The Best Sun Shade | 2023

Sitting outside on a nice day can be good for the soul. But UV radiation from the sun brings serious health risks, including the possibility of skin cancer, premature aging and cataracts. A little shade doesn’t only block most of those rays, it makes your time outside more bearable.

Ideally, you can set up your outdoor utopia near a tree, where evapotranspiration (from soil and plants to the air) can help reduce outdoor temperatures by as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you can’t hang out under a tree, a sun shade can help. A sun shade can be attached to any structure, and if you don’t have a structure for all four corners, you can install poles that can easily serve as anchors.

The first step before installing a sun shade is to make sure you have permission to place it. If you’re in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, there may be restrictions on what you can add to your property. If you’re renting, you could be even more limited on what you can attach to your home or other structures on the property.

Once you’ve determined you’re okay to get started, you’ll then need to decide where and how you’re installing it. The type of structure may determine what kind of bracket you use. You can attach your shade to brick, wood, steel and vinyl siding. You’ll need an anchor point for every corner of your sun shade, so measure out ahead of time and decide exactly where you’ll attach each side.

Unless you can find a sun shade that will reach to multiple structures in your backyard, you might need to add a sun shade pole to the mix. You’ll have to dig holes for each post, insert the pole and pour cement to hold the pole in place. Once you have it set up, you can install the eye hooks that you’ll need to hold each end of the sun shade.

• UV protection is an important feature if you’re buying a sun shade. Some provide more UV protection than others. The percentage should be listed in the product description.
• Most sun shades are built with breathability in mind. This keeps them from trapping heat beneath, which helps people cool underneath. They’re also typically built to allow water through, which prevents water from puddling on the surface.
• With that in mind, know that sun shades are designed to block sun, not water. You won’t be able to use these for shelter on a rainy day. If that’s a priority, you’ll probably need to look into another solution.
• Your sun shade will come with rings that you’ll use to attach it to the brackets you install. Check to make sure those rings form a secure connection to the material and the bracket, especially if you plan to leave it up full-time.
• The rings that attach to the sun shade need to be able to hold up under exposure to moisture. Many are made from stainless steel so that they’ll resist rust and corrosion in those conditions.
• Stitching is essential in a sun shade, especially since it will likely deal with intense winds from time to time.
• You can find sun shades that are lightweight enough to take on the go with you. However, you’ll need to be able to install it once you arrive at your destination, so make sure you can handle it.
• Sun shades come in a variety of colors, from neutrals to pastels, as well as patterns. You can find some that match your outdoor space, as well as shades that add a pop of color to the area.
• Before buying a sun shade, measure the area and compare it to the stated dimensions. Allow a couple of extra inches for the distance from the mounting hook to the corner of the material.
• Although your sun shade should come with the rings attached, you might need to purchase mounting hardware and have tools on hand. Look at the instructions before buying and make sure you’re ready to install once you get it.