Creating shade in your backyard can help make your outdoor space more comfortable and usable during the hot summer months. With some DIY know-how and creativity, you can add shade elements to your yard without breaking the bank. Here are 26 budget-friendly ideas to inspire your next backyard shading project.
Use Umbrellas and Sun Shades
One of the easiest ways to add portable shade is with umbrellas and sun shades. Consider these budget-friendly options:
Large Patio Umbrellas
Invest in a sturdy, oversized patio umbrella in a neutral color. Opt for a tilt feature so you can adjust the angle to block the sun. Umbrellas around 9 feet wide can shade entire seating areas. Look for budget-friendly patio umbrellas under $100.
Cantilever Umbrellas
Cantilever style umbrellas are designed to mount to a deck or patio surface instead of using a bulky base. This creates a floating shade effect. Cantilever umbrellas run around $150-$300.
Sun Shades
For a modern look, hang rectangular sun shades from cables or poles. Sun shades come in various sizes under $100, providing scalable shade.
Build a Wood Arbor, Pergola, or Trellis
Arbors, pergolas, and trellises made from affordable wood can be DIY backyard projects. They not only provide overhead shade but also visual interest.
Easy Wood Arbor
Make a simple arbor walkway using wooden frames anchored by posts on each side. You can then grow vines up the wooden structure for natural greenery that doubles as shade.
Wooden Pergola
Build a basic square wooden pergola using beams as the roof. Leave the top open for dappled sunlight or add latices to allow vines to grow overhead.
Trellis Panels
You can buy ready-made garden trellis panels at low cost. Position the panels where you want cooling shade and grow vining plants up the structures.
Install Patio String Lights
Hanging outdoor string lights overhead is an easy way to add shade during evening hours. Opt for:
- Patio string lights under $50 for ambient lighting.
- Party bulb lights for brighter light coverage.
- Choose solar options to avoid wiring.
Add Retractable Awnings
Manual or motorized awnings help block sun on patios and porches. Opt for:
- Manual awnings under $100 for simple pull-out shade.
- Motorized option for push-button convenience.
- Awnings come in fun patterned fabrics too.
Make a DIY PVC Pipe Canopy
Use PVC pipe and shade fabric to construct a simple rectangular canopy for around $50 in supplies. Anchor over seating areas, gardens, etc.
Hang Sail Shades
For a dramatic look, hang triangular sail shades from poles or beams. These come in sun filtering fabric under $100. Angle the sails to block sun.
Grow Vines Along Fencing
Plant fast-growing vines like grape ivy along backyard fencing and allow them to climb, covering the walls in greenery. This can provide privacy and shade.
Wooden Lattice Fencing
For quick coverage, attach inexpensive wooden lattice pieces to existing fences, allowing vines to freely climb the lattice.
Trellis Fencing
Install ready-made garden trellis fencing designed for vines to grow on. The green vines will soon cover the walls.
DIY String Grid
For chain link fences, a simple string grid attached with zip ties allows vining plants to grow up. Shade follows as vines spread.
Set Up Waterproof Shade Sails
For a splash of color, install waterproof triangular shade sails in your yard. Use shade sails in fun colors under $50 for areas in need of sun protection.
Make Your Own Shade Screens
Design custom shade screens for patios, gardens, etc using:
- PVC pipes for the frame.
- Shade cloth, canvas, or outdoor curtains for the screening material.
- Curtain clips and grommets to attach the fabric.
Grow Shade Trees
Planting fast-growing shade trees in your yard can provide cooling relief in a few seasons. Some budget-friendly options:
Crape Myrtles
Provide vibrant summer flowers and dense shade with crape myrtles. Mature size around 20 feet tall.
Japanese Maples
Gorgeous red maple varieties grow moderately fast with beautiful foliage. Mature size 15-25 feet.
Birch Trees
Heat and shade tolerant birch trees have lovely yellow fall foliage. Grow up to 40 feet tall.
Build a Wood Shade Structure
With basic carpentry skills, use wood to construct overhead shade structures. For example:
Wood Beam Canopy
Use vertical 4×4 posts with horizontal beam supports to make a simple wood canopy. Add lattice for greenery.
Wood Pavilion
Construct an open-air pavilion with a roof to sit under. Use inexpensive lumber and top with corrugated roofing.
Shack-Style Structure
Build a rustic, shack-style structure with a slanted roof to mount over seating areas or gardens.
Fashion DIY Sun Sails
Make your own decorative sun sails for only the cost of supplies. Use:
- Canvas drop cloths or durable fabric cut into sail shapes.
- Grommets to reinforce edges.
- Rope, cable, or chain to hang.
Install Outdoor Curtains
Use outdoor curtain panels to block sun while adding privacy. Opt for:
- Outdoor textiles like canvas, polyester, etc.
