Simple ways to create shade for your yard

Cooling your yard with shading solutions recommended by design experts is the quickest, neatest option. Here are some ways to cool your yard .

Some areas of your yard need to be covered, whether it's a place to retreat after a hot summer day or a place where you can still gather and enjoy the outdoors during rainy weather. But creating the best shade for your yard can require a combination of new options that let you be covered when you want it and open when you need it. Here are some suggestions.

Pergola, trellis or gazebo

Freestanding structures such as pergolas, pergolas, and gazebos can be built for a wide range of budgets, from DIY kits that cost a few hundred dollars to more elaborate, sturdy versions that cost thousands of dollars. For these structures, you can choose from a fixed roof, a canvas roof, heavy-duty nylon or plastic, or even climbing plants for shade.

Since these structures are semi-permanent or permanent, you cannot change them to suit your needs. They can be one of the more expensive shade options for your backyard.

Awning or canopy

For decks or patios, an awning or canopy can be installed over the space to provide shade. If permanent coverage is not desired, choose an awning that can be retracted and pulled out when needed.

With these structures, you can easily install blinds or mosquito nets to provide shade or protection from harmful insects.

Sunshade

Awnings can provide shade that is low-cost, easy to disassemble, and can be shaped to cover exactly what you need—you'll find them in squares, rectangles, and triangles. Awnings are made of plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or nylon, and can come in a variety of colors to match your space and style.

These simple shade options don't protect your patio from rain and inclement weather like some other options, and you need a little DIY skill to install them properly.

Outdoor sun umbrella

The basic umbrella is a great way to create temporary, portable shade for your backyard—and it's generally pretty budget-friendly, with top-end versions costing a few hundred dollars and budget options costing under $50.

You can buy a simple patio umbrella that has a central pole that the umbrella extends around, or choose an overhanging style, which allows you to place the pole behind the shaded area and let the umbrella extend across your space.

Trees, vines and other natural shade

When you're outdoors, why not take advantage of it by creating some shade? Trees add an element of shade that allows natural light to shine through—it filters the light but doesn't block it completely.

Climbing plants add a whimsical, exotic look to a pergola, trellis or fence and provide excellent shade. Consider the size, density of the foliage and whether you want a pop of colour from the flowers when choosing your climber.

Keep in mind that you will probably need to find another shade option for a few years while you wait for your vine or tree to start creating shade.

Outdoor curtains

If you enjoy your porch or backyard in the early morning or late afternoon, you may have to deal with glare, depending on the angle of the sun. Installing blinds can help you soften the light when needed—or tie them up when you want to enjoy the view.

Micah Soto

Update 28 June 2025