A deck shade is an outdoor, roof-like structure that covers a seating area or standing area and blocks the majority of direct sunlight and the harmful ultraviolet radiation it carries.  In residential environments, a deck shade will shield homeowners, guests, children, pets, and even plants from the heat and the ultraviolet radiation of direct sunlight.  In commercial environments, deck shades shield clients, customers, and employees from heat exposure and sunburn and ensure a reasonable comfort zone necessary to a productive business cycle.

The shade portion of the structure itself functions as a roof.  This shade is manufactured with a special fabric called “shade cloth” that is characterized by amazing tensile and tear strength.  Due to its innate heat resistance, shade cloth is also flame retardant and ideal for commercial environments with tough fire codes.  The shade is supported by a galvanized steel frame that is stabilized by corner bracing and brass plates, supports the deck shade.  Optional side panels can be added deck shades, as well as optional plant hangers suspended from the sides.

Deck shades can be ordered in practically any size standard to most patio dimensions.  Common sizes include 12’ x 10’, 12’ x 20’, and 12’ x 30’ shades.

Residences and businesses alike will benefit greatly from investing in deck shades.  Homeowners definitely need the protection they offer when people come over in the spring, summer, and early fall to spend the majority of the day outside.   Any will outdoor seating area can be sheltered under such a  shade structures, keeping children and pets safe from heat and ultraviolet radiation while they play.

Businesses can also profit from the use deck shades.  Instead of building expensive structures like courtyards and atriums, they can simply erect picnic tables and benches, then cover them with deck shades to provide a cool, protected place out of the sun ideal for lunchtime outside or a few minutes outdoors on a coffee break.   

Restaurants and bars can avoid building expensive new patios and simply have a basic outdoor deck built with a shade over the seating area.  People will enjoy sitting outside and they will feel comfortable while doing so.  If it rains, the deck shade will double function as a roof. 

In large municipal areas, deck shades can be used to cover anything from concession stands at sporting events to seating areas where the fans watch the game.  Trade shows also use them to keep booth areas comfortable for visiting professionals.  Street vendors near beaches or sidewalks rely on deck shades to protect themselves and their customers from heat and sunburn. 

Any poolside area, be it public or private, really needs a deck shade.  The natural reflectivity of water actually increases the amount of light that strikes the skin and intensifies the severity of sunburn.   Erecting a shade over the pool deck will drastically reduce sunburn. 

Any deck that is used for housing potted plants can also stand to use a deck shade.   Many people are surprised when they hear this, having assumed that plants live in sunlight and are impervious to UV light.  This is not so.    Some of the plants that we grow in our most attractive flower and garden arrangements are indigenous to forests where the tree canopy above them blocks most of the direct sunlight.   Others come from cooler climates, or from parts of the world where there are more cloudy, rainy weather than they are to sunny days.  Too much direct sunlight will cause these sensitive plants to wither and wilt if steps are not taken to protect them.