Shade Sails for Patios

Shade sails for patios are structures that are put up to create shade outdoors. The shade sails are popular among those fond of spending time in the exteriors and receive protection from the scorching sun and other elements.

Shade sails are ubiquitously seen in many public places. For instance, you find shade sails like the beach umbrellas that are often erected to protect people from the hot sun when they languish in the beach. Shade structures are also found at bus stops aimed at providing shelter for people waiting for the bus. Most people erect shade structures for their patios to relax outdoors with their guests and family members.

Shade structures are essential as continued exposure to the sun's rays can cause many dermatological problems including some severe ones. Properly designed patio shaded areas are capable of filtering out varying degrees of sun’s rays. These structures differ in the shapes and designs from really thin varieties that create light shades to dense ones which produce heavy shades to make the entire area under the structure cool throughout the day.

The temporary patio shade structures are shade sails or canopies. They are made out of flexible fabrics which can be rolled or folded up when not in use. The advantage is the fabric can be extended on a frame whenever required. Sometimes the grommets may be attached to the fabric which would be designed to clip into a place for providing instant shade.

There are some other models of patio shade structures including the ones with permanent awnings which may or may not be retractable. You can opt for an outdoor cabana and other shade solutions, all while still being largely open to other elements.

While you are planning to buy patio shade structures, you can also consider portable structures where you can enjoy great flexibility. Permanent structures are indeed more durable and they would stay for a year and more – if properly maintained, but the advantage of a portable structure is it can be taken for trips or can be used for garden parties. Permanent patio shades are hosted at areas where shade is continuously required.

When building a patio shade structure, you do have a few choices. Patio shade structures can be built with canvas awnings or wooden ceilings. Deciding how you want to cast shade can help you choose what sort of construction will fit your needs.

A natural shade-bearing structure is an economical way to shade your patio. Constructing a small pergola or raised horizontal trellis will facilitate a shade-bearing climbing vine such as ivy. If you are keen on shading your patio and want a vine with minimal maintenance, a purely green shade-bearing vine will be ideal.

A simple awning can also shade your patio - particularly if the patio is adjacent to the house or adjoining the porch. An awning can be mounted to an outside wall of the home and it can be opened to allow sunlight through. Awnings are a cost effective way to not only shade the patio but also shade the home, thereby keeping air conditioning costs down through the summer.

A gazebo-style roof can be erected over the patio with either a wooden roof or a canvas cover. Wooden gazebo roofing materials range from roofing shingles to cedar shakes. A gazebo-style roof over the patio will give plenty of shade and it will also be rain-proof.