How to Shade a Deck: 7 Deck Shade Ideas
The best way to shade a deck depends on how much sun the deck gets, how you use the space, and your local weather. Overhead covers block the midday sun, while drop-down shades help block sunlight coming in at a lower angle in the morning and evening. For most decks, a combination of the two provides the most effective shade. In this guide, we will walk through the most effective ways to add shade to a deck so you can get the ball rolling and finally bring your backyard ideas to life.
Deck Shade Options at a Glance
Option | Mount style | Adjustable shade? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Retractable awning | On the wall of the house | Yes, extend or retract | Decks attached to house |
Drop-arm porch awning | On the wall of the house | Yes, angle adjusts | Low-angle sun and glare |
Aluminum awning | On the wall of the house | No | Permanent covers |
Patio canopy | Attached or freestanding | No | Large decks and patios |
Pergola | Attached or freestanding | Yes, with louvered roof | Outdoor bars and dining |
Limitless canopy | Stainless steel cables | Yes, panels slide open | Oddly shaped decks |
Drop-down shades | On an overhead structure | Yes, raise or lower | Low-angle sun and privacy |
1) Retractable awning
The lateral arm retractable awning extends from the wall on folding arms, so there are no posts on your deck to work around. It is the most common awning we install over decks. You can extend the awning for full shade, halfway if part of the family wants to be in the sun, or retract it all the way to the wall if storm winds come barreling toward your area. Posts attaching it to the ground are unnecessary because it mounts directly to the side of your home. Choose between a motorized version or a manual crank if you're old school. If you want to learn more about how these retractable awnings work or their other benefits, check out our comprehensive retractable awning guide.
2) Drop-arm porch awning
The drop arm is more of a classic shade choice. Rather than retracting and extending off a roller tube, you have side pivot arms attached to the frame that allow you to adjust the angle of the shade (typically set around 90°). Because the side arms brace the fabric close to the house, it can hold up to everyday breezes well. Like any fabric awning, it should be raised before a storm. This is a popular choice for shading individual windows and when you need more of a vertical shade to block out low-angle sun and glare later in the day.
3) Aluminum awning
Looking for a shade structure not made of fabric? Aluminum awnings are a unique alternative that provides your space with permanent, low-maintenance shelter that stays up year-round. It is the true functionality and value choice for deck shade. Install one on your front or back deck, and never worry about replacing rotted or torn awning fabric. Spray it with the hose or clear it with the leaf blower, just like you would your deck boarding.
4) Patio canopy
The patio canopy is the go-to choice for large outdoor spaces like restaurants and country club patios. Because the frame stands on its own steel posts instead of hanging off the house, it can cover a much larger area than a wall-mounted awning. If you have larger outdoor space, this mainstay is for you.
5) Pergola
Pergolas are beloved and growing in popularity for a reason. You can build a simple one or you can build one with so many features you could practically live in it. The two structure types are attached and free-standing. Most of the pergolas we build today are free-standing. Yes, the pergola is a permanent structure, but its roof is built with slats you can adjust to control the amount of shade. This type of pergola roof is referred to as louvered. Popular applications for pergolas include outdoor bars, hot tub rooms, and outdoor dining areas. If you want it to be a luxury space, you can upgrade the pergola with LED lighting and enclose the sides of the structure with glass window panels.
6) Limitless Canopy
Have an oddly shaped deck? The limitless canopy allows you to choose exactly how much sky to open up. This shade structure consists of solution-dyed acrylic panels that can slide along type 316 stainless steel cables. You can open and close it with a rope and pulley system.
7) Drop-down shades and curtains
The ultimate complement to an overhead shade structure. Whether you have a pergola, retractable awning, limitless canopy, drop-arm awning, or a metal awning, you can add a drop-down shade or curtain to block the sun from the sides. Keep it simple by tying off ropes at your desired shade level or install a cable-guided system, rod shade system, or a zip track screen for a slicker appearance.
Get a Free Deck Shade Quote
Not quite sure which option suits your space? Contact our team of experts today, and we will help you build your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I shade my deck without posts?
A wall-mounted retractable awning, drop-arm awning, or aluminum awning mounts directly to your home, adding shade without support posts on the deck.
What is the best way to shade a deck from the evening sun?
Evening sunlight enters at a low angle, so adding drop-down shades to the sides of an overhead cover will provide you with shade in all directions.
Do you do deck shade installations near me?
Humphrys has been building awnings in Philadelphia since 1874 and installs deck shade across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia.