Shade canopies come in many different styles each with their own name. It can be a little confusing so we’re here to help you sort it out and find the right canopy for your needs. Whether you’re looking to buy your first canopy or find a replacement top or just want to know the difference between a gazebo canopy and a shade canopy, or a garden canopy or a deck canopy, we’re here to help you make a smart purchase. Of course, buying a shade canopy is not rocket science but it helps to know what the different types are, how they are used and how well they do the job. We also give you ideas on where to find the best deals on your new canopy as well as finding a canopy replacement top.
What are the different kinds of shade canopies and how are they used?
Shade canopies are known by many different names such as gazebo, garden, deck or car canopies, etc. mostly based on where they are used. They all do the same thing and that is provide shade and protection from the sun. They’re built using four posts for support that can be simple or elaborate. A fabric top usually made from polyester or canvas is stretched over the frame to form the canopy.
Some canopies are light weight, portable modelsthat can be used in backyards or taken on the road to be setup in parks, beaches, at craft fairs or anywhere else you need some portable shade. The list of uses is endless. Some of these portable models, like a pop up gazebo, are made with the top already attached to the frame. All you have to do is open them like an umbrella and secure them to the ground.
The portable models have one main drawback. The canopy tops are often made from lighter weight material that can easily rip in strong winds. You have to be ready to take them down if violent weather appears or you may be shopping for a gazebo replacement canopy. Not to worry though, there are many places to buy these replacements so you don’t have to purchase another whole canopy.
Other canopies can be more permanent in nature. A deck canopy will protect your deck or patio while a boat or car canopy can protect your vehicles. Garden or gazebo canopies are usually setup away from the house in the yard or garden. All these canopies need to have thicker material for the top and stronger options for more permanent mounting. They’re a great place to put the bar-b-que and some outdoor wicker furniture and turn your backyard into a comfortable extended living space.
What do I need to know before I buy?
The first step before shopping is to decide how you want to use your canopy. Next, plan where you want to erect your canopy. A flat piece of ground is always best. If mounting on concrete or wood then you need to insure your particular canopy has the right mounting hardware. A local hardware store has everything you need if something is missing or you need to make something special. Deck canopies are often mounted on the side of the house with the frame extending over the deck or patio. Be sure to check to see if you need a permit for this in your area.
Pop up canopies are very popular but you should try to set them up before you buy to understand how difficult or easy it may be. That’s tough to do over the internet but sites like Amazon have sections for user comments that help answer some of these questions.
Check out the seams where the canopy is tied to the frame. The stitching should be strong and rugged as a lot of stress is placed on these seams. Your canopy should also have grommets or other holes around the edges to allow for water to drain and not collect on the top.
Finally, understand the different kinds of materials used to make the canopy tops and how to determine how strong they are. It’s advisable to get the strongest or thickest top you can afford as this is the most important part and the one that usually needs replacing every so often.
Where are the best places to buy?
I always start shopping at Amazon for just about everything. Even if you don’t eventually purchase there, you can get a good look at what’s available in most stores and how much they cost. You also get plenty of user comments to help understand exactly what you’re buying. The other thing I like about Amazon is they guarantee everything, even from partner stores, so if you get the wrong size or it’s not what you thought, returns are very easy.
Home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot are also good places to shop. They can give you a hands-on look that you can’t get over the Internet. The only problem is their selection is not very extensive but they’re always willing to order you something if it’s not on the floor.
Target and Sam’s Club are also good optionsfor your local area. They both have extensive websites if you can’t find what you need in their stores.
The best selection I’ve found on the web come from Acecanopy.com and Hutshop.com for new canopies and Gardenwinds.com for replacement canopies. They are Internet only stores that specialize in canopies of all shapes and sizes. They have a wide selection of canopies and the replacement tops you’ll eventually need at very competitive prices.
So there you have it, canopy buying 101. We have lots of additional information on canopies as well as other design ideas for your backyard so take a look around and enjoy!
