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Adding shade to a deck can transform a backyard space and make it much more appealing for rest, relaxation, and entertaining friends and family. If you’re looking for covered deck ideas, there are many different options to consider, including pergolas, canopies, shade sails, adding a roof over the deck, and more.
Continue reading to find inspiration and tips to add some cooling shade to your deck. Afterwards, it may even become an escape-worthy destination of its own.
1. Exposed Beams
If you’re searching for deck ideas with a roof, consider adding one with exposed beams. To bring even more character and charm to your space, hang an eye-catching light fixture or ceiling fan along the cross beam. This will also draw more attention to the structure in your space.
2. Attached Pergola
Pergolas are one of the most popular deck covering options. Whether you’re building a new deck, or just looking to enhance your current deck, consider attaching a pergola to the side of your house. This can make the pergola appear as an extension of the house for a more built-in look.
3. Freestanding Pergola with Canopy
A pergola with a canopy, like this one available at Wayfair, will allow you to customize the amount of sun or shade on your deck or patio. Expand the polyester canopy cover for shade, or fold it up out of the way to let more sun shine through the top. When anchored to pavement or concrete as recommended, the heavy-duty aluminum pergola can withstand winds up to 40 miles per hour.
4. Shaded Seating
Using a large cantilever umbrella, like this 120-inch square model available at Wayfair, is a budget-friendly and effective way to add shade to your deck or patio. Even better, the umbrella can easily be opened, closed, or even angled based on the position of the sun and the amount of shade you desire.
5. Covered Deck with Skylights
Adding a roof with skylights over a deck can enhance the natural lighting in the outdoor space, as well as in the interior of your home. The skylights will also afford you with a relaxing view of the sky and clouds, while still providing enough cover from the rain or sun.
6. Poolside Retreat
Bring shade to your poolside deck or patio with a roof that mimics the rest of the home. Use stone or brick columns both for support and to add visual appeal. You can enhance the space even further by adding a dining set, bar, or outdoor television.
7. Sun or Shade
Control the amount of sun or shade that hits your space with a pergola that has a sliding canopy. This model available at Wayfair allows you to push the canopy to one side, leaving the top of the pergola mostly open for greater sun exposure. For a more shaded experience, simply slide the canopy to the other side.
8. Floating Deck with Pergola
If an attached deck isn’t feasible for your space or budget, why not build a floating deck in your backyard instead? Once built, place an elegant pergola with a canopy, such as this one available at Wayfair, on the deck to provide some shade. This spacious pergola offers plenty of space for seating and even includes a built-in bar with shelf.
9. Outdoor Terrace
For a more modern look, create your own outdoor terrace with an attached steel and tinted glass awning. The tinted glass will allow natural light to filter into your deck and home, but will also offer some cooling relief from the hot sun.
10. Intimate Gatherings
Place a cantilever umbrella next to your patio dining table or bistro set to add shade on demand. This model available at Wayfair features an easy-to-use hand crank to adjust the angle of the umbrella to block the sun as needed. The durable polyester fabric used to make the umbrella is wind-resistant, fade-resistant, and offers UPF 30 protection from the sun.
11. Covered Lounge
Transform your backyard into a private retreat with a covered pergola with an attached porch swing. Add a few more comfortable chairs to create the optimal spot for entertaining guests during the warmer spring and summer months.
12. Quaint English Garden
Turn a floating deck into an English cottage garden with a pergola with lattice sides, hanging plants, and comfortable seating for relaxation, reading, or simply enjoying the view. Plant some climbing ivy or climbing roses along the sides of the pergola to increase the natural shade and ambience that it offers.
13. Contrasting Colors
One way to enhance the visual appeal of covered decks is to choose contrasting colors for the floorboards, railings, and pergola. Dark gray and white work well together to create a very clean and trim modern look, but there are many other classic color combinations to consider as well, such as brown and cream, black and brown, or blue and white.
14. Pergola with Sun Shade
If the hot afternoon sun gets to be too much coming through the sides of your pergola deck covering, add a sun shade. This is a quick and easy modification to the design that can make a big difference in keeping the space cooler and preventing the sun from getting in everyone’s eyes as it is setting.
15. Freestanding Canopy
For a smaller deck or porch, a freestanding canopy, like this model available at Wayfair, can offer an economical solution to bring shade to the space. Along with keeping you cooler, covering a deck’s wooden boards with a canopy can also help protect the deck from sun damage.
16. Pergola with Adjustable Cover
Keep outdoor dinner guests cool and comfortable by using a pergola as a deck covering over your patio set. This durable steel pergola available at Wayfair features a fade- and UV-resistant adjustable cover that can be moved to cover more or less of each open side, depending on the angle of the sun.
17. Partial Shade
If you have a large deck, you may want to only add shade over part of your space. A slatted roof customized to the needs of your space may be in order. Consider the size and shape of your deck and choose the best location based on the location of your patio dining set or any other shade in the yard from trees.
18. Rooftop Deck
Not much can beat the view from a private rooftop deck. Adding a cover to some or all of the space can help keep you and your guests more comfortable as you take in the view, relax, or enjoy a special meal together. Work with the layout of your space to determine the best design for the deck cover.
19. Shade Sail Canopy
Shade sails can also make excellent deck coverings. This sail canopy available at Amazon, a featured pick in our researched guide to the best shade sails, is made from a durable, yet breathable, polyethylene fabric that can block up to 98 percent of the UV rays from the sun. There are a range of sizes and color options available to suit the specific style and design requirements of a variety of decks.
20. Modern Pergola
If you have an eye for modern design, then this covered deck solution may be what you’re looking for. The clean and straight lines of the pergola nicely complement a backyard space while also offering shade on a warm and sunny day. Complete the look by adding a modern patio set under the pergola.
21. Pergola with Sun-Blocking Curtains
Pergolas can bring a good amount of shade to a deck. However, sometimes the sun’s bright rays can still be a nuisance at certain times of day. Try expanding your pergola’s shade with a sun-blocking curtain, such as this one available at Wayfair, to prevent the sun from putting a damper on your plans to enjoy a little shade in your backyard.
22. Frosted Glass Roof
Looking for a deck design with a roof that won’t cut out all of the natural light from your deck? Consider an open-beam design with frosted glass between the panes. You’ll still enjoy protection from the sun’s hot rays, but you won’t feel as closed-in as you would with a solid roof.
23. Lighted Umbrella
A lighted cantilever umbrella, like this one available at Wayfair, will not only provide shade from the sun, but it will also make it easier to enjoy your outdoor space after the sun goes down. The angle of the umbrella is adjustable for blocking the sun or positioning the light in the ideal location after dark.
24. Cabana Pergola
This steel pergola with canopy available at Wayfair includes built-in seating for four, so you can enjoy your own personal cabana in your backyard. A small table sits between the two couches to hold snacks, beverages, or other essentials. There are four fabric color options, so you can coordinate with the other decor elements in your outdoor space.