Made for Shade

Solutions for your sun-scorched deck

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Published: June 1, 2008

Here comes the sun,
Here comes the sun,
And I say,
it’s too bright ...

Apologies to George Harrison of the Beatles notwithstanding, sometimes the intense rays of the sun can be anything but alright. In fact, if your patio or deck faces south or west, the sun can render it uninhabitable because of heat and glare at certain times of the day.

That’s when strategies to tame down a sunny day are in order. Adequate shade can reduce temperatures by 15 degrees or more, as well as block harmful UV rays that cause painful skin damage.

Shade can cut heat in adjacent interior rooms as well, making both indoor and outdoor living much more pleasant and comfortable.

Try one or more of these shademaking strategies.

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