One of the more common uses for shade canopies is to protect your vehicles in lieu of a carport or garage. A car canopy or boat canopy (basically the same thing) offer an easy way to cover your stuff and protect it from the ravages of the sun. They are particularly useful for cars, boats, ATV’s, or anything else that needs to be stored outdoors and protected from the elements.
These canopies are very similar to garden or gazebo canopies. They are four post structures with a fabric cover that is stretched over a top frame. The cover is lightweight polyester and UV protected to extend it’s life. It will keep the sun’s damaging rays off your vehicles. The top is also waterproof so it will help to keep things dry.They come in many different shapes and sizes with the sturdiest being rounded tops with full sides down the the ground and zippered doors.
How does a boat canopy differ from a boat cover? A boat cover is usually just a fabric cover that is pulled over the boat and cinched below to keep the cover in place. They are very useful and will keep your boat protected from both rain and sun. A boat canopy, however, is a little more flexible. You can park your boat trailer directly under the canopy and not have to fuss with pulling on the cover. It’s just park and you’re done. Canopies are also great for protecting different size boats or any other vehicle you might choose. Just park it under the canopy and it’s protected from the sun.
Larger canopies can also be used to protect multiple vehicles such as a boat and a Sea-Doo or perhaps two boats, one for fishing and one for water skiing. Use the extra room on the sides and throw your bicycles in there as well! In essence, a boat or car canopy provides the shade you need, where you need it. They are a portable, inexpensive carport for those with extra space but not enough shade.
They only downside to a boat canopy vs. a boat cover is the ability to withstand inclement weather. A boat cover is tied to the boat and can withstand pouring rain and strong winds. Canopies are not that durable. While you can get very sturdy structures and strong top material, they are still at risk of getting ripped or torn during high winds. If you need more durability then you’ll have to step-up to a stronger type carport canopy. These are built using thicker poles and top material and more solidly anchored to the ground.
So there you have it. There is nothing very different about a boat canopy from any other garden type shade canopy. They both come in different shapes and sizes to fit the many different uses people may have. It is this kind of flexibility that makes portable shade canopies such useful additions to homes, garages or gardens.
A trellis is a great way to increase the productivity of your garden by increasing the overall surface area that your plants can take advantage of. It’s also a way of providing shaded spaces for the gardener and other shade loving plants that won’t perform well out in the hot sun. In this regard a trellis can replace the function of a garden gazebo canopy and save you a lot of money that way. At the same time, a trellis can increase the beauty of your garden. Given all the potential value that trellises can bring to your yard, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand all the factors that go into getting the most out of your trellis.
A big part of what will make your trellis a success or not is what plants you choose to trellis on them. Different plants have different growth habits, and matching the design of your trellis to the specific plants’ needs will help to ensure that your garden is healthy and productive. Some types of vines, such as pole beans, prefer to twist their way around vertical poles and climb that way. Other vines, like those of cucumber and watermelon, need horizontal members to grab onto to ensure that their tendrils don’t slip down under the weight of the plant. In other cases, like with in-determinant tomatoes, the plants don’t actually climb at all, but can be trellised to increase their productive abilities by carefully stringing them up or gently tying their shoots to the trellis.
Another consideration for a garden trellis is what materials it will be constructed from. With the trellis being exposed to the elements throughout the year, it’s a good idea to go with materials that won’t rot when wet. This means that if you do use wood, you may need to keep it properly sealed to ensure that water damage doesn’t ruin your beautiful trellis. Other materials such as aluminum or stainless steel can hold up very well to the elements, but may not look as good as wood in a garden setting.
Gardens are a beautiful way to make an outdoor paradise in your own backyard. With vibrant greens and bright tropical colors, various plants and flowers make a back or front yard come to life. Wooden garden furniture is a great way to accent your outdoor garden. From chairs and benches to trellises and gazebos, there are many ways to personalize your garden.
Wooden chairs come in all different shapes and sizes. Wood also comes in a variety of shades. You can make wood match any color by leaving it natural or simply apply coats of stain. It is also possible to paint wood. However, it needs to be sanded down or made abrasive for the paint to stick to the wood. This will prolong the life of the paint considering it is going to be out in all sorts of weather conditions.
