Make some shade
While you're relaxing in the outdoors this summer, you’ll need a bit of shade so you don’t end up like a burnt sausage. There are a number of options to choose from to suit all situations.
Awnings
Retractable awnings are perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining that is so popular. The awning extends the shade from the house to the outdoors. The awning also prevents the sun from entering your home, helping to keep it cool. When the day is done or if you want more light to enter your home, simply retract the awning back into its housing.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are a great option when you need shade that’s not near anything that will support a shade structure, like the house. Cantilever umbrellas cover a large area and have the post to one side, leaving you with space underneath so you can use the shade as you like. As well as being movable around the post, they also tilt so you can set them up to give you maximum shade all day long. Market umbrellas are a great option to shade an outdoor dining table.
Shade sails
To cover large areas, shade sails are a good choice. Shadecloth is a popular material as it provides shade while still allowing a bit of light through. A shade cloth sail is also available as a DIY project. Pick the sail size and shape to suit your space then use the various fittings to attach it to your house. It’s important to reinforce the fixing points on your house so that if the wind picks up, it doesn’t cause any damage. If you’re after a waterproof sail, PVC is the material to use. These are generally custom installations done by a manufacturer.
Gazebo
A gazebo is a shade structure you erect anywhere in your garden or take it with you to a picnic or the beach. The most affordable gazebos are completely portable while there are other options that are permanent or semi-permanent additions to your garden.
