be hung from the ceiling as a shade curtain, attached over a fence, draped over your pergola and more. You can set shade cloth up in strips for some cool (no pun intended) and innovative designs! They are also super easy to put up and take down.

Ideal for: Portable or temporary shade (plants/crops, animal shelter, parties, kid’s play areas).

Do you have any creative DIY shade ideas? Leave them in the comments below!

Patio Shade Ideas - Shade Cloth Rolls

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2 thoughts on “4 Simple Patio Shade Ideas

  1. Mae says:

    Thank you for sharing this! Keep sharing!

  2. Jenni says:

    Thank you for sharing. Keep sharing!

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