Posted by Philip Kass | Posted in Gardening | Posted on 03-04-2011
Tags: backyard, deck, decorating, DIY, Family, furniture, Gardening, Home and Garden, home improvement, landscaping, patio, porch, Remodeling, yard
Most people spend most of their time inside the house where it’s most comfortable and safe from elements such as an overly bright and hot sun, wind and rain. Adding garden and outdoor shades to the home makes it possible to spend time outside the house and continue to feel protection from such elements.
Proper choice of shades can also increase the value of the home through an increase in the quality of aesthetics and functionality. For example, a retractable awning makes the interior much more comfortable. Shades can keep the patio free of rain so everyone continues to relax outside. Around a pool, it’s necessary to give shade to everyone to shield against harmful solar rays. Several classes of shades are available, many of which we will discuss in the following.
Party-like gatherings tend to have a lot of people. To ensure the gathering goes smoothly even in event of inclement weather, a canopy may be used to house all the guests, tables and chairs. A canopy is large structure resembling a tent. Steel standing poles hold up the shade fabric, and side flaps may be added to increase shelter and privacy. The flaps usually have small openings which can let air into the interior, or if left closed can keep the cold air out.
Not all houses come with fixed outdoor shading for the porches, patios and decks. An owner may elect to install a deck awning over such areas, as well as shading windows or doors that overlook the deck. A constantly extended awning is rocked by strong winds and possibly weighed down by heavy snow. To obviate damage to the metal frame, which can bend or even permanently collapse, the deck awning is often made retractable.
The retraction mechanism can be manual, either by a crank mechanism or by a lateral-arm configuration that can just be pushed shut. Motorized retraction is also available for deck awnings. To go a more economical route, try a freestanding or unattached awning.
Large garden areas can benefit from the addition of a gazebo. A gazebo is a self-contained structure which has both a ceiling and floor, and can be a few square yards in area. Gazebos can be constructed on site using wood, but there are also ready-made gazebos made of metals such as iron or steel. Depending on other outdoor decor of the house, a homeowner can choose the most appropriate material for greatest consistency. Homeowners may also consider setting up a pergola design, which is a bit simpler and less labor intensive than gazebos. Pergolas are basically wooden beams, topped off with a few more slats of wood.
Many people will have had some experience with the outdoor umbrella. The most likely place one would have contact with such a product is by the side of a private pool, perhaps inserted into the center of a plastic table. Nowadays, umbrellas can be purchased with different accessories and in different configurations. For example, the side-post or cantilever umbrella has an arm that swings out from the central pole so the overhead umbrella extends from the side. This allows unobstructed views for people sitting directly underneath the shade.
Many of this information was graciously supplied by a site on shades. The Reader may locate more information on awnings.
