How do others create shade on a sunny and hot patio?

[sixdogs]

How do others create shade and block the hot sun on their patios or porches? We're looking for an easier way to block the sun on our patio.

It's hotter than heck on our flat Midwest farm ground and I'm looking for ideas. We don't have any trees on the south up against the house because the septic and basement drain is there and I don't want a small or cumbersome awning because of the high winds we often get. We have a porch so I could put an awning off of that but I would always be cranking it up or down and I'm sure it would cost $$thousands. Same thing with a small umbrella type thing. The wind would pick up and it would be gone. Maybe I do want an awning and just don't realize it would work.

Recently, I saw a triangular lightweight fabric type flag thing that looked like a three corner sail. It hooked to two points on the house and one point on a pole or post or something 20 ft or so away from the house. It was probably 20 ft square and did look like it would work and be easy to get down if the wind picked up. Has anyone seen this?

How do others in hot areas create shade for themselves on hot patios or living areas around their homes? Awnings, umbrellas or ? What works for you?

 

[s219]

My neighbors have a real nice awning that can roll itself up if it detects a wind load. Might be something to look into. Mounts to the house only.

 

[4570Man]

My deck is naturally in the shade in the evenings. The downside to the natural shade is the deck requires frequent pressure washing to keep it looking decent. I personally hate the deck. After I have been working out in the heat all day I don't have the slightest desire to come home and prolong the misery by sitting outside.

 

[Deere Dude]

What about an awning like on campers? I saw a couple houses with those on the side.

 

[JMER817]

This is how I do it...lol

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

This is how I do it...lol

That's next years project for me.

 

[Wagtail]

Have a local Google for Triangular Shade Sails. They're very common down here, especially in a town backyard environment, but would work for you.

You can put up more than one so that they overlap each other for a nice aesthetic effect. Bottle screws are used to tension them.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

How big is your mother-in-law? :dance1:

 

[lennyzx11]

Sunsetter awnings are pretty nice. Little pricey though.

 

[Pirate]

If you want to sit out on your patio during a nice heavy rain storm, skip the RV awning.