Cool off with these 12 shade ideas for your backyard.

Deck and patio shade ideas.

Even a well-designed patio or deck can be overexposed at certain times of day. Keeping cool in your yard is easy with any number of shade ideas. Patio and deck shades come in all shapes, sizes and prices. 

Speaking of costs, keep this in mind: there are tons of budget-friendly ways to add shade to your deck and patio if you're willing to take on a DIY project. For each of these shade ideas, there are inexpensive routes and high-budget options. 

1. Install a patio awning.

If you only want shade during peak heat, consider a retractable awning. Whenever the sun gets too hot, swing the covering out and enjoy a lovely reprieve. One of the best parts? There are no “feet” or structures involved so you can have all the space underneath to sit, play or set up a food and drink station.

Related: How much does a patio cover cost?

2. Put up sail shades.

Modern, minimalist and (best of all) affordable, sail shades are triangular or rectangular fabric shades that can be easily affixed to the side of your house, trees or posts. They’re versatile, attractive and can be layered for more coverage. Multiple sails can be artfully arranged to cover large areas. For professional installation assistance, call a skilled installer near you. 

3. Plant shade trees. 

Okay, admittedly this one takes a few years. But shade trees can add long-term value to your home, even if you have to use another shade idea until they grow tall enough. Plant a fast-growing species if you can’t wait a while, but avoid weak-wooded species — especially if you plant close to the house.

Do your research to make sure you plant a tree that fits within your requirements. Some trees are messy, others are high maintenance. And consider planting native trees. If you need help choosing the right tree and planting it properly, you can always consult an arborist near you. 

Related: How much does tree planting cost?

4. Add rolling sunshades.

The motorized version of this type of shade can cost thousands of dollars, but the manual types of rolling screens are available at a fraction of the cost. Like awnings, these shades are retractable, so you can soak up all the sun when you want it. 

Using rolling shades to block out pesky west sun is another simple shade idea. Add bamboo rolling shoes to the edge of a pergola or patio roof to give you a mobile shade solution. 

Pro tip: For extra coolness when sitting on your patio or deck, consider installing a fan. Contact a fan installation pro to see if your covered patio can accommodate an outdoor ceiling fan.

5. Build a pergola. 

A well-built pergola is a beautiful, permanent shade structure. While it’s not the cheapest option, it will add value to your home. A pergola doesn't always offer solid shade (it depends on the spacing between the beams and the beams’ size), so homeowners sometimes use a secondary shade. For example, outdoor fabric can be draped over a pergola so that it covers both the top and sides. Curtains can be added to create a private or bug-free environment. Or try planting lush fruiting or flowering vines to give you more shade. 

For the avid DIY enthusiast, this is a great multi-weekend project. For the rest of us, contacting a professional builder will save you a lot of time and hassle. 

Related: How much does it cost to build a pergola?

6. Install a gazebo or pavilion.

It sounds grand and very expensive, but the pavilion we're talking about is a metal gazebo-type structure. These range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, but they’re one of the most stylish backyard shade ideas. Pavilions come in simple, modern styles or in ornate wrought iron designs. Gazebo-style pavilions may be built out of wood with a metal or shingle roof. 

If you're handy, you may be able to install a pavilion on your own. If you want to make sure its installed properly, find a gazebo installation pro to get the job done right. 

Pool shade ideas.

Staying cool by the swimming pool is a top priority during the hottest days of summer. It also allows guests to spend more time outside and less time tracking water into the house. From low-key to high-luxury, there’s a shade idea for every pool and budget. 

7. Construct a resort-style cabana.

A cabana gives swimmers a poolside area where they can relax, change clothes and grab a snack. It adds a sense of privacy, elegance and luxury to your backyard, no matter how simple or complex it is. Choose one with a comfortable lounging surface, solid overhead cover and adjustable curtains. Cabanas can be simple DIY wood structures covered in bamboo shades. Or, they can be elegant, permanent builds complete with pillars and hard-wired lighting. 

8. Set up a few fabric umbrellas.

A large fabric umbrella can offer the deep shade you need to enjoy your outdoor space and pool during the hottest parts of the day. And there are plenty of options. You can go low-key with an inexpensive market umbrella and DIY stand. Or, you can splurge on fancy cantilever patio umbrellas. Umbrellas offer elegant charm and come in a range of colors and styles. They can also be put away in winter, opening up your patio to sun when you most need it. 

9. Try cantilevered shades.

With only one side anchored to the ground or a supporting wall, cantilevered shade structures have the benefit of not interfering with the flow of traffic around a pool. They’re elegant, contemporary and generally quite expensive. If you decide to splurge on a cantilevered pool shade, you’ll almost certainly need to find an installer near you to make sure it’s constructed properly. 

More backyard shade ideas.

Wonder what else you can use to shade in your backyard and garden? Adding a little shade to your garden or yard makes it safe for kids and pets to play outdoors during the sunniest days of summer. 

10. Pop up a gazebo or canopy tent.

A pop-up gazebo or canopy tent is a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for occasional shade. These structures pack up small and can be easily stashed. Some even come with mesh netting on the sides for further protection from the sun and mosquitos. Find one in a pretty color that complements your backyard design. 

They're easy to set up (some require only one person) and can be ready to go in less than 30-60 minutes. But if you need help, you can hire a local handyman or furniture assembly pro to set it up for you.

11. Use vines and plants.

If you already have a pergola, arbor or gazebo but it doesn’t offer much shade, get creative with climbing plants. Climbing plants add shade and beauty to any structure in your garden. Some popular plants to consider include: 

• Bougainvillea
• Clematis
• Honeysuckle
• Ivy
• Rambling roses
• Wisteria

Make sure you (or a local gardener) take proper care of these plants to avoid unruly growth. 

12. Try a DIY backyard shade structure.

You don't need to be a master carpenter to construct a simple shade structure for your backyard. Use copper pipes and fittings or simple treated lumber to construct a sturdy box structure. Then, drape fabric over the top and sides. Yes, you'll have to sew on ribbons to tie the ends down, or you could hire a seamstress to do it.

Pro tip: use a plan from a skilled craftsperson or hire one to help.

Hire pros on Thumbtack to add shade structures to your yard.

Don’t suffer under a sweltering sun this summer. Use Thumbtack to find top-rated professionals who can help you install a deck or patio cover. From pergolas and gazebos to awning and canopies, there's a pro who can help you create a shady, comfortable reprieve in your backyard.