The Budget-Friendly Way To Add More Shade To Your Backyard

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When nice weather rolls around, you might be tempted to spend all of your time in your backyard. From dining alfresco with family and friends to sitting in your favorite patio chair with a good book, some activities are just more enjoyable in the fresh air. However, your outdoor experience can quickly turn from relaxing to uncomfortable when the sun starts beating down. And without proper shade options, there's no escaping the sun's rays without heading indoors. Of course, a tree canopy is the ultimate backyard shade source, but if you don't have that, you'll have to explore other options. As it turns out, you can quickly add more shade to your backyard with a budget-friendly carport canopy.

Unlike awnings, pergolas, and DIY projects that add shade and style to your patio, a carport can cover a huge chunk of your yard. It's also easy to move and can be put together in roughly an hour. In addition to those benefits, carports can be picked up for as little as $160, which makes them relatively budget-friendly. An Outsunny Heavy Duty Car Canopy, for example, could be an affordable shade option for your outdoor living space. You may also find good deals if you source a carport secondhand.

To set up your carport, simply follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions. You will likely need at least two people for this process because the structures are so large. Once your carport is built, you can place it over the top of your outdoor dining table, on your uncovered deck, or wherever you need shade the most.

The one downside of this shade solution is that carports aren't nearly as aesthetically pleasing as, say, a wooden pergola. But don't fret — this can be changed with just a few decorative additions. An easy option is to decorate the carport with hanging flower baskets or potted plants. You could also create walls around your carport with trellises and add vine plants to them. This option has the added bonus of offering additional shade and privacy. Items like string lights, paper lanterns, bug netting, and clip-on outdoor curtains are also great upgrades. You might be surprised by how straightforward it is to DIY the carport you've been dreaming of with budget-friendly solutions.