Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.

The arrival of summer in Ontario brings a collective desire to extend our living quarters outdoors. After months of cold, snowy and grey weather, we don’t want to start complaining about the heat! Here are som solutions – at various price points and levels of permanency – that offer a reprieve from the hot summer sun so you can be more comfortable enjoying life outdoors.

Hats

A good old-fashioned, wide-brimmed hat will provide instant shade from the sun. Choose an option that is lightweight and breathable (such as cotton or straw). A four-inch brim generally provides the protection you need on your face, ears and neck.

Umbrellas

An umbrella is an economical solution that can provide shelter from the glaring summer sun – and it can be moved to where you need it around your property. Umbrellas can tilt as the sun shifts during the day and raised or lowered depending upon the strength/heat of the sun. You need a sturdy base and remember to take it down during high winds! Choose high-quality fabrics that are colourfast and provide UV protection.

Shade Sails

Shade sails offer protection from the sun (and light rain/drizzle) and are more affordable than a more permanent roofed structure. However, you need to ensure appropriate supports as shade sails are aptly named and can catch the wind. Available in a wide array of colours and different shapes, they are a great way to provide UV protection for children’s play spaces in open areas.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings can be secured to your home or building. The benefits are that you retract an awning when you want the sun (perhaps spring and fall or early morning/evening in the summer) and extend it during the hottest times of the day when protection from the sun is most desirable.

Pergolas

Pergolas are identifiable structures with columns that support cross beams and open rafters (no solid roof). Pergolas diffuse the harshness of direct sunlight but do not protect from rain. They allow the breeze to circulate freely. They can be freestanding or attached to your home and can be designed to be contemporary or traditional, depending upon your design aesthetic. Pergolas can also offer a structure to support climbing vines and blooms, providing visual interest and additional shade. Consult a landscape professional when considering which plants will thrive in your zone (as well as the soil, exposure to wind and sun, drainage, maintenance, the possibility of invasiveness, etc.). There are also retractable canopies and canvas shades that can be incorporated into pergola designs.

Gazebos

Gazebos are roofed structures often constructed in a hexagonal or octagonal shape and open on all sides (although sometimes screened in) and traditionally have a railing between the posts. They often act as ornamental structures to complement gardens, courtyards, parks, etc. They can enhance the aesthetic value of your property.

Covered Porch

Attached to a dwelling or building, a covered porch is a permanent structure that offers protection from the sun and rain. As a porch generally has a wood or concrete floor, it is easy to clean and provides a sturdy base for outdoor furniture. A covered porch is also a natural extension of your home in the warmer months while being accessible to the amenities, such as the kitchen and bathroom, when entertaining. Although a larger investment than some other options, you will probably recuperate the cost as a covered porch is a desirable feature for prospective homebuyers as it adds a particular charm and can increase curb appeal. OH

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