What is the cheapest way to shade a deck?

The least expensive deck shade ideas are also easy DIY solutions. Buy a sail shade or a patio umbrella. Both options are affordable and can be moved to cast shade specific areas of your deck.

How do I cover the sides of my deck?

Outdoor curtains provide ample shade against sunlight angling in from the sides of your deck. Hang them from your deck roof and pull them back when you want more sun. You can also build a pergola or other shade structure and allow a climbing vine to grow for shade.

28 Best Deck Shade Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

Basking in the sun is one of the small pleasures of summer, but there’s also a lot to be said for lounging in the shade. Whether your backyard has a patio or deck, having a source of shade is imperative for getting the most out of your outdoor living space.

You may wish to hire a contractor to build a shade structure. But keep in mind that there are many backyard shade options that are easy to DIY, including shade sails, umbrellas, and awnings. Enjoy our collection of backyard shade ideas and see how easy it is to add a stylish shade solution to your backyard.

1. Backyard Deck Canopy

A shade canopy can be hung by itself—as a shade sail—or attached to a frame or gazebo. Make a simple canopy frame out of wood, PVC pipe or copper pipes and fittings. If you include panels on the sides, you will have more privacy while enjoying your outdoor area.

A patio with a gray canopy, black wicker furniture, and gray curtains on a wooden deck beside a beige house and green trees in the background — Source: @lloydsawnings via Instagram

Covered outdoor patio with a slatted roof, wicker chairs, and a table on a wooden deck next to a red brick house — Source: @broadviewshadingsolutions via Instagram

A yellow house with a wooden deck leads to a green awning. A black grill is on the patio. Trees and a fence are in the background — Source: @montgomery_shade_and_awning via Instagram

An awning is a type of canopy that is often left in place year-round. Colorful striped awnings are a stylish addition to cottages and bungalows, both over the patio or deck and nearby windows.

2. Deck with a Pergola

A pergola is a permanent shade structure made from columns supporting a roof. It has open sides, and the roof may be solid or an open beam or latticework design.

Night view of a deck with a table and chairs under a lit pergola — Source: @uddinmostafa via Instagram

Modern pergola over a deck with wicker furniture, set by a small waterfall and pond, surrounded by lush greenery and blue sky — Source: @sticklerconstruction via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wicker sofas, a stone fireplace, and a pergola; lush green trees surround the space, creating a serene atmosphere — Source: @deckremodelers via Instagram

Modern patio with a fire table, chairs, and a pergola. Steps with accent lighting lead to a dark-colored house with large windows — Source: @deckremodelers via Instagram

A pergola with an open-style roof provides some degree of shade without totally blocking the sun. If you want more sun shade under your pergola, add a shade cloth or allow verdant vines to grow over the open grid.

See more pergola ideas here.

3. Retractable Awning for Deck

A retractable awning is a great patio shade choice if you like to alternate between shade and full sunlight. A motorized retractable awning is convenient, but they can cost thousands of dollars. A manually-operated retractable shade is more affordable and usually easy to manipulate yourself.

Stylish outdoor lounge with a long glass fire pit, plush seating, green plants, and an overhead canopy — Source: @chicagogreendesign via Instagram

Orange retractable patio awning covers outdoor seating area with wooden benches and table, near large glass doors and trees in the background — Source: @americanawning via Instagram

Modern patio with wooden flooring, a dining table, wicker sofa, and chairs, outdoor fireplace and covered roof, with mountain view — Source: @idzensailshades via Instagram

Sunny patio with a wooden table and benches under a white canopy, surrounded by greenery and a view of trees in the background — Source: @aaltaaustralia via Instagram

A retractable canopy may be made of various types of shade cloth. Some are solid and provide full shade while others are semi-sheer. These provide partial shade that allows a little sunlight to filter through.

4. Deck Roof Ideas

A solid roof provides the best protection against direct sunlight. Not only will it protect you from harmful UV rays, it will also keep your decking from fading prematurely.

