Creating shade on your open patio can let you enjoy the summer weather even when the sun is at its hottest. Depending on your carpentry skill and the look you desire for your home, you can choose a simple, inexpensive patio shelter or a more complex and beautiful look. For concrete patios, attach the shade structure securely so high winds don't topple it; this can be done with concrete anchors or simple weights, depending on the structure. For wooden patios, simply screw the structure into place if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Pergola
Create a beautiful structure that adds shade to your patio by combining cedar and vines into an open-weave structure known as a pergola. Place a sturdy cedar post at each corner of the area you want shaded, then frame them together at the top with 2- by 6-inch lumber. Place additional slats of 2-by-6 lumber across the top, laying each piece on edge about 6 to 8 inches apart. Attach them firmly with screws or nails and brackets. Cut the ends with decorative angles for added effect.
Plant live vines at the base of the pergola, and weave them up the posts and throughout the top slats until you have the amount of shade you desire. To add shade while your vines are still growing, top the structure with potted ferns or silk vines until the real ones fill the area. You may need to add diagonal braces near each corner to keep the legs sturdy. It's a good idea to attach one side of the structure to your house.
Decorative Umbrellas
If you like the look of broad canvas umbrellas, but don't want to fill your patio with tables that have umbrella stands, find large decorative planters and place a PVC pipe in the center of each. Make sure the pipe has an inner diameter that is just barely wider than your umbrella pole, including any bumps or knobs, then pour concrete around the pipe to hold it in place. Take care not to get the concrete inside the pipe.
Place an umbrella inside the pipe and open it, allowing the weight of the concrete-filled planter to anchor it. Place a planter/umbrella combination in each corner of your patio, or wherever you need one to create overlapping pools of shade. Ceramic planters with very broad bases work best for this application.
Simple Tent
Connect a series of PVC pipes and angle or corner connectors, available at hardware and home improvement stores, to frame a structure that suits your patio's shape and size. Cover the top of this structure with medium weight canvas cloth in the color of your choice, adding a waterproof coating in rain-prone areas.
For additional shade or privacy, hang medium or lightweight muslin fabric down the sides of your PVC structure and tie it back when necessary with decorative ribbons. Add connectors in the middle of your shade structure's support legs to create side "wall" pipes that you can hang fabric from for a low half-wall or use as a drying area for swimming pool towels. PVC is easy to cut and drill with standard woodworking tools, so it's easy to get creative and add items such as drink holders or other accessories.
