How to best cover or shade a terrace

A shaded terrace protects not only from the sun or wind but also provides privacy. Among the most popular solutions are awnings, pergolas, sun sails, outdoor fabric roller blinds, or plants like ivy or dog ivy. Which one to choose?

Awnings: the old good classic

Awnings can be manual (extended using a crank) or with an electric drive. They can be attached directly to the wall of the house so that the structure does not interfere with sitting areas. You can also opt for a terrace awning with a steel frame.

They are customizable in size and come in countless colors and patterns. In addition to the sun, they reliably protect against rain, and their surface is often treated against mold.

There are also side awnings that provide privacy and protection from the wind.

The simplest shading: umbrella and sail

Among the least expensive shading methods are umbrellas or sun sails. An umbrella is easy to move. However, it is not very resistant to wind and will always look like a temporary solution.

The sun sail is more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, and covers a larger area. Often, you can also choose the attachment method and secure it to the wall of the house, to a fence, or even to a tree. Advanced models retract using a motor.

Canopy and glass: year-round option

If you enjoy sitting on the terrace year-round and don’t want to lose light in the winter, you can choose a canopy. The canopy is made from a sturdy fabric that is attached to tracks under the roof.

However, the glass roof has the disadvantage that it needs to be cleaned regularly.

Natural shading: plant trees, ivy, or vines

Climbing plants on the terrace are among the most beautiful and eco-friendly solutions. Use grapevines, ivy, or dog ivy. Blooming trees will provide shade on the terrace in the summer and partially protect you from the rain. Bushes will give you privacy.

A green roof or wall will maintain a pleasant climate, but you need to take care of it – trimming plants, watering, and clearing fallen leaves.

Side shading for pergolas

If you have decided to roof your outdoor seating area with a pergola, focus on its placement in relation to the cardinal directions – when placed to the south, the pergola will be very sunny, and you will appreciate really good side shading; conversely, when facing north, less natural light will come to your terrace.

Bamboo and reed blinds

Blinds made from natural materials beautifully complement classic wooden pergolas. They are environmentally friendly, and their purchase will not cost you much. However, their lifespan is not as long as with other materials, plus you cannot see outside through them.

Screen roller blinds

The best thing about screen roller blinds is that you can see outside through them, but no one can see in from the outside. They excellently regulate light and heat. They can be mechanical or remote-controlled with a motor.

The most durable variant is zipper screens, where the fabric is firmly attached to the guide rail. They are more resistant to wind than aluminum blinds.

Aluminum blinds

They block outdoor heat and provide good shading. However, compared to screen roller blinds, they have the disadvantage that you cannot see outside through them. Therefore, aluminum rotating slats are often found in aluminum pergola roofing, but for side shading, airier variants are usually chosen.

If you decide to invest in designer shading, it is better not to attempt the installation yourself. We recommend hiring a company and leaving the measurements and installation to the experts.