Creative shade

[Ben H]

My house has zero afternoon shade in the backyard. I built a pretty nice deck a few years ago, and the wife would like to be able to use it in the afternoons after work. But summers here are flat out unbearable in the sun.

I do have one of the yard umbrellas, but I'm trying to think "bigger". I had also considered a awning, but can't really afford a nice one, and refuse to buy a cheap one.

So I'm just trying to get some suggestions for creative (not breaking the bank) ideas on how to get this done.

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[Mark P]

How about building a pergulia over a portion of the deck. I've seen some nice one that provide good shade.

[Ben H]

I have considered it, but one of my hold backs is attaching it to the house. I'd rather not add the extra weight to the brick veneer.

[Charles]

Ben

Try a offset umbrella. I have a similar deck here if North Florida and the late afternoons on the deck were unbearable.

I also planted some rapidly growing Drake Elms. They look very nice and have a large crown that provides shade.

Charles

[Ben H]

Charles, while at Sams club the other day I saw that massive offset umbrella they have. Unfortunately, the reviews I read online are less than enthusiastic. It appears they plastic just get s brittle after a year in the sun. However Ikea does have one for only 80 bucks. A man could almost justify one a year at that price.

Really, I was hoping for something more storm proof

[Rocon]

Dream it and they can build it.

http://shade-n-net.com/

[kurt]

I researched this for a moneyed client a few years back. There are not any options for cheap affordable awnings or shades.

The stuff I found that was reasonably priced was all cheap vinyl crap without adequate UV inhibitors; they all go to shards in a year or two.

Weather and UV resistant fabrics are freaky expensive.

[allseason]

Why not build a free standing pergola, simple design with poles and rafters. Plant with deciduous vines, this provides shade in winter and sun in cooler months.

[Tom Raymond]

Although nowhere near as cool as the Ramon's idea, what you need is a Sunsetter awning. There are specific instructions for attaching one to the brick veneer, but I'd go with a free standing unit. The motorized version is less than $2K.

http://www.sunsetter.com/oasis_awning.htm

[Ben H]

Speaking of a pergola. If you "did" attach the ledger to the brick, with say 2x8 material (roughly 10 ft span from the house), think I'll crack the veneer over time? I suppose I could try to get the wall studs, but that won't be easy as a rim joint on a deck.

[Tom Raymond]

Put up posts and make it free standing.

[kurt]

Why not build a free standing pergola, simple design with poles and rafters. Plant with deciduous vines, this provides shade in winter and sun in cooler months.

That's the best idea. Awnings start out looking like Grandma and Grandpa's house, then go downhill.

[Ben H]

Thats the problem. I've been staring at it for days and can't come up with a design I like for post. I don't want to build it and it look like an afterthought (which it is)...

[hausdok]

Go to a surplus store and buy a decommissioned parachute. You'll want an old T9 or a T10 without the gores removed. Then go to a nursery and buy some bamboo. They work great, go up and come down quickly and easily.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[charlieb]

Have you considered something like:

http://shadesails.com/

[Mike Lamb]

You could try EZ Ups. http://www.ezup.com/products/pro/eclipse2.shtml

I bought a 10' x 10' for showing my work at art shows and use it extensively at my girl's softball games. They are not kidding when they say EZ. It's sets up and takes down in minutes. You have to weigh down the legs if it's windy but I'm real happy with it for $250. You can get them in different sizes.

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Shadesails looks like a cool idea.

[Ben H]

I think I'm going to go the pergola route. The wife seems happy with that idea as well.

I'll work out the details and run it by you boys this week. Thanks all.

[asihi]

You can really get creative with a free-standing pergola. Also consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan inside of it along with some well placed shade trees around the deck.

Tony

[allseason]

I agree with Kurt.

[Charles]

Ben,

Below is a picture of a pergola I built last year. Pacific Coast precast structural columns and hand cut cypress timbers with a Lexan roof. Turned out pretty well.

If I can find a picture of an attached cypress pergola I will do so.

A place to go for ideas is Finehouse Ltd. You might get lucky and get some ideas here.

Charles

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[Ben H]

Thanks Charles. I'll check it out.

[Charles]

Ben,

I promised i would post a picture of a cypress pergola built a couple of years ago, Money was no object with this client. Hand laid stone. Cypress timbers were all hand distressed. Once done we were/are quite proud the way this turned out.

I think the pergola idea is just what you are looking for and easily adaptable to most situations and circumstances.

BTW the offset umbrella we have is made by Southern Patio (Southern Butterfly Offset Umbrella). Mostly powder coated metal parts with minimal plastic components. Canvas cover. Ive had mine for three years now and is still in good shape.

Charles

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[Ben H]

Charles, how did you connect the "joist" to the outside "beam" Lags through the top of each one?

[Charles]

I do not recall to memory the exact nature of connection to main house. I know that we used Simpson Architectural connectors at main beam connections and to footers. I seem to recall the attachment to the rear lanai was through bolted to the existing header.

Charles

[rbaake]

...off the subject but it caught my eye, in my area (southern NJ) plumbers only seem to use ABS for vent stacks. I noticed PVC in your photo. Any practical reason for this?