Do you want to enjoy your backyard without the sun beating down on you? We have some budget DIY backyard shade ideas for you.
There are days when you just want to kick back, relax, and enjoy your surrounding. But sometimes, the sun might hinder you from connecting with Mother Nature. There is a solution to that.
This article includes easy DIY shade ideas that can help. A lot of the projects are simple enough for beginners to handle. If you are patient, planting trees can also be a great option. Over time, the trees will grow, and their large leaves will create natural shade. It will also make your space more beautiful.
However, if you are looking for faster solutions that would not be too expensive, check out these 13 affordable ideas to keep your backyard cool and comfortable.
1. Picnic Table Pergola
A picnic table pergola is a great way to add shade to your outdoor dining area. It is a small wooden structure that is attached to the house.
This structure covers a table and chairs. It makes it more comfortable to eat outside on sunny days. The best part is that you can build this simple project for about $200, and it will last for a long time.
2. Modern Pergola
A modern pergola can turn your backyard into a cool, relaxing space for the whole family. This pergola stands out because it is designed to fit into a corner, which will help save space.
Since it is a DIY project, it is an affordable way to add shade and style to your yard. This will make it worth the effort and cost.
3. Outdoor Pergola Curtains
If you have a pergola, you already have a comfortable, shady spot where you can relax whenever you want to be one with nature. You can make it even cooler by adding special outdoor curtains designed to fit your pergola.
Also, you can adjust the curtains to fit perfectly. Once they are up, your pergola will feel like a cozy, private getaway in your own backyard.
4. Deck Cabana
Imagine a deck with a stylish pergola surrounded by patterned curtains. Curtains made from certain special fabrics will make it look even more impressive.
With the pergola built over the deck, it is perfect for adding shade to your outdoor seating area. It will create a cool, lounge-like vibe.
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5. Pergola Shade
You can make a pergola shade that looks just as good as the fancy ones that are sold in stores.
You can use canvas drop cloths. You will cut and prepare strips of fabric and then hang them up. The way you space the fabric will give it a neat and stylish appearance. You can also put some string lights at the end to give it a soft, romantic glow.
6. Painted Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella is a great way to get some shade when you are outside. You can move it around to the particular spot where you need shade the most.
People usually put these umbrellas near tables so they can stay cool while eating outdoors. For this project, you will only buy a simple white umbrella and decorate it with paint to make it unique and fun.
7. Hammock Chair With Pergola Top
This DIY idea will help you stay cool in the hot sun. A hammock chair with pergola top creates a shaded spot in your backyard. It features a special stand designed for a hammock chair, with strong hooks to hold the chair securely.
The top of the stand is like a pergola, which blocks sunlight and keeps the person in the chair cool and comfortable.
8. Canvas Tent
This is a creative and affordable way to get shade in your backyard. You can make a tent using canvas fabric and some branches.
It is simple to put together, easy to use and does not cost much. Both kids and adults can relax inside the tent when they want to stay out of the sun and enjoy some cool shade.
9. Copper Cabana
This DIY cabana is made from copper pipes. These copper pipes will give the cabana a cool, modern look that will fit nicely in a natural backyard setting.
You can place it over outdoor furniture, like tables or chairs, to create a shady and stylish spot to relax. The cabana will provide shade anywhere you need it. This will add both comfort and charm to your space.
10. Slat Wood Privacy Fence
A slat wood privacy fence does not only help to create shade, it also helps to block out noise. This will make your outdoor space feel more private and comfortable.
The fence is made with closely spaced wooden slats in a simple, modern design. The slats are too close for climbing plants to grow through but close enough to provide good shade.
11. Easy Outdoor Curtains
These outdoor curtains are designed for a freestanding gazebo. However, the same steps can be used to add curtains to other outdoor spaces.
You can follow step-by-step guides, including videos, to make and hang your own outdoor curtains.
12. Grape Arbor
A grape arbor is a small structure that creates shade. This shade makes it a perfect spot to sit and relax.
It is also great for growing vines or plants that prefer shade. This arbor is bigger than usual. It gives plenty of shade and makes it a cozy spot for years to come.
13. Outdoor Canopy
Patio shade sails can be expensive, but they are basically just large pieces of fabric. This project teaches you how to make your own to fit your outdoor space.
The canopy attaches to your house and fence, which makes it a simple yet affordable way to keep cool and impress your friends.
