8 Reasons To Add Shade Structures to Your Backyard

Arizona residents know that the sunshine isn’t a joke. With temperatures soaring and UV levels spiking, it’s essential to create a comfortable yet protective outdoor space. Let’s cover several key reasons why adding shade structures to your backyard is ideal.

1. Safeguards Your Skin From the Sun

Living in Arizona means dealing with one of the highest UV indexes in the country, especially from April to September. According to the EPA, these months see UV levels ranging from 7 to 10, on average. Prolonged exposure to such high UV radiation can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. By incorporating shade structures into your backyard, you create a protective barrier against harmful sun rays, allowing you to enjoy spending time outdoors without worrying about sunburn.

2. Keeps Outdoor Areas Cooler

Arizona’s scorching sun can make outdoor areas unbearably hot. Shade structures such as pergolas, gazebos, and awnings limit sun exposure, keeping your seating areas significantly cooler.

Limits Sun Exposure

Shade structures act as a shield, blocking direct sunlight and reducing the temperature underneath. This shield makes a noticeable difference in comfort, making outdoor spaces more inviting. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or reading a book, the cooler ambience ensures you can spend more time outside.

Increases Airflow

Properly designed shade structures are not just about blocking the sun; they also promote better airflow. Pergolas and gazebos, which feature open sides and slatted roofs, allow air to circulate freely. It’s easier to dissipate heat with this natural ventilation.

3. Protects Outdoor Furniture or Equipment

Prolonged sun exposure fades colors, weakens the materials, and expedites wear and tear. Shade structures protect your valuable outdoor pieces from the damaging effects of the sun. With a shaded area, items from grills to couches to fire pits will look new for longer. Plus, you won’t have to replace items as frequently.

4. Makes Your Backyard Stand Out

Think Green designs and builds custom shade structures to make your backyard luxurious and practical. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or boost your home’s resale value, shaded structures can make your backyard stand out. They give your outdoor space a unique character that reflects your style and preferences. Read on to take a quick look into some of the shaded structures Think Green can construct for your backyard.

Add a Pergola for the Garden

Pergolas provide partial shade, so some sunlight filters through. The dappled light effect is charming and practical for plant growth. You can accentuate the pergola by planting vines or roses that climb up the structure for a more sophisticated shaded structure.

Install a Pergola or Ramada for a Shaded Dining Area

Fresh air and a comfortable place to eat a meal is what outdoor dining is all about. Adding a shelter above of the space is exactly what you need. Pergolas and ramadas are perfect for gatherings of all kinds.

You can use these shaded structures to cover tables, couches, chairs, or even outdoor kitchens. Doing so will form a gorgeous retreat that ignites conversations far past the meal itself.

Customize a Luxurious Loggia

A loggia is a beautiful architectural feature that consists of a roofed and open-sided structure, often found in gardens or along the walls of a home. It creates an elegant transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces where families can relax in a shaded area full of fresh air. Customize the structure’s style with iconic features such as columns, arches, or decorative railings. It will become one of your loved ones’ favorite spots to unwind in the Arizona heat.

Add a Gazebo for a Shady Getaway

A gazebo can transform your backyard into a stylish and practical retreat. They provide full coverage from harsh sunlight and rain for enjoyment regardless of the weather.

The structure will complement your home while serving as a gathering spot for friends and family. Add comfortable seating and soft lighting to create a cozy escape for relaxing evenings or social gatherings.

Hang a Sunshade Sail for an Airy Ambience

A great way to make your outdoor space feel airy while shielding yourself from the sun is by hanging a sunshade sail. These fabric canopies come in different shapes, sizes, and colors for full customization. It will block UV rays while bringing in filtered sunlight for a warm atmosphere.

Simply attach the sails to existing structures such as trees, walls, or posts. The flowing design adds visual appeal and promotes airflow, keeping your outdoor area cooler and more comfortable on hot days.

5. Adds Dimension to the Yard

Without the presence of shaded structures, expansive backyards appear monotonous, uninviting, and empty. People are also less likely to use them.

Shade structures offers depth. The defined areas can serve as dining spaces, a cooking area for an outdoor kitchen, a reading nook, or a play zone for children. Any structure you choose will improve the yard’s appearance and function.

6. Prolongs Outdoor Enjoyment

The weather can cut your outdoor enjoyment short. Shade structures let you stay cool and out of the sun or hide away from the rain without having to retreat indoors. With more time spent outdoors, the happier you will feel.

7. Increases Functionality of the Backyard

The more amenities your backyard has, the more entertaining it becomes. We have some inspiration for how you can use each of the shaded spaces in your upgraded yard.

A Covered Dining Area or Outdoor Kitchen

Perhaps you crave a cozy spot to savor breakfast or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for summer barbeques. No matter the purpose, you can enjoy every second of it outdoors without retreating inside.

A Bar Area for Watching TV

Instead of watching your favorite sports or TV shows indoors, take a step outside for a different experience. A shaded bar area equipped with comfortable seating and a large TV screen transforms your backyard into an entertainment hub.

A Poolside Oasis

Place beach chairs beneath the shaded structure for when you need a break from the sun. It’s the perfect way to cool off, eat snacks or sip drinks, and get ready to splash back into the water.

8. Makes Everyone in the Family More Excited To Spend Time Outside

These reasons to add a shade structure in your backyard all center around the importance of relaxation and spending quality time with loved ones. The heat in Arizona can feel miserable at times, but feeling like you’re stuck indoors is even worse! Establishing shaded areas will make every square inch of your backyard count.

From pergolas to gazebos to ramadas, Think Green can do it all. Visit our website to view past projects and learn how we can make your vision come to life.