That’s where these garden shades come in.  Well, I don’t know if they’re actually specifically made for the garden, but this material is a great solution.  It can be used for patio covers, pergolas (stay tuned for this article coming soon as our 1^st attempt with the burlap only lasted about one season), gardens, greenhouses and could probably be used as shade sails, too.

What is it?

The material is a nylon-type, knitted and lock-stitched fabric we purchased called the Easy Gardener™ Sun Screen Shade Cloth that we got from Home Depot for around ~$35.  It comes in various sizes.  The 6’ x 20’ roll was perfect for us because our beds are ~4’ x 8’. All I did was unroll it and cut the 20 foot length in half.

Here are a few of our artichokes growing in our raised garden beds. There are two bigger ones and 3 or so smaller ones just popping out.

If you recall, these are the same beds where we planted the peas a few months ago.  The pea trellisworked great, but our peas suffered an early death.  We’re still not sure what happened. They were doing great, UNTIL we started training them on the trellis in that picture. Still confused – early heat, insect problem, watering issue..?? The excitement over the artichokes we have growing have helped to soften the blow!

Garden Shade Frame Structure

In any case, we opted for the ‘low tech’ version of a garden canopy for our raised planting beds. You can see the basic design in the photos.  All it requires in materials is rebar (1/2”) and PVC pipe (1/2”) and some 1/2” elbow fittings. (and some clamps for the model you see, ha!)

How to Assemble the Frame

Step 1: It is as simple as hammering your rebar into the soil as far as you need to get the stability you need, for the height of the shade as is necessary.  With our raised bed, this meant putting them inside the corners, but it would be just as easy to lay out a square or rectangle shape on the ground, too. I purchased the 20’ x ½” rebar and cut them to 5’ lengths.  Each 20 footer was ~$6.50. This saves quite a bit of money as the 6’ pre-cut rebar pieces are close to ~$5 each.

Step 2: Make the PVC ‘supports’. These fittings are all just pressed, I didn’t bother with the whole PVC glue thing.  The PVC fits right over the rebar.

Step 3: Hang the garden shade cloth material over the PVC and clamp.  You can see some sag in there because they lack that side PVC support* I was originally going to use.  With wind and weather, I may have to fabricate some type of lateral support. Time will tell.

For now, these do the trick. The sun is blocked in the intense hours of the day, while allowing the plants to get sun for growth. Depending on how your garden is shaped and how large it is, you can use this same type of design for your garden shades. If you come up with a cool design, please send a photo. Happy shady summer days!

*Normally, I end up doing an ‘overkill’ job when it comes to the engineering aspects of my designs.  For example, I would have liked to use a ‘Y’ shaped PVC fitting that would have given me a perpendicular attachment pipe between the two longer sides of the shade’s frame.  One, I couldn’t find such fittings at my local Home Depot that were un-threaded on one end. Two, it isn’t required.

Since this shade cloth screen material is quite airy, it allows air to flow through and doesn’t need to be permanently fixed – hence the clamps you see.  Now, we do have plans to stitch those, so that they can be slid over the PVC, like a curtain on a rod.  But, you know how those types of projects get shoved down the list over time.

While vinyl is descriptive of the material, it is more than this. There are a wide variety of awning styles, most of which are made of vinyl.  However, you can find exterior shutters that are made of bamboo, canvas, or other wood products. Let’s not forget about the fact that with a fabric awning like vinyl, you can also have them roll up and stow away when not in use.  The benefit of this type of feature is that in weather that might otherwise threaten a free-standing patio cover, your roll up awnings can be safe and secure in their own protected storage case.  As you might have guessed, these awnings are retractable.  This retractable patio awning feature is activated either manually with a crank handle or motorized.

Motorized awnings are activated by either a switch or via a light sensor.  The switch can be turned on by hand or with a remote, depending upon your particular unit.  Also, you can use a timer to have your patio awnings open and retract when ever you like.  The light activated model will be triggered to open or retract depending upon the movement of the sun in the sky.