Weather is definitely something you need to prepare for when deciding on your wooden garden furniture. Make sure if you leave the wood natural that you seal it. This will make it waterproof and sustain protection from wood rot. The sun can also be damaging over time. You can use a wooden trellis covered in a purple passion flower vine to provide shade. This will prevent the furniture and you from the damaging sun rays.
Gazebos are the ultimate in wooden garden furniture. Nice, relaxing sitting area provided with shade in the middle of your gorgeous garden. If you screen in the gazebo, it will also protect you from bugs. Bugs will enjoy the garden as much as you will. Especially if you have bright colors and sweet smells.
Creating your paradise at home using wooden garden furniture surrounded by delightful plants and flowers is a wonderful relaxation right outside your back door. Why spend lots of money going to places where pay for something someone else created, when you can create yourself.
If you plan on having outdoor parties at your home now that summer is almost here, you’re going to need to have some outdoor party lights for when the sun goes down (unless you plan on sending all your guests home as soon as it gets dark). There are many types of lights you can use for outdoor events and here’s a few tips on how to get the best lighting for your dollar:
When looking to buy lights try to find ones that you can use for different events. If you only buy lights that have decorative covers for say Thanksgiving (with little turkey covers on the bulbs) you won’t be able to use them for any other type of party. On the other hand, if you buy string lights with little flags on them you can use them for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and basically any summer time party you wish and they will fit right into your decorations.
If you’re having a large event (such as an outdoor wedding or reception) that will last into the night you will need some type of overhead lighting to cover your entire outdoor area so your guests will be able to see at night. Instead of spending alot of money buying hundreds of feet of string lights to hang overhead consider renting them. Many rental companies will rent you outdoor globe string lights for a fraction of the cost you can buy them for. Most companies will either hang them for you, or help you in hanging them.
Think about using solar lights instead of traditional low voltage lights. Because solar technology has improved so much in the last fifteen years they are available for the same price as traditional lights, available in just as many styles, and they’ll save you money by not using electricity to run them.
These three ideas should get you started in the right direction and good luck!
Southern Alberta has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. People travel from afar to witness the breathtaking sunrises over the majestic Rocky Mountains. One of the great benefits of living in that area is that you can watch this natural marvel any time from the convenience of your own backyard. You will enjoy it even more when sitting on a beautiful deck with quality, safe deck railing from Calgary.
Building a deck is quite an undertaking. There is a lot to consider. Although many view the railing more as a detail, it should receive as much attention as the rest of the construction project. Without the proper railing, the deck will simply not be as functional as it could be.
When selecting your deck railing in Calgary, think about the following issues:
• Material – Select a custom-manufactured aluminum material that is powder-coated. It is strong and durable. Because this type of railing is made especially for your project, you will not be paying for wasted material.
• Style – Keep it simple and clean when selecting the style of your deck railing in Calgary. It is elegant and safe. Too many pointy ends can be dangerous for little children, and intricate patterns are harder to clean. When it comes to deck railing, the primary purpose is to protect. It has to be a strong barrier to keep anyone from falling off the deck.
• Heights – Check the local building codes to make sure that there will be no violations when you decide on the height of your railing. Also think about the minimum intervals between the posts. Keep them close together when you have small kids and pets. They can be very adventurous.
• Color – Deck railing in Calgary can be white, black, grey, etc. Sit back and think about which color will suit the deck most. Your choice should also blend in well with the rest of the house exterior. If you have doubts, ask the opinion of a professional or take a walk around the neighborhood to see how other decks turned out.
There are many different types of shade canopies, such as gazebo canopies, that are just the right size for visits to the park, lake or to setup a booth at the local craft fair. These canopies are usually 10′ x 10′ in size and large enough for small families or couples. Sometimes, however, a special occasion will warrant the need for a larger canopy to accommodate more people.
A canopy tent is the perfect solution. These canopies are much larger than the typical garden or gazebo canopy. They can range from 30′ x 30′ or larger depending on the number of guests for your event. They are made from a thicker and stronger polyethylene than most other canopy tops but have the same weather proofing and UV protection.
