If you have an outdoor patio or deck, you may want to think about some type of shade or covering. Even if you love the heat of summertime, too much sun can be damaging to your skin and cause the space to seem overly warm. Some type of shade overhead can also give you shelter from pesky winds and even a light rain. Note a few tips for choosing the best type of outdoor shade for your patio or deck space.

Permanency

Permanent shade options might include an awning, pergola or gazebo. A gazebo is usually a stand-alone structure, so it can be good if you don't already have a deck or patio installed. However, it can seem a bit closed-in since it usually has a solid roof with lattice walls on all the sides. A pergola is more open, as it's made with simple posts rather than lattice walls, but note that the openings between the roof beams can mean less protection from sun, wind and rain. You also may not like the style of a pergola, as they are traditionally Asian and may not work well with the style of a very modern home.

An awning will offer you more shade from the sun and protection from wind and rain, while still not being as closed-in as a gazebo. Awnings also come in a wide range of styles and virtually any colour you want, so it's easier to find one that fits the overall look of your home and that will coordinate with a wooden deck or stone patio. For even more control over the shade of the space, opt for a retractable awning.

Portability

Many outdoor shade options are portable, so you can move them around your property as needed. A patio umbrella works like a beach umbrella; the post slides into a firm part of your property's soil and is secured with tie-downs as needed. A canopy works like a popup tent; place the four legs or posts around the patio or deck area and simply unfold the roof.

These options give you more flexibility for where you will place the shade, and a canopy can even work to protect toys or firewood you have stored outside. However, these options may be more difficult to set up, and they may need to  be taken down during a storm or high winds. They are also less durable than a permanent fixture, so you may need to replace them more often throughout the years.