Having a shady spot to relax on your deck can make all the difference on a hot sunny day. There are several effective options to provide shade on a deck depending on your needs, budget and the look you want to achieve. In this article, we will explore the most popular methods to block the sun on a deck and help you determine the best choice for your space.
Page Contents
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are a classic and affordable way to get shade on a deck. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles to complement any deck décor. Here are some key factors to consider when using umbrellas for deck shade:
- Size – Standard umbrella sizes range from 5 to 11 feet wide. Choose an umbrella that is big enough to shade the furniture and people underneath but not so large it overwhelms the deck space.
- Mounting – Freestanding umbrellas can be moved around but need a heavy base to keep them stable. In-ground or table mounted options provide permanent shade coverage in specific spots.
- Tilt – Look for umbrellas that allow you to easily tilt and adjust them throughout the day to block the sun’s movement.
- Ventilation – Umbrellas with vented tops allow airflow to prevent heat and moisture buildup underneath.
- Material – While canvas is classic, polyester and olefin fabrics are more fade and mildew resistant. For added sun protection, choose an umbrella with a UV reflective fabric.
The main downside of umbrellas is they need to be closed down in windy conditions. But for versatile and affordable shade, umbrellas are hard to beat.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are designed to provide shelter from sun and light rain over a deck or patio. Here are the key benefits of retractable awnings:
- Custom sizes – Awnings can cover spans from 10 to 32 feet wide.
- Motorized operation – Electric motors allow you to open and close the awning with the press of a button.
- Pitch adjustment – Change the awning pitch from completely flat to a 45 degree angle as needed for shade.
- Retractable – Fold the awning away into a protective cover when not in use.
- Material options – Vinyl fabrics shed water and resist fading while acrylic offers greater flexibility and strength.
The downside is awnings are a fixed installation and more expensive than umbrellas. Professional installation is recommended unless you are experienced with mounting hardware and wiring. But for large decks, a retractable awning provides robust customizable shade.
Sails and Canopies
Fabric sails or canopies mounted on poles provide overhead coverage similar to umbrellas but on a larger scale. Here are the benefits of using sails or canopies:
- Custom shapes and sizes – Triangle, square and rectangular options are available to suit your space.
- Durable construction – Heavy duty aluminum poles and reinforced fabric withstand wind and weather.
- Stylish look – Sleek modern aesthetic compared to traditional umbrellas.
- Versatile shade – Mount multiple sails in different areas of the deck.
Professional help is recommended for proper sail and canopy installation. But for a contemporary shaded oasis that makes a design statement, fabric sails are a great choice.
Trees or Vines
For natural shaded spots, carefully positioned trees or climbing vines are a perfect solution. Here are some tips for using plants to block sun on your deck:
- Deciduous trees planted on the south or west side of a deck provide cooling shade in summer and allow sun to pass through bare branches in winter.
- Fast growing vines like grape ivy quickly cover overhead structures to create a leafy canopy.
- Use large planters or pots to create a green wall or living screen if planting directly in the ground is not an option.
- Select low maintenance native species suited for your climate to minimize upkeep.
It will take a few years for newly planted trees or vines to reach maturity and provide maximum shade. But they can create beautiful dappled light perfect for relaxing on a deck once established.
Pergolas
Pergolas are structures consisting of parallel beams supported by posts that form an open-air canopy. They extend overhead coverage while allowing filtered light through. Key advantages of pergolas include:
- Customizable design – Build a pergola to any size or shape to suit your deck layout.
- Creative elements – Incorporate features like hanging lights or fans for added ambiance.
- Flexible coverage – Attach removable fabric panels or climbing plants to block more sun when needed.
- Attractive appearance – Choose from wood, vinyl or other materials to complement your home.
While more permanent than other options, pergolas provide stylish architectural interest along with shade. They are ideal for defining spaces and transitioning from indoor to outdoor areas.
Patio Umbrellas
For a small deck, standard patio umbrellas can be a budget-friendly shading solution. Things to consider when using patio umbrellas:
- Size – Optimal coverage is about 44 to 72 inches in diameter.
- Placement – Position umbrellas near seating areas or in the center of a conversation set.
- Portable base – Look for a sturdy weighted base you can move around the deck as needed.
- Tilt function – Adjust the umbrella angle regularly to block low afternoon sun.
- Vented canopy – Allow airflow to keep the space underneath feeling fresh.
Patio umbrellas only provide shade in limited areas directly underneath. But they offer flexible inexpensive coverage to make small decks more usable on sunny days.
Sun Sails
For a sleek modern look, sun sails are a great shading solution. Here are the benefits of sun sails:
- Geometric shapes – Triangle and square sails provide patterned shade that stands out.
- Lightweight fabric – Nylon or polyester sails are easy to install and take down.
- Water resistant – Shed rain and offer UV protection with darker colors.
- Temporary or permanent – Use removable sails seasonally or mount permanently.
- Adjustable angles – Rotate sail corners to control shaded areas.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper tensioning and calculate load capacities. Sun sails offer modular flexibility to shade specific spots or the entire deck creatively.
Shade Cloth and Screens
For a lightweight covering, shade cloth or screens are an accessible option:
- Inexpensive – Shade cloth can be purchased by the foot at most hardware stores.
- Customizable sizes – Cut cloth or screens to fit railings, fences or other structures.
- Durable material – Vinyl, nylon and polyethylene stand up to weather and sun exposure.
- Adjustable shading – Partially block sun by leaving gaps between panels.
- Portable – Affix cloth to deck rails with ties or clips to remove easily.
Shade cloth is prone to sagging over time. Periodic tightening or reinforcement with poles helps maintain a tidy appearance and optimal shading. Simple to install and remove, shade cloth is ideal for DIYers seeking a temporary sun solution.
Exterior Roller Shades
Deck roller shades mount above or alongside deck railing to unroll shade right where you need it. Benefits include:
- Custom fit – Available in widths up to 20 feet to cover large spaces.
- Sun and weather protection – Vinyl fabric shields from UV rays and repels water.
- Manual or motorized – Choose pull-down shades or push button automation.
- Adjustability – Stop unrolling fabric at any point to control light filtration.
- Neat appearance – Shades roll up when not in use for clean sightlines.
Professional measurement and installation is recommended for deck shades both for proper fitting and mounting stability. While an investment, exterior roller shades provide adjustable customized shading for the deck.
Conclusion
Creating shade on your deck expands the usable space during sunny times of day and seasons. Umbrellas, awnings, sails, pergolas and shade cloth all offer great sun blocking options for decks of any size and style. Consider the coverage amount, aesthetic look and features like adjustability to choose the best shading solutions for your deck. With strategic shade elements in place, you can enjoy your deck comfortably from morning to evening.