One of the best parts of living in Texas is the almost always sunny Spring, Summer, and Fall but the endless exposure to the sun can also be one of the hardest parts of living here. The intensity of the sun is harsh on your eyes and skin, to say nothing of your outdoor furniture...
The sun will bleach fabric, dry and cause cracking in paint, plastics, and even masonry installation like walls and surfaces. The only real defense against wear and tear from the sun is blocking the UV rays with materials made specifically for that purpose.
Let's talk about some of the best ways to keep those damaging rays off yourself, your outdoor furniture, your masonry -easily one of the most costly investments in your home.
(Read the original post on Medium)
Beat The Heat: Patio Shade Options for Dallas Homes
Dallas homeowners have plenty of choices when it comes to creating cool, comfortable outdoor spaces. Here are some popular patio shade options that can help you (and your stuff) survive those long, sun-drenched summers.
Pergolas with Retractable Covers
Pergolas are a crowd favorite that comes in a classic, rustic look or a variety of modern, contemporary styles which can be enhanced with retractable covers. This provides the best of both worlds -an open-air feel when you want it and full shade when the sun is too intense. Retractable covers can be manual or motorized, from hand cranks to fully automated systems.
Louvered Pergolas
Louvered pergolas add modern luxury to the appeal of a traditional pergola. Louvers are adjustable slats that allow you to fine-tune, controlling the amount of sunlight that filters through. On mild days, you can open them up to let in more light, and when it's scorching, you can close them to create shade. They're perfect for Dallas' somewhat unpredictable weather.
Solid Roof Patio Covers
Solid roof structures provide maximum protection, fully blocking the sun's rays from anything under their cover. They shield you (and anything on your patio) from sun, rain, and even light hail completely. A solid roof patio cover makes your outdoor area usable in all seasons and all kinds of weather.
Shade Sails
Shade sails are a modern, low-cost option for providing outdoor shade. Sails are tensioned fabrics cut in interesting shapes and can be hung in various ways. They're great for odd-shaped spaces or if you want to add a color and flair to your patio.
Portable Shade
When you need flexibility, portable shade solutions are where it's at. Umbrellas are the classic choice – easy to move and store. Or, for larger areas, pop-up canopies can provide quick shade for social gatherings. They're perfect in small spaces or off on their own as part of a full backyard design that include other shade structures. And their mobility allows you to adjust easily when your space is at full capacity.
Retractable Patio Shades
Retractable patio shades are another adjustable option that's perfect for small gatherings of family and friends. They can be rolled out when you need shade and tucked away when you want to soak up some sun. Motorized versions make this even easier – just press a button, and in only a moment you're totally protected from the heat (and partially from the rain). They're great for blocking the sun while still letting in a breeze, keeping your patio comfortable even on hot days.
Climbing Plants for Natural Shade
Fast-growing climbing plants like Coral Honeysuckle and Carolina Jessamine are native to Texas and will quickly cover a pergola or trellis, providing dappled shade and a burst of color. If you've got a sturdy structure to support thicker vines, Wisteria will create a stunning canopy of purple or white flowers over a pergola in only a few short years. This kind of shade is also seasonal and will thin in the Fall and die back over the Winter, allowing more light into your patio space in the cooler months.
Choosing Patio Shade That Suits Your Home
When considering shade options for your patio, your first concern should be matching your home's architectural style. If the look isn't complementary, something will always feel off -and your home may be more difficult to sell.
For contemporary homes, sleek metal pergolas or louvered structures make an ideal pairing. Traditional houses are better suited to a rustic, wooden design and ranch-style homes look better with simple, clean-lined patio covers that don't overpower the home's horizontal profile.
If you've got a Spanish-style home, consider a tiled roof extension or a fabric shade in warm, earthy tones. Or for Tudor or Victorian-style homes, ornate wrought iron pergolas or lattice covers complement the intricate detail.
Your patio shade needs to feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought, so don't pick your shade structure based on what it looks like online -but what will look best in your backyard instead.
Designing For Small And Large Patios
Options for Small Patios
When working with limited space, try to maximize comfort without overwhelming the area visually. Pergolas are great for tight spaces and offer a stylish solution with partial shade and an open-air feel that you can easily customize with climbing plants or shade cloths.
Lattice covers are another great option for small spaces. They deliver a light-filtering effect, like a pergola, but with slightly more shade. Lattice covers are are also natural surfaces for climbing plants and vines to cover with beautiful greenery and flowers.
For ultimate control, consider manual or motorized retractable screens installed between posts on patios, decks, or porches, which can be adjusted as needed. Retractable screens raise and lower on-demand to protect from UV, insects, and to cut down on wind / rain.
Ideas for Large Patios and Poolsides
Unlike smaller spaces, large patios and poolside areas have room for more creative shade solutions. One popular option for bigger spaces is a louvered pergola, which has adjustable slats that allow you to fine tune the amount of sunlight and airflow that passes between the louvers (or blades).
Unlike any other shade solution, louvered pergolas give you precise control over how much cover you're under, making them perfect for year-round use. And louvered pergolas can cover large areas while providing excellent protection from sunlight and rain.
If you have a pool, shade sails are a great fit, especially in combination with other (permanent) structures. Individually they offer limited coverage but can be combined to cover large areas, provide excellent protection from the sun, and come in many colors and shapes.
For maximum flexibility, combine different shade solutions like a covered or louvered pergola near the house and portable structures around the pool area.
Shade Your Patio With The Experts: Clark Outdoor Designs
When we work with customers to add shade over patios or throughout their backyard, every project starts with a quick in-person visit where we can assess your space and hear your goals for your project and then we follow up with a plan and a free, no-obligation quote.
We study your home's aesthetic, it's colors, textures, materials, and visual impact so that our recommendation feels seamless while adding as much value to your home as possible.
A Free No-Obligation Estimate
We know that it's hard to prepare for a project without any idea what's possible, or how much what you've got in mind might cost. That's why we provide complementary in-person assessments and free quotes, to make your planning and decision-making process a little more manageable.
When you're ready to speak with someone about your project and your patio shade options, visit our website to request a free quote or just give us a call. We'll send someone over to provide an expert consultation and follow up with a plan to achieve your goals, within your budget.