Modern, open wooden gazebo with a slatted roof, next to a contemporary house. Surrounded by grass, with a cloudy sky above — Source: @backyard_solutions via Instagram

Wooden cabin with a covered porch on a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky — Source: @decksetc via Instagram

Aerial view of a house with a raised wooden deck, patio furniture, and stairs leading to a backyard pool area next to a fence — Source: @dekco_construction via Instagram

Brown wooden deck with a roofed section attached to a brick house; green grass surrounds the deck area — Source: @kpconstruction via Instagram

A wooden gazebo with black railings overlooks a yard and fence, set against a colorful sunset and clear sky — Source: @spruceside_construction via Instagram

Add some tropical flair to your patio or deck by covering it with a thatched tiki roof. It’s a great way to add a party vibe to your outdoor space and is particularly fun beside a swimming pool. Up the party factor by building a poolside bar under your tiki patio cover.

5. Shade Sail Ideas

A shade sail is a triangular or rectangular fabric canopy with eyelets on each corner. Strong rope or twine goes through the eyelet and the other end is attached to the side of the house, nearby trees, or porch columns. A shade sail may also be strung between poles designed for supporting this type of outdoor shade.

Outdoor seating area with red shade canopy and wooden deck, surrounded by greenery and palm trees, adjacent to a small road — Source: @abcawningcompany via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a wooden deck, covered by a triangular sunshade, includes a dining set and a potted plant, under a blue sky — Source: @idzensailshades via Instagram

A wooden deck with chairs and tables, shaded by a triangular sun sail, surrounded by trees — Source: @loubradt via Instagram

House with an elevated porch, blue shade sails, and a beige car parked below — Source: @mick_pols via Instagram

A deck or patio shade sail is an affordable patio shade idea and can be found in colors that enhance your outdoor room decor. They are also easy to reposition if you decide to rearrange your outdoor furniture.

6. Patio Umbrella Ideas

An oversized patio umbrella can provide a large patch of backyard shade and is easy to move as the sun changes position in the sky. There are three basic styles of umbrellas that provide backyard shade:

Cantilever umbrella: Also called an offset umbrella, its top is set to the side of the pole instead of centered above it. A cantilever umbrella is a great shade idea when you need to shield a dining table or seating area but need the umbrella base out of the way.
Market umbrella: A market umbrella is the classic upright umbrella style. They may have a tilt feature and a vented top to allow wind to flow through. Market umbrellas may be mounted on a stand or placed in the center hole of a patio table.

Half umbrella: A half umbrella can be positioned against the wall of your house and used to shade a small bistro set or other smaller seating area.

Rooftop view with umbrella, white chairs, and the Capitol building in the background. Bottle and candle on the table in the foreground — Source: @adcjourney via Instagram

Patio with glass table, chairs, and a large green umbrella, set against a backdrop of trees and string lights — Source: @bloomandglean via Instagram

Patio with a black-and-white striped umbrella, table, chairs, and matching rug overlooking a pool and green backyard in sunny weather — Source: @brideonabike via Instagram

Outdoor patio with two chairs, teal umbrella, floral cushions, and potted plants on a decorative rug with a brick wall and trees in the background — Source: @heartofwendy via Instagram

Patio with a table, chairs, and an umbrella with string lights, set against a twilight forest background — Source: @ibaneznatty via Instagram

Outdoor cafe with red chairs and tables under red umbrellas, overlooking a street; blue sky and glass railing in the background — Source: @umbrellasource via Instagram

Outdoor seating area with wooden benches, a red umbrella, and potted plants on a brick patio near buildings with balconies — Source: @instashade_uk via Instagram

Poolside view with lounge chairs and a large umbrella overlooking a calm sea and distant hills — Source: @shade7umbrellas via Instagram

A deck shade umbrella may be made of polyester, acrylic, olefin, or the name-brand “Sunbrella” fabric. Sunbrella is a durable acrylic and polyester blend that resists mildew, stains, and fading. Backyard umbrella frames are usually made of aluminum, hardwood, or fiberglass.