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Why vinyl makes such a great choice for garden awnings is that it is both flexible and durable.  It can be washed with a simple mild detergent and hosed off.  This makes them quite durable to resist the effects of the weather and also from dirt and grime.  Many newer awnings are also able to better resist the effects of the UV light on the fabric as well.  The newer vinyl awnings can give you longer lasting life to help you enjoy more time on your patio which is what they are all about.

Awntech 16′ Beauty Mark Maui Retractable Awning with 12′ Projection Your patio or other outdoor area develops an attractively shady character with the addition of this 16′ retractable awning. The 12′ projection from the wall provides ample shade for outdoor gatherings or simple relaxation away from the harmful rays of the sun. The awning installs easily…

16FT Evergreen 1000XT Retractable Awning This Refurbished 16 ft. SunSetter 1000XT Awning is backed by SunSetter’s 5 Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. The SunSetter Evergreen fabric extends out 10 ft. 2 in. from your house and is made of an exclusive multilayer Vinyl material that is 100% waterproof and blocks 99.9% of UV rays making…

12FT Taupe 1000XT Retractable Awning This Refurbished 12 ft. SunSetter 1000XT Awning is backed by SunSetter’s 5 Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. The SunSetter Taupe fabric extends out 10 ft. 2 in. from your house and is made of an exclusive multilayer Vinyl material that is 100% waterproof and blocks 99.9% of UV rays making it…

Coolaroo Select Series Top Roll up Sun Shade 6 Feet by 6 Feet, Mocha Select series sun shades are made with the unique knitted Coolaroo fabric. They provide a stylish look with superior durability. The smooth action roller clutch mechanism is designed to provide a smooth even roll even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Stainless steel tie downs included…

Sunsetter Retractable Awning – Motorized Pro 15ft. (Coffee Stripe) (15′ wide x 10′ extension) The Sunsetter Motorized Pro retractable patio awning instantly creates shade, protection and comfort anytime you want! With a touch of a button, the deck awing can make your deck as much as 20 degrees cooler, while guarding you, your family, and guests from harmful UV rays. This porch awning can…

12′ Easy – Up Roll – Out Awning Easy – Up Roll – Out Awning. Retractable shade to cool off your favorite summertime “hot”spot! Here’s the classic summer dilemma: you love hanging out in the fresh air, but sometimes that harsh midday sun can melt your enjoyment of the moment. Well, under this Roll-Out Awning, temps can be as much…

What you need in order for your space to feel comfortable is the use of shade. This is exactly what these awnings offer. Again, because we are mostly referring to the location that the awning will be used and not a specific type of awning, per se, a discussion about basic awning features and functions will work here.  For one point of interest, awnings come in a variety of styles and fabrics.  What one person calls an awning, another refers to it as a canopy.  It really is inconsequential what you call them, as long as you know what you want.  And, what you want is something that will provide you shade when you want it and where you need it.  In the case of a true garden space, at least in terms of how we see things around here at Patio Covers Place, an awning could really help you to get some great sun exposure when needed and avoid over ‘cooking’ your plants and vegetables or flowers in the intense summer sun.

To some, the term garden awning and garden canopy are synonymous.  We would agree with this.  However, garden canopies are mostly seen as those ‘easy up’ or ‘pop-up’ style structures.  These work great for temporary sun protection in a more inconspicuous area.  As was mentioned, these are often made of a cheaper fabric or less durable vinyl or polyester that will quickly degrade in the sun if left out for prolonged periods.

If you looking to create a nice shaded are for your patio or garden, one of these cheap canopies is not the recommended way to go.  It isn’t that there is anything wrong with these types of structures, they just will not give you the look of say a garden arbor or pergola would.  Again, these are specific structures that you may not be interested in, so a simple canopy might fit your needs quite well.  Do your research and determine if what you want is more formal patio awnings, like the retractable or motorized styles or if some of these garden awnings are more your style.

The most popular brand of these types of canopies is the Shade Tree.  What this looks like is a combination of a pergola and a roller awning.  There are individual panels that can be opened or closed to allow for a specific amount of shade.  They simply pull out like you would do with a roller blind in a window.  Once opened, they just lock into place until released.

