How to Cover a Deck For Shade – 12 Ways to Add Some Shade

A deck should be a place for you to sit and relax on a sunny day. But that’s difficult to do when the sun is shining in your eyes. Plus, it will make the deck hot, giving you sunburn. 

The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of simple ways that you can add some shade to your deck. Keep reading to learn more about some of the options that you might want to explore. 

Shingled Patio Covers

One of the longest-lasting patio covers is a shingled roof. This is essentially adding an extension of your roof, to cover the deck. This will allow you to effectively block the sun. It will also offer protection from the rain. When you do this, you will often be unable to tell the difference between the shingled patio cover and the original roof.

Underneath the patio, you will be able to enjoy natural wood. This is a stunning aesthetic. You can opt to stain it, protecting it from the elements. Or you might want to paint it, so the color complements the deck. Because of these benefits, a shingled patio cover will be able to last for a long time. As a result, they can often add a lot of value to your home.

Wooden Pergolas

If you like the look of natural wood, you might want to consider installing a cedar pergola. The wood can be stained to suit the surroundings. The pergola will extend from your existing roof out over the deck. The top of the pergola will have a series of rafters going perpendicular out from the house and a series of beams on top running parallel to the house, covering the deck. This is easy to maintain.

One of the benefits of this type of cover is that you can accessorize it to get even more shade or even a certain amount of waterproofing. For example, you can add corrugated plastic to the top to keep the rain off the deck and you can add screens and plants to the sides for added shade.

Aluminum Pergolas

If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of a wooden pergola, you might prefer the aluminum variety. These have the advantage of coming in a range of colors. This will let you match it to the existing home. The Alumawood pergolas that we offer have a woodgrain pattern stamped into them to make them feel like wood. Plus, they are very durable, lasting for many years. 

Similar to a wooden pergola, you will be able to accessorize the top and sides of an Alumawood pergola. This will offer protection against the elements, so you can still use your deck when it is raining or snowing.

Umbrellas

One of the easiest ways to add a little more shade is by adding an umbrella. There are a few options that you might want to consider, these include: 

  • Table umbrella. These are designed to sit in a hollow slot in the middle of a table. They often aren’t very big and will cover a single table or chair. 
  • Tilting umbrella. As the name suggests, these can be set at an angle. This will offer more flexibility, letting you block out the sun. But they are very expensive. 
  • Weighted umbrella. This option will be held in place by a stand at the base of the umbrella. Often, the stand will be filled with water or sand, holding it in place. 

An umbrella has a few advantages. For example, they tend to be easy to install. You can get them set up in a few minutes. But there are also some downsides to consider. In a strong wind, they will fall over. Or worse, they can be blown away. This type of shade becomes extremely needy as you have to get it out and put it away every time you use it.

Planting Trees

Trees can be a great way of providing some natural shade. If you want to take this route, consider the size of their leaves. The bigger the leaves, the more protection they will provide. This is why many people like palm trees. 

But there are a few obvious downsides. First, it will take years and years for a tree to grow tall enough to provide enough shade. Additionally, if you put it too close you will need to spend a lot of time cleaning the fallen leaves off the deck. 

Louvered Patio Covers

If you are looking for a system that lets you control how much sunlight you let in and can keep the deck dry, consider a louvered cover. On a sunny day, you can open the louvers. This will let the natural light pour into the deck. But if it starts to rain you can close the louvers. This will stop you from getting wet. Better yet, you’ll be able to adjust the angle of the louver, so you can get the right mix of light and shade. If you opt to get the TNT Home Improvement team to install a louvered pergola, you will be able to do this with a handheld remote. 

These are built to last. Almost every piece of the cover is made out of thick gauge aluminum. They come in multiple colors to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the design aesthetic of your deck/house. 

Patio Canopy

There are a lot of canopy options that you might want to explore. This is a good way of getting some shade quickly. You will also be able to take it down and move it when necessary. But, if you’re looking for a long-term option, this might not be the best choice as it won’t handle extreme weather conditions more than once. 

Hanging Patio Curtains

Sometimes you will already have a cover on your deck and will be looking for some ways to get a little extra shade. In this case, you might want to think about putting in curtains. These will hang around the outside of the patio. These will give you a lot of flexibility. You’ll be able to choose elements like: 

  • How thick they are, determining how much light they will block
  • Color
  • Length

A popular alternative to this is blinds. These also offer a lot of creative freedom, with dozens of styles to choose from. Plus, you will be able to control them with the touch of a button.

