With the summer season in full effect, it seems like the only thing we can manage to think about these days is staying cool.  Doing that effectively under our Sonoran Desert sun can be difficult. To help, our thoughts naturally turn toward outdoor shade structures.

Lattice

Latticed shade structures, or pergolas as they are commonly called, are a great and cost-effective way to bring shade to certain parts of your yard.

Pros

• Inexpensive – they can be constructed out of basic pressure treated lumber and coated with high quality outdoor paint.
• Great for plants – a lattice cover is an excellent armature for climbing plants to create a living shade structure.
• Eye catching – pergolas often serve as the focal point of a yard and can bring attention to other features that you find important to the general backyard ambience.
• Lets in light – Pergolas are often covered in greenery, letting in small beams of natural light.

Cons

• Fixed in place – pergolas are semi-permanent structures. Choose your placement carefully.
• Large – gazebos and pergolas are typically rather large in size and are challenging in small spaces.

Solid

There are a number of solid shade structure types on the market today from solid shade sails to large opaque umbrellas. 

Pros

• Multi-element protection – solid shade structures provide protection from many weather events.
• Easy to install – most solid shade structures are relatively easy to install and upkeep. Similarly, they are easy to take down in case of a monsoon.

Cons

• Lack creativity – solid shade structures can come across as boring or lacking in identity.
• Too much shade – it can often provide too much shade and can either diminish the ability of plants around it to thrive.

Cantilever

Cantilevered shade structures is held up by a single column/pole. The structures are either movable or built-in, depending on the complexity.

Pros

• Less footprint – Cantilevered shade structures are constructed with a single pole. Furthermore, this design can help when there is not much surface area for installation.
• Longer life – the canopy portion of cantilevered shade structures can be removed, making it able to withstand more storms.

Cons

• Complex construction – Cantilevered shade structures design and construction is typically more complicated than other shade structures. As a result, the structure has to account for the canopy to fasten securely to a single post.
• Maintenance – Additionally, the mechanisms used to extend or retract often requires a level of maintenance that no other shade structure would.

After lining up the three side-by-side, there is no clear winner. Not sure which shade structure is best for your outdoor living space? Contact our team today!