These Australian style shade sails make great canopy cover for a deck or patio.

Another type of deck canopy is the ‘one-piece’ variety.  Not necessarily better or worse, this style is used to provide a more consistent type of shade.  While they aren’t completely permanent by any means, they are a bit more tricky to move around.  For this reason, something like the more flexible Shade Tree is a great option.  However, with this one-piece canopy cover, you can attach patio lights or other types of deck lights that could give you a whole new dimension to your patio.

Because some decking designs are only several inches to a few feet off the ground, they may blend in with a garden space.  If this is the case, then the term garden canopy may be used to describe this type of shade.  Again, it really doesn’t change what it is, just the name to describe where it is being used.  Some of these can describe a slightly less substantial shade canopy though.  In other words, there are fairly inexpensive ($100-150 USD) canopies that are made of vinyl or polyester fabrics that are temporary in nature.  These are what you might find at local farmer’s markets or other outdoor fairs.  We’ve  all seen these ‘pop-up’ canopies.  While they are quite handy and durable, using them for your deck or patio as something more permanent is a bit less desirable of a look.
If you’re looking for a gazebo style, then the following options may be a perfect match for your needs. You can click the pictures or descriptions and be taken to Amazon to review further or purchase directly there.

Outdoor Patio Pariesienne 10×10′ Gazebo This is more of an elegant version of a simple deck canopy. You can see how easily it can be ‘dressed up’ to create more ambiance.

Swiss Gear 10- by 10-Foot Smart Shade Canopy The sturdy powder-coated steel frame of this 10 x 10-foot shade canopy with a 106-inch center height features easy-release buttons that don’t pinch fingers and ensure quick and easy set-up without tools. Slanted legs increase stability, and 8 mm heavy steel nail stakes anchor the canopy securely. Made of heavy-duty, 210-D polyester, the water-repellent canopy is enhanced with a special fade- and UV-resistant coating to ensure durability. Dual stabilizer arms in each corner provide added eave support, along with “batwings” and guyouts for added stability in windy conditions. For storage and transport, the canopy packs in an expandable wheeled duffel bag and weighs 36 pounds.

ShelterLogic 8×8 Slant Leg Pop Up Canopy (Red) The Sport Series Canopies offer slanted legs for stability. The frame is constructed of tubular steel with high performance synthetic joint components and is bonded with DuPont thermoset baked on powder coating to prevent chipping, peeling, rust and corrosion. The legs are four-point adjustable for height. The polyester fabric cover is treated inside and out with fade blockers, anti-aging and anti-fungal agents. The polyurethane inside lining is double stitched and seam sealed with waterproof tape for optimal water resistance and drip-free seams. Includes: Full valance fitted cover, Temporary spike anchors, Wheeled storage bag.

Swiss Gear Smart Shade 10- by 10-Foot Screenhouse The Swiss Gear Smart Shade 10- by 10-Foot Screenhouse is great for areas where insects are more of a concern. The panels also provide for more shading while still allowing for airflow.

While your neighbors are probably not going to be judging you, it will still be a better and more sustainable patio structure to go with something that is made to be more permanently placed outdoors.  The materials and fabrics that make up these durable canopies have improved over the years.  The current fabrics are resistant to damage from UV rays and weather the other elements well.  If you do decide to go with the retractable patio awning style canopy like the Shade Tree, you will also be able to benefit by having the ability to close or retract your canopy awnings for extended periods of non-use time.  In the desert southwest, this can help you avoid UV degradation of your canopy (even with the UV-resistant fabrics, the sun eventually wins the war). In other climates, where high winds and heavy snow can ruin an awning canopy, this retractable feature is very important. What ever style you choose, you’ll be happy to have your new deck canopies for your next patio season.

