Shade is an essential part of any space that receives direct sunlight, but in many backyards, it doesn't come naturally. Whether you’re looking to improve a patio, deck, backyard, or poolside area, there’s a shade solution that’s perfect for your space. We’ll outline some of the most popular types of outdoor shade structures to help you complete your outdoor oasis.

What Are Outdoor Shade Structures?

Outdoor shade structures are yard features that are designed to provide protection from the sun. These structures include umbrellas, canopies, gazebos, pergolas, and sail shades and typically consist of a metal or wood structure with attached weather-resistant fabric. These patio shade solutions block direct sunlight, reduce heat, and foster an enjoyable environment for you and your guests. Read on for a breakdown of the different types of outdoor shade structures.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Outdoor Shade Structures

To determine which outdoor shade structure is right for you and your patio or backyard needs, take a look at this chart.

Top Types of Outdoor Shade Structures

Whether you’re looking for a permanent solution to a sunny patio, or a pop-up structure for a cool get together these types of outdoor shade structures have got you covered. Read on to learn more about the different types and decide which is best for you.

The Patio Umbrella

An umbrella is one of the best patio shade solutions for protecting small spaces – such as sitting areas or table settings – from the sun. Due to their lightweight design, outdoor umbrellas don't weather high winds well, so it's a good idea to bring them inside before storms. Umbrellas are an affordable option that are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, patterns, and materials, so you're sure to find one that suits you and your design style. Read more about the different styles of outdoor umbrellas below.

Market

With straight arms and a long, central pole, market umbrellas are classic outdoor umbrellas meant to be propped in an umbrella stand at the center of a patio table or other small outdoor space. Many are height- and angle-adjustable so you can direct the shade exactly where it’s needed.

Beach

Rounded and ultra-lightweight, beach umbrellas are made for use at the beach. Many have spiked poles meant to anchor them deeply in the sand but can easily be staked into your backyard turf if you want temporary shade for a picnic.

Cantilever

Cantilever umbrella shades extend from side-arching pole stands so that you can enjoy the shade without having to worry about a central pole getting in the way. This height- and angle-adjustable umbrella style is perfect for protecting large sitting areas, like outdoor sectionals and reclining chairs.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted umbrellas are similar to cantilever umbrellas, except they install directly against a wall or upper roof to conserve the most space possible while maximizing shade.

Tip!

Umbrellas come in a variety of sizes, so a good rule of thumb when choosing one is to go with an umbrella with a diameter that is 4' wider than the diameter of the table beneath it.

The Canopy

Like patio umbrellas, most canopies are made to be portable; they can be put together and taken down on occasion, rather than being permanent outdoor installations. This portability and ease of assembly make canopies the perfect outdoor shaders for parties, beach days, or sports games. Most canopies are made up of a lightweight frame with a thin fabric or tarp covering, but there are a few canopy styles with different characteristics – read about those below.

Pop-Up Canopies

Constructed from a simple frame and covering, most pop-up canopies are only big enough to shade one small table setting. They are meant to be used as portable day tents; you can put one up to enjoy a sunny day without the sunburn, and then take it down just as easily at the end of the day.

Party Tent

Large enough to shade multiple picnic tables and chairs, party tent canopies are ideal for keeping large groups out of the sun. They're the perfect temporary outdoor installation for large parties – it's in their name!

The Gazebo

If you have the space for it, a gazebo is a luxurious and wide-reaching solution for too much sunshine. It creates a space to gather and entertain, and ensures that, rain or shine, you will still have a place to enjoy the outdoors. Many gazebos are robust, permanent structures complete with a hardy floor, protective rails, and a shingled roof.

Patio Gazebo

These hefty backyard shade structures are built to be incredibly weather-resistant and tend to be more expensive than umbrellas and canopies. However, there are more affordable options that are not made from solid wood. The nonwood options are lighter and made up of a strong metal frame and a tough, decorative roof that can be covered by hard metal or fabric. Many have curtain-like walls that can be collapsed or expanded for privacy.

Grill Gazebo

Designed with open sides for ample ventilation, these gazebos are designed to protect your outdoor grill from the elements so you can grill in any weather. Some even include helpful features like built-in shelving and utensil hooks to stash your grilling tools and keep ingredients close by.

The Pergola

A pergola, usually made of wood or metal, is shaped like a gazebo but features a lattice-style ceiling. This creates the perfect combination of shade and sunlight in the sitting area beneath it. For more shade, you can buy a pergola with a canopy included. Many pergola designs can attach to the side of a house to contain the porch area without closing it off. Like gazebos, pergolas are a permanent fixture and tend to be more expensive than temporary backyard shade structures like umbrellas and canopies.

Tip!

Pergolas are the perfect trellises for vine plants. Plant some ivy, roses, honeysuckle, jasmine, and even grapes. Not only will they look beautiful climbing all over your pergola, their growth will actually provide a little more shade.

The Shade Sail

Whether you want to add shade to a small patio or a spacious backyard, a shade sail is a versatile option. A shade sail is a piece of tightly-woven fabric stretched across an outdoor space to create a shaded area. They're made from durable, UV-protected fabric and come in square, rectangular, and triangular shapes to accommodate different outdoor spaces. Shade sails are often attached to secure outdoor structures, such as trees or roofs, to provide plenty of comfortable shade beneath the canopy.

Shade sails have adjustable anchor points, allowing you to move or rearrange the shade sail as needed. These anchor points are the D-rings at each corner that connect with the hardware used to attach the shade sails to the support structures. This makes shade sails easy to install and even easier to take down when storing for the winter.

Tip!

Though most shade sails come with installation hardware, anchor kits are also available. These anchor kits include all of the hardware you'll need to install the shade sail. Plus, it's always great to have extra pieces of hardware just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a pergola and gazebo?

Pergolas typically have an open or slatted roof that offers partial shade, while gazebos feature a fully covered roof that provides more consistent protection from the sun and light rain. Pergolas are often used to define outdoor living areas, whereas gazebos create a fully sheltered space for seating or dining. For a thorough understanding of the differences read our guide: Backyard Buying Guide: Pergola vs. Gazebo.

Are outdoor shade structures permanent or temporary?

Outdoor shade structures can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary options like patio umbrellas, pop-up canopies, and some shade sails are easy to move or store, while permanent structures such as pergolas and gazebos are installed in place and designed for long-term outdoor use.

Which outdoor shade structures provide the most sun and UV protection?

Gazebos and canopies with solid or UV-resistant fabric tops typically offer the best protection against the sun and UV-rays. Sail shades and umbrellas made with tightly woven fabric can also provide protection against the sun when positioned correctly, but may not cover as big of an area.

You May Also Like