The Best Ways To Add Shade To A Deck

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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.

Four Year-Round Benefits of Installing a Patio Cover in Loveland, CO

pic of a pergola built in Loveland, co

Your patio can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable spaces at your home. It’s the perfect place for lounging, entertaining guests and having a meal outdoors with your family. Even though you may get the heaviest use out of your patio during the summer months, you can take advantage of this outdoor space all year long with a few modifications. By adding a patio cover to your space, you are maximizing its potential and giving yourself even more reasons to love your patio. Some of the advantages of patio covers include:

  • Cooling during the summer: One benefit of having a patio cover that people might not consider is their ability to mitigate heat transfer to your home’s interior. Windows can let a lot of heat into your home on sunny days—even windows that are designed to offer insulation from outside conditions. A patio cover shades your windows and decreases the amount of heat that they absorb.
  • Increased comfort: Many people simply stop enjoying their patio or deck when the weather gets dicey. When you have a patio cover, you can sit outside regardless of the elements and get some fresh air. Sitting outside with a good book and hot cup of tea on a drizzly day is possible when your patio is covered and you can stay dry. Even on nice summer days, it can be uncomfortable to sit out on your patio without any protection. A patio cover in Loveland, CO makes your patio an even more comfortable part of your home.
  • Protection of your materials: Ultraviolet rays can do damage to the materials that your patio is made of, as well as the furniture that you have on your patio. It can cause colors to fade and break down the chemical bonds in your patio. A cover will protect your furniture and the surface of your patio or deck from harmful UV radiation.
  • Improved appearance: Having a cover for your patio can improve the overall aesthetic of your home’s façade. There are many different patio cover options that are fully customizable so you can select the color, material, size and design that appeal to you. You can impress your guests with a beautiful addition to your outdoor space that works perfectly with the overall look of your home. Patio covers can even increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers and improve its market value.

If you want to begin enjoying all of the benefits that a patio cover in Loveland, CO can offer, reach out to our team at TNT Home Improvements. We have years of experience working with customers to complete a variety of home improvement projects, including deck building and patio cover installation. Our professional team is able to work with your specific needs to build the patio cover that perfectly fits your home and the appearance of your patio. If you’d like to get a free estimate or find out more about all of the services that we offer, simply give us a call today.

Click here to learn more about our patio cover services.

Reasons You May Want to Choose Composite Material Over Wood for Deck Building in Fort Collins, CO

pic of a deck and pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Installing a deck for your home can be a beautiful, functional and perfect home addition, whether it’s a new construction or a rebuild of an older deck that’s beyond repair. When it comes to decking material, the first thing that likely comes to mind is wood, although composite has become popular in residential home deck building projects across the country.

Truth be told, using wood for your home’s deck is a good choice when you prefer the natural beauty and feel of real wood, but what about composite decking material? What are the advantages to using composite over wood? Here are some reasons you may want to choose composite materials for deck building in Fort Collins, CO.

Cost

Although wood decking materials and installation may cost less initially, the maintenance costs over the lumber’s lifetime is much higher when compared to composite. Doing the refinishing work and repairs on a wood deck yourself can save you money compared to paying for hired services, but you must be willing to do it. And while composite building materials may cost more at the start, future maintenance work and cleaning supplies will cost very little.

Maintenance

Wood decks, as pretty as they are, will require sanding and staining or painting every couple of years to keep them from splitting, peeling, fading and warping. As a result, many homeowners never install a deck because they know they won’t have the time to maintain it. But choose composite decking—which is similar to refinished indoor flooring—and you will enjoy a low maintenance, easy-to-clean deck material option that will never need refinishing. Just clean it occasionally with soap and water, and you should be good to go.

Appearance

If using a composite material for your deck sounds good, but you really want the look of wood, then you’re in luck. A high quality composite material made of wood and plastic can indeed look like real lumber, complete with grain-like designs and color. In addition, because composite decking materials are manufactured to avoid changes like warping and fading, your beautiful-looking composite deck will retain its same lovely appearance for years. The appearance of wood, on the other hand, can alter over time due to sun damage, wood decay, mold and attacks by animals and insects, if not properly cared for.

Safety

When it comes to your deck, safety does not involve only its structural integrity and building quality. Like a patio, you may want to walk around on your deck barefoot to soak in a warm day, or because it is more convenient to do so, or your kids and pets will want to play on it. However, the natural life cycle of wood may cause wood decks to rot, splinter, crack and split, creating an unsafe hangout area in between refinishing jobs. With a composite deck, none of this will happen, which makes it a safe area for everyone’s bare feet.

If you have decided that it’s time to move forward on that long-awaited deck project, give the team at TNT Home Improvements a call today. From materials to all the information you will need, we are here to help you plan for deck building in Fort Collins, CO.

Six Year-Round Benefits of Installing a Quality Patio Cover in Fort Collins, CO

pic of a deck and pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Homeownership means so much more than just paying the bills and doing home maintenance on the weekends. It also means getting the chance to make the space your own, to make the changes you want so you can better enjoy it for many years. When it comes to home improvements, one of the most affordable and useful projects you can take on is adding a cover over your patio. Need a little more incentive? Take a read through these six year-round benefits of installing a quality patio cover in Fort Collins, CO:

  • Create an outdoor living space: Not only does having a covered patio extend your home’s living space out into nature, but it also makes way for opportunity to create a spot for outdoor living. Your cover acts as a shelter against the weather so you can chill in the evening with a book, spend quality time with your family on the weekends and entertain dinner guests by the light of the moon.
  • Protect your outdoor furniture: If you love hanging out or hosting parties outside on the patio, then you likely own outdoor furniture. Since a lot of patio furniture can cost just as much as living room furniture, go the extra step to install a patio cover in Fort Collins, CO to protect your investments, and to keep pieces looking good all year long without the worry of sun or rain damage.
  • Get protection from the elements: With a plain old uncovered patio, your plans are likely to get cut short when it gets too hot or rainy. On the other hand, with a quality patio cover, you are offered protection from the elements no matter what season. Depending on the type of material used, a cover can lower the temperature of a patio area by 10 to 20 degrees while shading you from harmful ultraviolet rays, and it keeps you comfortable and dry during rainy days or sudden downpours.
  • Great for stay-cations: Many of us lead busy lives—so much so that we forget to take a vacation every now and again. Save travel expenses, time and money by putting together a lovely outdoor space, complete with a covered patio area, right in your own backyard for year-round relaxation and enjoyment.
  • Keep your house cool: An often overlooked benefit of patio covers is that they work as a big shade to block the sun from blaring through your windows and glass doors. In turn, a good portion of the sun’s heat is kept from entering the interior of your home on hot, sunny spring and summer days.
  • Numerous material and style options: You can have a simple cover or an intricate one. Choose a pergola with a lattice style to allow a little sun through or for growing vines, or select a more solid material like aluminum or wood for full coverage. Or, to blend it in with your home’s roof, consider matching shingles. The key is to know your needs and budget before getting started.

Contact the team at TNT Home Improvements today for assistance with the planning stages of your patio cover in Fort Collins, CO.

Click here to learn more about our patio cover services.