Related Articles:

• Garden Canopy – A Family of Patio Canopies
• Shade Sails: Styles, Benefits and Installations
• Vinyl Awnings for the Garden or Backyard Patio
• Pergola Kits Make the Job Easier
• The Fire Pit Table Serves Several Needs

]]> http://patiocoversplace.com/deck-canopies/feed/ 0 http://patiocoversplace.com/patio-canopies/ http://patiocoversplace.com/patio-canopies/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:17:16 +0000 Mike http://patiocoversplace.com/?p=360 When you have a great patio that you would like to enjoy, year-round depending upon your climate, then there are some features that are just “must haves”.  One of these features is patio canopies.  Well, at the very least, patio shade.  Again, depending upon your region, sun can be a major factor in you having a successful outing or quick visit to your backyard only to return to the comfort of your conditioned indoor space.

There are many styles of outdoor shades and canopies from which to choose.  In fact, there are probably some ideas out there that you have never heard of or seen.  One of our favorites here at Patio Covers Place are the Australian shade sails.  These types of canopies work great for a patio.  They are minimally intrusive as far as profile goes and they provide great shade.

This type of patio canopy is usually made of a nylon material, but you can also find them in certain types of canvases as well.  These are typically triangular shaped and have anchor points to buildings or other firmly mounted poles or posts.  The reason behind this is because they are under high tension so you want to make sure that the anchor points are strong and can take the consistent pressure applied by the shade sail.  Additionally, when it is windy, the anchor points will experience more pressure, so it is critical that they can handle it.

We like the Australian patio canopy type of shade.

Of course, these are not the only type of shade possibilities for your patio.  If you are looking for a more temporary solution for some shading for a party or get together or special event, then you might consider a pop-up type of shade.  Similarly, if you want some spot shading or need a little burst of color or ambiance, a nice patio umbrella could do the trick for you.  An umbrella is a far cry from a full cover for your patio or deck, but it can add extra shading when necessary.

Since we are on the subject, let’s briefly mention the other ways to achieve shade for your patio.  This would include a discussion about blinds and other outdoor curtains or drapes.  In most cases, the curtains are more for ambiance than for gaining much in the way of shading.  However, if the sun is coming in at an angle, a drape can do good for you.  Similarly, patio blinds are of great benefit in this department – we’ve discussed bamboo blinds here.  You can get them with manual rolling features or have them motorized.  You can learn more details about these by going to our Patio Shades & Awnings category on the home page.

At times, patio canopies fall under the category garden canopy.  This is really a special type of shade structure that is very easy to assemble and have up in no time.  If you are looking for that type of temporary shade structure or something for that event like mentioned above, then this type of patio canopy would work great.  They can be adorned with any number of curtains and pull backs to give them an elegant look.  You can also use them for evening or night entertaining and have a set of patio string lights hung around the edge for a nice detail.  In the end, your patio is a place to get some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment, so make it as comfortable and shaded as possible for you to enjoy all season – or year – long.

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Related Articles:

• Outdoor Patio Shades
• Patio Blinds – For Outdoor Shade and Privacy
• Solar Shades – A Great Help To Your Patio Comfort
• Shade Structures: The Backyard’s Best Friends
• Garden Awnings Provide An Oasis In Your Garden

]]> http://patiocoversplace.com/patio-canopies/feed/ 0 http://patiocoversplace.com/garden-canopy-patio-canopies/ http://patiocoversplace.com/garden-canopy-patio-canopies/#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:37:27 +0000 Mike http://patiocoversplace.com/?p=226 These structures can be a real life-saver when it comes to set-up time and convenience.  The garden canopy is really a simply designed shade structure that can be used for a variety of purposes – shade being the obvious underlying theme.  Most of these types of canopies, can be set up and taken down with minimal tools and even labor.  In most cases, they are used on the ground, whether that is grass or pavement.  However, these can also be used as a canopy for your patio, hence the name.

What you will find that varies in their design pertains more to the overall aesthetic than the structural components.  For the most part, they consist of four posts or legs with the canopy overhead.  The canopy can be support with a framework of aluminum or steel support members that are lightweight but very strong.  Since you will use your patio canopy outdoors, it is possible that you will encounter some windy days.  If you leave yours up for a prolonged period of time, then you’ll need to address this issue.  You can buy stakes that can anchor the legs of your canopy to the ground, at least in grass or other earthy terrains.

A nice, quaint and simple garden canopy set up.

