Cheap Ways To Add Shade To Your Yard

On a hot summer day, a bit of shade makes life outside a lot more tolerable. Shade protects your skin, keeps you cool, and can also shelter some of your more vulnerable plants. While building an outdoor roof or large shaded structure can be an expensive and complicated undertaking, there are many ways to create more shade in your yard on a tight budget.

To create more shade in your yard without breaking the bank, buy shade sails, patio umbrellas, or search for inexpensive pop-up canopies. You can install a shade cloth for a temporary fix, or build a DIY pergola or trellis using cheap or free building materials. You can also extend existing roofs using inexpensive materials or use a tarp to create a temporary roof extension.

Shade is sometimes free, especially under a tree or other natural shadows, but in other cases, blocking the sun is quite costly. If your yard is in desperate need of shade protection but your budget is limited, then keep reading. Below is a list of effective and creative ways to add shade to your yard without spending a fortune.

12 Affordable Ways To Add Shade To Your Yard

1. Plant Shade Trees

If you are willing to wait a year or two for shade and are on a tight budget, then a shade tree is a great option. There are many types of shade trees you can choose from. 

You can opt for fast-growing palms or a slower-growing tree that serves several purposes. Certain maples offer shade, syrup, and beautiful foliage. Willows create shade and are great for flood-prone yards. Ensure you plant the tree at the right time of year, and opt for fast-growing species to ensure you get more shade sooner rather than later.

2. Add Shade Sails

Shade sails have become popular, affordable, and trendy in the last few years. These often-triangular pieces of fabric offer shade and rain cover, and can withstand stronger winds than umbrellas.

Due to their growing popularity, it’s easy to find affordable shade sails in your desired color and size. Consider shopping for shade sails in the off-season (after Labor Day) for the best prices.

3. Patio Umbrellas

If you want additional shade for an outdoor seating area or your exposed patio, then an umbrella is an option worth considering. Patio umbrellas vary in price, but there are plenty of affordable choices.

The key is to maintain your umbrella so it can last as long as possible. Remember to store outdoor umbrellas in a protected area out of the sun and rain when they are not in use. This will ensure budget-friendly umbrellas will last longer, providing you with shade for years to come.

4. DIY Pergola Or Trellis

A pergola or trellis is a great way to add a touch of flair to a yard. Some of these outdoor features can also give extra shade for those who need it. A pergola or trellis can cost thousands, but there are ways to create DIY versions using cheap or even free materials.

You can often find wood, bricks, and other building materials for free using online marketplaces or by contacting construction sites. You can make your structure as simple or complex as you’d like. Adding a climbing flowering vine can make even the simplest pergola and trellis shine.

5. Search For Cheap Canopies

If you frequently host outdoor gatherings, then consider investing in a pop-up canopy, so you always have shade when you invite company over. Choose a canopy that is easy to set up and simple to store. This will reduce the risk of damage and ensure your canopy will last longer.

Canopies often go on sale after the summer, so try looking for one on sale at sporting goods stores and online retailers during this time of year for the best prices. 

6. Shade Cloths

If you are looking for inexpensive shade and aren’t too concerned with aesthetics, then shade cloths are a great option. Shade cloths are made of durable materials, including high-density polyurethane that can withstand natural elements, and are also quite inexpensive.

Shade cloths are the perfect solution if you need shade to protect plants from summer heat and intense UV rays. They can also provide a temporary solution for those looking for sun protection above patio areas or other outdoor seating arrangements. While black is the most common colour of cloth, you can get white and tan versions that are more aesthetically pleasing.

7. Attach Tarps To Existing Structures

Another option for those who need shade and aren’t concerned with aesthetics, is to use tarps to create shade. One very easy way to extend shade into your yard using a tarp is to attach it to your home. It won't look fantastic, but it is a very affordable, quick, and effective way to boost shade in a yard.

This is a perfect solution for those trying to protect vulnerable plants or those in need of temporary sun protection in a specific area close to the home.

8. Install A Camo Netting Roof

Another affordable and unique material that can help provide your yard with more shade at a low cost is military-style camo netting. Camo netting works well to block direct sun, while still allowing great airflow to pass through. 

It is also easy to install camo netting. Attach it to the existing roof, or set up poles where you can hang it from. Since this material allows air to flow through it, it won’t fly away or rip easily, even if you live in a windy climate. 

9. Creative A Living Arch With Fast-Growing Vines

Trees aren’t the only plants that can bring more shade to your yard. Climbing vines with large, fast-growing leaves can provide effective, beautiful, and quick shade at a very low cost. The key is to choose vines that grow quickly and thrive in your climate.

You can create an archway or grid-like roof using PVC, wire, or wood, and let the plants do the rest. Consider choosing vines that have beautiful flowers or provide fall foliage, as this will add shade and color to your outdoor landscaping.

10. Incorporate Outdoor Curtains

While shade is often achieved by adding overhead structures, you can also create shade using curtains. Curtains come in various materials, including durable and breathable outdoor fabrics.

Installing additional curtains outdoors is perfect for those looking to block early morning and late afternoon sun. Best of all, you can hide them away whenever you want more sunlight.

11. DIY Poolside Cabana

If you have an outdoor pool, it’s nice to have shade as an option once you’ve finished sunbathing. While store-bought cabanas are pricey, you can easily make your own cabana with PVC pipes or wood and some breathable outdoor fabric.

To spruce up the cabana and add sun protection, install detachable curtains. Curtains add elegance, protection from horizontal sun rays, and privacy.

12. Make Rustic Tents With Canvas

If you are looking for shade for your children, pets, or for a whimsical outdoor event, then canvas tents can be a fun DIY project. Canvas is durable and cheap. You can use this material to create simple triangular tent structures where people can relax in the shade.

These tents are great for birthday parties and can make a fantastic addition to an outdoor movie night. 

Summing Up Cheap Ways To Add Shade To Your Yard

While sunlight is essential for survival, too much sun poses dangers to humans and plants alike. If your yard needs additional shade, there are several ways you can block the sun without spending a fortune. Use patio umbrellas to add shade to your outdoor seating areas, and buy sail shades when they go on sale. 

You can use camo netting, shade cloths, or tarps to add shade overhead, and curtains to protect yourself from the sun’s horizontal rays. Consider building a trellis or pergola with cheap materials. For a natural solution, plant a fast-growing shade tree or build an archway for climbing vines.

Related Guides:

• Best Plants For A Shaded Porch
• Nine Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Patio Umbrella
• Climbing Vines That Are Great For A Pergola