Growing Vines

You might be able to get a climbing vine. This will have a similar effect to installing a patio curtain. However, the vines will add a more natural feel. Depending on the variety you choose, you might even be able to get one that will flower, adding color and perfuming the air. However, like planting a tree, you’ll need to get a temporary solution in the meantime as it can take a long time for a vine to grow. 

Shade Sail

You might want to install a shade sail. This is a porous canvas cloth, which is available in a range of colors. This will let you get one that will match the style of the space. They are also a good option to provide shade over a large area. You should be able to install them yourself, though you’ll need to get one that will match the dimensions of your deck. 

Awning

If you are looking for a simple solution, you might want to think about installing an awning. They are easy to install because you won’t need to use poles. There are a few options for you to choose from. You might want to have an awning that is always in place. Or you can get a retractable option, that you will need to manually open and close. 

Solid Patio Cover

Finally, you might want to get a solid patio cover. This can be connected to an existing roof or form a standalone structure. It’s solid and will be able to last for a long time. There are a few reasons why you might want to get this type of cover: 

  • It comes in a range of colors, so you’ll be able to pick something to suit your style. 
  • You can install features, like lights and ceiling fans
  • It can be made to custom-fit your deck area

Final Thoughts

Covering your deck is a good way to stop the sun from getting in your eyes and beating the summer heat. Plus, it will block the wind and rain, so you can enjoy the deck in all weather conditions. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You can get a long-term solution by installing a shingled patio roof, louvered patio cover, pergola, or a solid patio cover. Or you can get something more temporary. Hopefully, you are more aware of your options so you can find the right one for you.

If you’re living in the Northern Colorado area, give us a call today at 970-663-2868 so we can talk about your deck cover project.

All About Louvered Pergolas

pic of a louvered pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Are you looking for the best way to make your outdoor living space great while remaining functional? We understand your problem and have the perfect solution for you – louvered pergolas. With our premium louvered pergolas, you get to enjoy all the fresh air and beauty that nature has to offer while transforming your deck, patio, or other outdoor living space into a functional space that can protect you from rain or excessive sunlight.

What is a Louvered Pergola?

It is an adjustable roofing system that allows you to enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and other positive qualities of nature but are adjustable to provide coverage from the less desirable qualities such as snow, sleet, rain, or excessive sunlight. The adjustable roofing can even be outfitted with ceiling fans to provide additional outdoor comfort by keeping out pests such as mosquitos and flies.

Benefits of Using Louvered Pergolas

A louvered pergola provides the best of both worlds – the abundant sun or an open backyard or the complete shade of a covered porch. A louvered pergola lets you choose how much sun you would like to receive at any particular time.

Using the convenient controls of the pergola, you can open the louvers to let through sun, or close them if you want protection from snow or rain. That way, you and your family can spend more time enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.

pic of a job in loveland, co featuring a new deck and louvered patio cover

Here are the top benefits of using louvered pergolas:

Protection from the Elements

A louvered pergola system can be angled to provide protection from harmful UV rays from the sun regardless of its position. Since most of them are made from aluminum, they are usually highly reflective, which makes them incredibly effective at shielding your space from light, infrared radiation, and even radio waves.

A louvered pergola can even be angled to provide both airflow and shade without actually blocking your view. It is also possible to fully open the louvers to allow maximum light into your outdoor space while minimizing uplift and resistance due to high winds.

A louvered pergola roofing system can even be completely closed to provide sturdy shelter from the rain. Most systems come equipped with an integrated gutter where rainwater is pitched into to ensure proper drainage. They can also be equipped with wind and rain sensors that open or close automatically depending on the weather.

Better Airflow and Increased Comfort

Outdoor temperatures are hardly ever perfect, which is one of the reasons why patio covers are so popular. However, even with the regular covers, many times property owners want to increase the airflow and create a refreshing breeze under the cover.

A louvered pergola can really make a difference over a regular solid cover. While a regular cover obviously provides shade, it tends to limit the airflow for people sitting under it. A louvered pergola gives you the advantage of opening the louvers to the angle you desire thus giving you control over fresh air, shade, and breeze at any time of day or night.

Easy Customization Options

We fabricate each louvered pergola based on your preferences and design them to your exact specifications for the best fit and finish for a lovely finished product. We can even customize your louvered pergolas with ceiling fans, outdoor curtains, accent lighting, and custom colors to enhance your outdoor living space.

True Convenience

Louvered pergolas, unlike solid covered patios or those with a lattice overhead, can be adjusted with the simple push of a button. Just imagine being able to go from completely covered to 50 percent airflow with our motorized louvered pergolas above your outdoor entertaining area.

Having a louvered pergola installed on your patio is perhaps one of the best investments you can make. You get the best of both airflow when you need it and a protected cover if that’s what you want. Perhaps the best thing about it is that it isn’t exclusive to residential properties.

If you have a commercial establishment such as a hotel or restaurant, you can take advantage of our louvered patio covers for your outdoor eating areas. When the sun moves throughout the day, the pergolas can keep your customers in the shade.

Environmentally-Friendly

Our louvered pergolas are made from aluminum that’s non-corrosive, which means that it won’t rust. Aluminum is also a flexible and durable metal that’s capable of flexing under loads or springing back from an impact. It also does not burn and does not produce toxic fumes, even when temperatures are high. It is also recyclable without losing its valuable characteristics.

Expert Louvered Pergola Sales and Installation

If you are looking for a beautiful and high-quality product that’s guaranteed to transform your outdoor living space, get in touch with us today to learn more about our louvered pergola systems. We are the go-to resource when it comes to outdoor living products. We are committed to supplying the finest products for your property.

We offer complete design, fabrication, delivery, and installation of premium louvered pergolas for both our residential and commercial customers to choose from. We have taken all the necessary steps to take complexity out of the process by offering you all you need to include a beautiful and high-quality pergola into your project. Give us a call today at 970-663-2868 to schedule your free consultation.

To learn more about our shade options, please visit our patio cover services page.

The Best Ways To Add Shade To A Deck

adding-shade-to-a-deck-tnt-home-improvements

Outdoor living spaces can add a great deal of value to your home. When you have a deck or a patio, you won’t have to stay cooped up indoors all day. When the weather is cooperating, you’ll be able to step outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

With that said, it isn’t always comfortable to have sunlight shining in your eyes. If you’re looking for ways to add shade to a deck, here are a few solutions you’ll want to consider.

Patio Furniture

If you’re looking for a temporary solution to your lack of shade, the right patio furniture can help. For example, a table that comes equipped with its own umbrella can provide some shade on a sunny day. You could also pick up a swing or lounge chair with a built in shade cover. Patio furniture comes in many styles, and you can find outdoor furnishings that will give your deck the look you want.

With that said, deck furniture isn’t a perfect solution. If you don’t want to have to worry about the sunlight when you’re on your deck, you’ll want to explore some of your other options, such as canopies, pergolas, and patio covers. You’ll want to make sure you can enjoy your deck, even when the sun is at its hottest.

Try A Pop-Up Canopy

If you’re looking for a short-term solution to your lack of shade, you might find that a pop-up canopy works well for you. These canopies come in many different sizes, and they can easily be stored when they’re not in use.

While a canopy like this can detract from the appearance of your deck, it’s a fast way to get shade when you need it. If you do invest in a canopy, you don’t have to limit yourself to using it on your deck. You can also take your canopy with you so that you can get shade on the go, especially if you like to go camping.

deck

Plant A Tree

Trees are a fantastic source of shade, and they can also provide clean air around your home. While it can take a long time for a tree to grow, you don’t have to start growing a tree from a seed. Instead, you can buy larger trees that will start providing shade right away.

Trees can be a major investment. Many people are shocked when they see what it costs to purchase trees. However, trees can also greatly increase the value of your home. If you don’t have room in your budget for trees, or if you’re looking for a faster solution, pergolas are able to filter sunlight in the same way that trees can.

Install A Pergola

If you’d like to enjoy the sunlight when you’re sitting on your deck, but you’d also like a little more shade, then you won’t find a better solution than a pergola. A pergola can help filter out sunlight so that your deck won’t be bright. Because of the way a pergola is shaped, plenty of sunshine will still be able to shine through. A pergola can enhance the look of your deck, and it can also make it a more comfortable place to relax.

Most of the pergolas we build are a 50/50 sunlight to shade as far as what light is let through. If you were looking for something that is more adjustable you could go with a louvered pergola. These are powered by motors that let you open and close the louvers above you to let in more light or completely close it shut. If you want more control over the amount of shade this is a great option.

We can build a pergola above your deck so that you’re able to get some much-needed shade. A pergola can add a lot of architectural interest to your home, but it can also be highly functional. If you want to improve your deck’s appearance and get more shade at the same time, then a pergola is the perfect solution.