These larger canopy tents are relatively easy to setup given their size. You’ll need to layout the cover and all the poles first but once that’s done, the attachments are very similar to other shade canopies. You will find there are more poles to support the larger area to be covered and stronger joint fittings for the heavier cover material.
Large canopy tents can get stuffy and hot when filled with people so they are very flexible in how they can be setup. They come with windows to allow air to circulate and even the ability to roll up the sides for more outdoor exposure. They also usually come with doors on the front and back for easy access when fully enclosed. Your particular setup will depend on your event and the current weather conditions.
Canopy tents are a great way to accommodate large groups of people at outdoor events. Indoor space can be hard to find, expensive and limited in availability but outdoor canopy tents can be setup on any large lawn. Public parks are one of the most popular locations as they also provide parking for your guests. Often times these tents are rented for a single occasion which eliminates the need to purchase and store your canopy. It usually means you also get help with the setup and take down.
Canopy tents come in many different shapes and sizes to fit whatever occasion you may need. Whether for a special occasion, such as a wedding, or just a big party, a canopy tent can keep your guests cool and comfortable no mater what the weather.
Garden canopies or gazebo canopies are the perfect solution for providing shade for backyards or trips to the park. The most common sizes are 10′ x 10′ which works well for small families or couples. However, sometimes a special occasion will need a larger canopy to provide shade and protection for more people. A canopy tent is a larger type shade canopy that is ideally suited for these occasions.
Canopy tents have certain characteristics that separate them from the smaller shade canopies. The most recognizable difference is their size. These tents are available in sizes that range up to 30′ x 20′ and sometimes larger. They are made from the same polyethylene material but thicker and stronger to support the larger area that needs to be covered. They are waterproof and UV treated to protect against rain and the adverse effects of the sun.
These canopy tents are relatively easy to setup despite their bigger size, once you layout the cover and all the poles. There are more poles to provide support with stronger joint fittings to handle the additional weight of the cover material. Canopy tents also come with many windows that can be rolled up to allow air to circulate. A tent this big with up to 30 people inside would otherwise get very hot and stuffy.
Many models can have the sidewalls rolled up to avoid any closed-in feeling and provide a more outdoor experience. It all depends on the specific model of tent and the needs of your occasion. They also come with removable doors on the front and back for more setup flexibility.
Canopy tents are a practical and cost effective way to provide weather protected space for large groups of people. Finding indoor space is often expensive and prone to scheduling difficulties. A large canopy tent can be erected in any large open space such as a backyard or park. They can often be rented which eliminates the need to purchase and store the canopy.
There are many different styles, sizes and colors to choose from to fit any occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, outdoor luncheon, special event or just a great big party, a quality canopy tent will enhance your event and provide comfort and relaxation for your guests.
One of the home additions you can make that will not only add space to your home but will enhance its visual and curb appeal is the sunroom . Other names for sunrooms are Florida rooms, patio rooms, or solariums.
No matter what you call it, a sunroom is a room addition that includes glass walls and windows, and, if possible, a glass ceiling, or at least large plates of glass above what would be the normal window line.
A sunroom can not only add space to your house, but can become an indoor/outdoor space in which you can hold get-togethers, meetings, and parties all year long. It also makes a safe play room for children because you can keep an eye on them while they’re still enjoying the benefits of the sun.
Sunrooms also add space that provides a large amount of natural light. Newer sunrooms will have ventilation systems that can make them energy efficient all year long. Imagine having natural light throughout the year without having to pay for additional electric lighting. And being exposed to natural light can also help to reduce stress.
The sun flowing in also makes this type of room a gardener’s delight. Plants can get the light they need without the heat that might kill them.
One of its most appreciated benefits is that the sunroom gives you great views because of all its glass. You can enjoy looking out at your backyard or garden throughout the year. You can even enjoy looking at a snowman through the glass without freezing while you do it.