- Grommets top and bottom to hang.
- Overlap panels for full coverage.
- Draw curtains closed when shade is needed.
Make a Hammock Oasis
What’s better than a shady hammock on a hot day? Create a hammock oasis by hanging hammocks under trees or from shade structures. Add side curtains or netting for shade enclosure. Budget hammocks cost under $50.
Set Up a Canopy Tent
For portable shade, set up canopy tents wherever needed. Opt for:
- Canopy tents under $50 for pop-up shade.
- Larger canopies around $100 for events and gatherings.
- Waterproof canopies if needed.
Install Exterior Roller Shades
Mount hardware-mounted roller shades on porches and patios to control sun exposure. Manual and motorized systems are available. Prices range $100-$300 to cover average windows.
Make Your Own Sun Screens
Fashion simple screens from:
- PVC pipe frames.
- Burlap, shade cloth, or landscaping fabric for screening.
- Shower curtain rings to attach fabric.
Add a Deck or Patio Roof
Construct simple A-frame roofs over patio and deck spaces. Use:
- Treated lumber for triangular framing.
- Corrugated metal or polycarbonate roofing.
Get Creative With Umbrella Alternatives
If typical umbrellas won’t work, try unconventional items for makeshift shade like:
- A beach umbrella in a sand base.
- A large piece of plywood propped on something.
- Suspending a tablecloth overhead.
- Hanging a tapestry as a shade screen.
Make Your Own Shade Arbor
Construct a simple wooden arbor covered in shade cloth. Use:
- 2x4s or 4x4s for corner posts.
- Lattice, plywood, or cloth for the roof.
Position Outdoor Furniture Strategically
Take advantage of existing shade in your yard by positioning outdoor seating and lounging furniture in the shade patterns. Use the shade you have.
Install a Window Awning
Add awnings over windows prone to direct sun. Opt for:
- Metal window awnings offering full protection.
- Fabric sun shades for semi-coverage.
Grow Vining Vegetation on Structures
Grow climbing vegetables and flowering vines on overhead structures. The leafy greens will provide living shade. Some options:
- Pole bean teepees.
- Tomatoes grown on trellises.
- Cucumber, pea, or gourd vertical gardens.
Get Creative with Homemade Sun Blockers
If all else fails, use found objects around the yard to create impromptu barriers from sun. For example:
- Old shutters propped against structures.
- Leftover landscaping planks leaned on posts for shade.
- A sheet draped over a rope line.
26 Budget DIY Backyard Shade Ideas – FAQs
Get answers to commonly asked questions about creating budget-friendly backyard shade.
What are the most cost-effective ways to add shade in a yard?
Some of the most budget-friendly options for DIY shade include using umbrellas, sail shades, shade sails, temporary canopies, and strategically placed outdoor furniture.
What are some good shade solutions for patio and deck areas?
For patios and decks, consider using cantilever umbrellas, large sun shades, pergolas, extendable awnings, waterproof shade sails, exterior curtain panels, or installing permanent structures like roof covers.
How much does it cost to install a DIY shade arbor or pergola?
Simple wooden DIY arbors and pergolas can be built for $100-$300 in lumber supplies. More elaborate structures may cost more. Ready to assemble shade kits are also available.
What are fast-growing trees that create backyard shade?
Some fast growing shade trees worth considering include crape myrtles, silver maples, hybrid poplars, honey locusts, Chinese elms, willows, and black gum trees. Do research to pick the right tree for your climate.
What are the best shade solutions for yards with no trees?
Yards lacking trees can use alternatives like shade sails, shade structures, large umbrellas, exterior curtains, or temporary canopies to create useful shade. Planting fast-growing trees also helps over time.
How do I make a sun shade screen for my deck?
Use sections of PVC pipe as a frame. Add T-joints to connect pipe pieces. Use landscaping fabric, burlap, canvas or quilt backing secured to the frame with zip ties, hooks, or shower rings. Drape the shade screen where needed.
What are the easiest budget wind and sun block solutions?
Some of the simplest sun and wind barriers include positioning large outdoor planters or pots, setting up portable fence screens, hanging flexible curtains, and using strategically placed tall plants or yard art pieces as improvised shelters.
Conclusion
There are many creative and affordable DIY ways to introduce cooling shade into your backyard oasis. With a little ingenuity, basic building skills, and cost-conscious supplies, you can craft custom shade solutions to make your outdoor living space more enjoyable. Experiment with different removable and permanent shade structures to see what works best for your needs. Properly positioned shade lets you fully utilize and live in your backyard despite harsh sunlight.
So try out some of these budget-friendly ideas for adding more shade to your exterior spaces. You don’t need to spend a lot to protect and enjoy your yard in the warm sunny months ahead. With the right DIY shade techniques, you can decorate your backyard with shade on a budget.