Hang Patio Curtains

If your pergola or deck cover still isn’t providing the kind of shade that you need, you may want to hang curtains around your patio. Curtains will allow you to block out even more of the sun’s rays so that you can get extra weather protection when you’re on your deck.

If you do decide to hang curtains around your deck, you’ll want to search for curtains that were specifically designed to be used outdoors. Choose curtains that are made from a durable, weather-resistant material that won’t fade in the sun.

Patio And Deck Covers

As mentioned above, a cover is one of the best ways to add some extra shade to a deck. Fabric covers, like a canopy, are a popular option. But if you want something more permanent and something that matches the look of your home than I highly recommend a deck cover.

We offer a range of options for patio and deck covers and will be able to build something that’s perfectly suited to your backyard. Your patio cover can complement your existing roof lines and match your shingle colors. We’ll be able to talk to you about your options for covers and answer any questions you might have. Once your cover is fully installed, you’ll have an easy way to get some extra shade.

Add A Gazebo

If you’re happy with the look of your deck, but would still like a shady place to relax in your yard, why not add a gazebo? Gazebos are designed to provide protection from the elements, and they don’t have to take up much space. It’s more than possible to add a smaller gazebo to your yard.

A gazebo can be a fantastic outdoor reading space, and it can even be a way to entertain friends. If you have room for a gazebo on your property, it’s another option that you could consider.

Adding Shade To A Deck Is Easy

If your backyard gets a lot of sunlight, you might think that your yard isn’t well-suited for a deck. However, there are all kinds of simple ways that you can get the shade that you need.

If you’re struggling to get shade when you’re on your deck, there are plenty of solutions you can try. Once you have a reliable source of shade, you’ll find yourself spending more time in your backyard.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to learn more about deck building and shade solutions. We can build a beautiful deck in your yard, and we can make sure that your deck has all of the shade that it needs. Call us at 970-663-2868 so that we can tell you more about patio covers, pergolas, and other shade solutions. Click on this link to learn more about our patio cover services.

The Benefits of a Louvered Patio Cover

pic of a louvered pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Enjoying your outdoor space all depends on what kinds of amenities you have surrounding you. Patio furniture is nice. A pool is even better. And then there are things like outdoor kitchens that make spending time outdoors absolutely phenomenal.

But what about bad weather? It’s a shame that even a sprinkling of rain can put the most relaxing of outdoor times to rest in an instant. That is, of course, unless you have shelter outside. But while this might be great for rainfall, shelter isn’t so great for letting sunlight stream through. It can seem like there’s no middle ground—until now!

For people who want to truly enjoy the outdoors in any weather, the smartest investment you can make is in louvered patio covers in Loveland, CO.

Understanding Louvered Covers

Louvered patio covers give you the best of both worlds. They can be opened to let natural light stream in, or closed to protect you against overexposure or light rainfalls. The best part is that this adjustment can happen in seconds—even faster than it takes for the weather to change course. If you’re entertaining outside and the sky suddenly becomes overcast, there’s no need to take the party inside. Just adjust the louver!

Great Benefits

Louvered patio covers in Loveland, CO offer more than just convenience on the fly. They’re also great for tailoring your outdoor experience to meet your expectations. For example, if you’re reading a book on a tablet and getting too much of an overhead glare, just adjust the patio cover to filter light to an acceptable level. Likewise, if you’re sitting with friends around a small bonfire, open the roof to let in a view of the stars and let smoke escape.

You’re also going to get the convenience of protection from a louvered patio cover. Rather than having to drag grills, furniture and other amenities out of a shed each time you head outside, you can leave them out under the closed patio cover, with full peace of mind that they won’t be affected by the weather.

Finally, let’s not forget about the value add for your property. Having a patio raises your property’s value, and a proper cover will raise it even more. And when that cover offers the versatility and modernity of a louvered cover, you’re going to get maximum return on investment in the form of added home value when the time comes to reassess or sell.

Transform Your Space

Looking for a way to enhance your outdoor space, while also bringing functionality and comfort into the picture? There’s no solution so smart as a louvered patio cover in Loveland, CO. With a quick installation, you could instantly tailor your patio into a space that’s ripe with possibilities and ready to accommodate you.

For more information about louvered patio covers, their benefits or their features, make sure you’re reaching out to the professionals at TNT Home Improvements. We’ll help you make an investment that pays dividends for you and your family.

Click here to learn more about our patio cover services.