Summer will be here before we know it, and that means more sunshine and longer days. If you are like most Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA residents, you can’t wait to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Having the outdoor space of your dreams can make all the difference and really extend your living space during the warmer months of the year; however, if you struggle to find some shade during the sunny hours, it can limit how much time you are able to enjoy the space. We are going to review some ideas for how to shade your backyard and your outdoor living area, so you can enjoy it no matter how hot and bright the sun is.
How to Add Shade to Your Backyard
Let’s face it, when we get sunshine in Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA, we embrace it; however, sometimes it can be too much, which can lead us to search for some shade. Is your outdoor space lacking the cover that it needs to be comfortable throughout the day? There are things you can do to add shade to your backyard to make it a place that you, your family, and your guests can enjoy, regardless if it is noon or night.
Check out our suggestions below:
- Patio Umbrellas: If you are looking for a less permanent and more budget-friendly solution, patio umbrellas may be just what you need to offer the shade you are looking for. The basic umbrella is a great way to create temporary, easily moveable shade for your backyard, and it’s generally relatively easy on the budget. You can get simple patio umbrellas that have a center pole that the umbrella spreads out around, or opt for a cantilevered option, which allows you to place the pole behind the shaded area, and have the umbrella stretch out over your space (Real Simple). You can select a color or colors that add to your outdoor décor to help you elevate your space.
- Gazebos: A gazebo is more permanent structure that creates a shady sanctuary in your outdoor space. Nowadays there are so many options when it comes to outdoor gazebos. You can get them in different materials, select permanent or popup, have curtains added, and more. As mentioned, gazebos are more permanent than umbrellas and less easy to move from place to place and they typically cost more, so when making the decision on how to add shade to your backyard, it is really based on your outdoor space’s needs.
- Pergolas: We are big fans of sprucing up your outdoor space with a pergola. A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid may be left open or be covered to create an area protected from the elements. Pergolas may be freestanding or attached to a structure, such as a house. This outdoor feature is usually used to form a shaded walkway, passageway, or a sitting area. These outdoor features help to provide shaded space while creating a more defined outdoor living space and design and increasing your home’s value. Because they are generally custom built, they do come associated with a higher price tag than some of the other options.
- Trees: Planting a fast-growing tree or two might be budget-friendly, but it also takes some patience. If you aren’t looking for an immediate solution, adding some trees to your outdoor space may be the best way to shade your backyard and add some landscaping appeal. If you have a pool or other water features in your outdoor space, keep in mind that there are some good and bad trees to plant around those structures in our area.
We could go on and on with backyard shading solutions, but the above, are the most common for Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA. You can also do things like adding an awning, installing a permanent roof over the space, and more.
When it comes to your outdoor living space, Litehouse Pools & Spas has everything you need to make yours the place you love. We know that adding shade to your backyard is important and we have solutions.
With our many outdoor furniture options, you can design a romantic hot spot or a friendly gathering place to enjoy the outside. Litehouse has patio sets, umbrellas and stands, chairs and rockers, gazebos, dining tables, furniture covers, outdoor lighting, custom built pergolas, and more. Create your backyard oasis today.