The majority of us love that casual, barefoot, inside-outside lifestyle that big doors and windows and a deck or patio can offer. And for much of the year, a wonderful outdoor area connected to a home makes for a terrific living space.

But if it’s really hot outside, uncovered outdoor spaces aren’t all that much fun, particularly if they’re on the south side of the house. At times like these, the only way to get any use from this beautiful deck or deck would be to have something, anything, which will block the sun from baking everyone and everything on the market.

And like everything else in home layout, the kind and style of your deck or patio covering will probably be a function of your home’s style, the solar orientation that the outside area has along with your budget. Let us look at a few choices to see what could work for you.

Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect

Shade tree. Before going on about constructed deck and patio, we should acknowledge that trees are the most appropriate for providing that canopy naturally. Especially deciduous trees which are all filled with, providing the most shade exactly when it’s most needed. Then, just like the dog days of summer begin to wane, these trees begin to lose their leaves, getting bare in winter, when getting as much sunlight on the place is what is desired. In fact, the cyclical pattern of a deciduous tree going from bare to complete bloom is one of nature’s gifts that never stops to amaze.

Alas, not all people have some wonderful old tree to construct a terrace beneath, nor do we possess the decades it might take to get a tree to begin shading our terrace. In such instances, you must plant a few trees and make a constructed shading device as you wait for nature to take its course. Some a pergola will do well until some beautiful tree joins the party.

AIA, Bud Dietrich

Umbrella. The most elementary deck or patio cover is the freestanding umbrella. Whether bundled using a desk or a seat, providing shade as you’re outside having dinner or a morning coffee — or, better yet, a midafternoon quaff — a bright and colorful umbrella can add a dash of color and zest to an outdoor space while providing some relief from the hot summer sun. While there are many umbrellas which are a part of this table, where a pit for the umbrella pole is supplied, I’ve always preferred umbrellas which can be easily moved — this way you can block the hot sun from any way it comes from.

Naturally, a nice thing is that umbrellas can be had for little money, typically in the range of a few hundred or so dollars to get a pleasant one that will offer several years of shade. It’s also fantastic you could integrate LED lighting within the umbrella canopy. While these lights won’t light an entire outdoor area, they will shed some nice lighting on the table surface, where it’s needed.

Umbrella mobility means you’ll always have color in which you need it as the sun moves across the skies. Freestanding umbrellas either have a direct pole climbing from a base, or so the umbrella is counter tops. Having an offset umbrella, the arm which holds the actual umbrella can be raised, lowered, angled and usually manipulated in many of approaches to find the shading exactly where you need it. This is perfect where there is room, as the base can be kept away from the table or chairs and won’t obstruct your way onto the deck or patio.

As for substances, the poles are usually either aluminum or timber, and the umbrella fabric can be a selection of materials. When considering umbrella cloths, things to think about will be ease of cleaning, durability, fade resistance, UV protection, mould and mildew resistance, and water resistance.

Chang + Sylligardos Architects

Pergola. In the opposite end of this spectrum from the movable and casual umbrella are all constructed constructions, which can come in many sizes and styles and at a range of prices.

To get a more traditional style, a custom pergola of columns, rafters and purlins is the answer. These provide a real sense of getting a space outside that is open to the sky and air and temperament, while being very much part of the home.

Though the cost of such a construction can vary widely depending on personality, size, finishes etc., and anticipate you will be well to a five-figure budget for one. And don’t forget that you’ll most likely need a building permit to construct one as well.

These constructions require ongoing maintenance, unlike a temporary umbrella, which has put away after this season. Using low-maintenance substances, such as acrylic trim boards, wrought iron columns and forests such as ipe and redwood, will mean you’ll find out there enjoying yourself instead of cleaning, painting and scratching.

ALTUS Architecture + Design

Lattice. If your home is more modern, a lattice-like covering could be a nice addition. Contrary to the traditional pergola, a lattice-like structure has thinner and more simply shaped bits, and forms a more rectangular structure. To get a construction like this, using a durable wood is the key to gaining many, many years of pleasure from the space. While a wood like cedar is great, paying extra for something like redwood or walnut will pay dividends in durability through time.

In fact, one of my favorite external forests, particularly when it’s left to weather into this beautiful silvery grey, is walnut. It’s true that you can sand and varnish teak every few decades, but I’d rather just enjoy my terrace.

Adding fabric to the lattice structure will offer some flexibility for shading control in addition to enhance its general aesthetics.

The Ranch Mine

Cloth. A grand and detailed structure is not necessary for some simple sail-like shades. While it is easy to spend thousands of bucks on a sophisticated shading system with guide wires and the like, a few articles, a few wires and fabric will put you back a minimum sum of money and be a very nice way to color the terrace.

As with the umbrellas, doing some research into the material for those shades is vital. And ensure the cloth is pitched to allow rainwater to fall off of it. With no pitch, rain can float up in the middle of the cloth sail, causing the fabric to stretch and be ruined — or, even worse, causing the entire system to collapse because of the weight of the water.

And also make it so you can easily take down the fabric canopy and store it for the winter, particularly in climates that get snow and ice.

Bernard Andre Photography

Totally integrated. If budget and architecture allow, consider a shading system that is totally integrated into the plan of the home — something which conveys on the roof types and just eliminates that exterior walls.

While this is the most costly alternative, it could very well be the most satisfying, given the right conditions. And also the most useful, too, as no matter what the weather is, the space below the roof will remain dry and ready to be inhabited.

Have an ingenious patio cover? Please shoot a photo and share your layout below!

More: The way to utilize nature’s elements to your best outdoor area

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