If you are using your outdoor canopy on a surface like concrete or asphalt or your deck or patio for either temporary or semi-permanent shade, then you can have a few choices.  If the legs of your canopy shade have a foot with holes, you can screw either masonry bolts or other concrete anchors to anchor your canopy.  If you are using it on a deck or patio, you can simply screw it to the wood.  You’ll want to use a lag screw or other heavier gauge screw to ensure the safety of your canopy.

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Another option is to make your own hanging anchors using some sandbags or some lengths of PVC pipe and concrete mix.  What you can do is cap one end of the tube and pour in your concrete mix, then insert an eye-bolt in that end and let the cement cure.  When it is finished, you’ll have an anchor that can be hung from the legs or the canopy support beams near the top.  You’ll see this method used at your local city fairs and craft shows where the vendors all have their temporary booths set up.

Patio Canopies Come In Various Sizes and Styles

The most popular size is a 10’ x 10’ canopy.  The 12’ x 12’ foot is also popular, but less available in your local hardware supply stores.  You can easily shop online to find ones in this size if that is what you need.  The other thing to consider is the materials.  With an outdoor patio canopy, durability is key.  Most of these are made of nylon and some with a more canvas feel to them.  You can find them also made with Sunbrella fabric, a proprietary material that resists UV fading and deterioration.

King Canopy 10″ x 10″ Almond Garden Party Canopy With Top And Screens GP1010 Color: Blue 10′ x 10′ Garden Party Canopy Zipped up, the screened sides keep the mosquitoes at bay. Tied back, they let guests move about freely. The cover is 100 percent polyester for a more formal look and it comes in four colors with coordinated screening: green, blue, burgundy or almond. These covers available separately and are 3M Scotchgard protected. Features: -Cover available in green, blue, burgundy and almond -Cover is 100 percent polyester and Scotchgard protected -Screened sides which tie back -Optional anchor kit includes (4) 15” screw-in anchors and 40′ of rope -One year Manufacturer’s Warranty against defects Specifications: -4 legged 1 3/8” gray powder coated frame -Side Height: 6’6” H -Center Height: 9’3” H -Base: 10′ W x 10′ L

Swiss Gear 10- by 10-Foot Smart Shade Canopy The sturdy powder-coated steel frame of this 10 x 10-foot shade canopy with a 106-inch center height features easy-release buttons that don’t pinch fingers and ensure quick and easy set-up without tools. Slanted legs increase stability, and 8 mm heavy steel nail stakes anchor the canopy securely. Made of heavy-duty, 210-D polyester, the water-repellent canopy is enhanced with a special fade- and UV-resistant coating to ensure durability. Dual stabilizer arms in each corner provide added eave support, along with “batwings” and guyouts for added stability in windy conditions. For storage and transport, the canopy packs in an expandable wheeled duffel bag and weighs 36 pounds.

Swiss Gear Smart Shade 10- by 10-Foot Screenhouse Swiss Gear Smart Shade 10- by 10-Foot Screenhouse

Some people use the term patio canopies when what they are really looking for are patio covers.  If you are searching for a patio cover, like a pergola or those great Australian shades, you will get a much different product.  Both have their advantages and drawbacks, it just depends upon the needs you have and the way you want to use your patio space.

If you have a certain theme or decor to your patio or backyard space, then you can likely find canopies to match.  While the most basic models can sell for $100 USD, if you go for ones with more adornment, more quality materials and even side awnings and drapery-like looks, you can expect to pay close to $400 USD.

With even more eye for detail, you can further enhance both your patio and your garden canopy with the right type of outdoor lighting.  Patio lights, like those string lights made with different paper, metal or plastic shapes can really liven up an otherwise simple outdoor canopy.  With the support structures in place to hold up the canopy, you can use these to wrap your lights around and make your canopy really shine.

Related Articles:

• Deck Canopies: Made In the Shade
• Shade Sails: Styles, Benefits and Installations
• Pergola Kits Make the Job Easier
• Vinyl Awnings for the Garden or Backyard Patio
• The Patio Umbrella – An Essential Outdoor Accessory

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