Many people have a dining table and chairs in the sunroom so they can enjoy morning coffee or lunch while enjoying the view. Many people say that the sunroom is one of the easiest ways to experience the pleasure of outdoor living without actually being outdoors.
The sunroom you build as an addition to your home should have a design that lets it fit into your current architecture. Since they are made mostly of glass, double paned or insulated glass should be used.
When completed, your sunroom will provide a visually appealing area of your home that will let you relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Solar powered driveway lights are usually low-voltage lights that are used to illuminate driveways. These lights use the Sun’s energy and transform it into electricity using a new technology called photovoltaic or PV for short. It is also becoming a popular lighting system for gardens and patios. They are the perfect solution for convenient and inexpensive garden pathway lighting systems in addition to garden lights. Today, famous landscapers are using solar lights for their outdoor lighting and landscaping projects because it is economical and safe to use. These lights are also low in maintenance. Homeowners and their visitors are able to enjoy the remarkable effects of lights on plants and the entire landscape.
There are many advantages for using a solar powered light and disadvantages are almost nothing. The only disadvantage is its inability to sustain the strength of its illumination for a long time. Even the very best solar lights will only function well during the first few hours and after a while the quality of light may slightly lessen. This is something that can’t be avoided but do not let this discourage you from using solar lights since the experts are working hard to solve this concern.
One advantage is its ability to light up the driveway for almost the entire night. Lighting up the driveways makes it safe for people who are parking and walking along the driveways after dark. Solar driveway lights are powered by electricity provided by batteries that charge up themselves during daytime from the Sun’s rays. These lights automatically shut off when sunshine comes around. The period for being lit depends on the amount of sunlight the device received during the day.
Another advantage of solar powered driveway lights is its affordability. Whatever your budget is, you are sure to findones thatwill fit. As a note, choose the most expensive lights that you can afford because it is common knowledge that the more you spend for something the better quality you will receive. Solar lights with higher cell capacities are better choices since they are guaranteed to last for at least eight hours or the entire night. These solar lights not only light up your driveway, but also make areas outside your home more secured. For your next driveway lighting project, consider using solar lights and take advantage of the many benefits these lights offer.
A covered patio is a great place to enjoy the outdoors without the discomfort of sitting in the sun. There are times however, when a patio cover is simply not enough. Windy days or glare from the sun can still make your patio uncomfortable even when covered. Patio shades (sometimes referred to as patio blinds) are the perfect solution to this problem. Let’s take a look at how they can improve and enhance your outdoor living.
A patio shade is a drop down shade similar to a window shade. They are attached to the outside top of the patio and can be lowered or raised as needed. Depending on the shape of your patio you may use 2 or 3 shades to cover all sides.
They are made from wood or heavy fabric and usually weather treated to minimize wear and extend their useful life. Most of these materials are also translucent so you can still see outside even when the shade is lowered. This also lets in diffuse sunlight to keep the patio bright and airy when the shades are down.
The raising and lowering of the shades can be manual or motorized. The motorized versions are very convenient and easy to use which makes them a popular choice. The manual types use cranks instead of motors but are still relatively easy to operate. Most shades also have tie-downs or some other mechanism to hold them in place on windy days.
There are many benefits to adding shades to your patio. They are perfect for protecting against the elements. When lowered they effectively reduce the heat from the sun and provide a measure of cooling for your patio.
They can also be lowered part way to block the glare of a setting sun or keep out the rain while still allowing pets to move freely about. Your patio furniture will also be protected from damaging UV rays which eliminates the need for patio furniture covers.
Shaded patios are also great for outdoor dining and entertaining. They help keep the wind at bay and provide a measure of privacy from neighbors. They also help keep the food out of direct sunlight. At night your patio lights will give off a softer glow when reflected off the shades. Finally, if you live near a golf course, patio shades can help protect against errant golf balls!
Patio shades are simple in concept and design. There are many good manufacturers that produce a wide variety of styles, fabrics and colors. If you’re looking for patio ideas to enhance the comfort and useability of your backyard, then a patio shade may be the perfect addition.
