Sail Away
A sail shade is among the easiest DIY sun-blockers you can make. All it takes is a triangular-cut piece of fabric with eyelets punched in the corners. Use strong twine or rope to attach the shade to poles, the side of the house, or nearby trees.
Related: 8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio
Piece of Paradise
Add a little island flair to your backyard with a tiki thatched roof. The tropical awning creates vacation vibes right out your back door.
Related: 10 Cheap Ways to Bring the Beach to the Backyard
Zillow Digs home in Bonsall, CA
Screened In
Motorized retractable awnings are pricey. Rather than splurging on this amenity, opt for a screen that you can easily adjust yourself.
Related: The Best Things to Get for Your Backyard from Sam’s Club
Zillow Digs home in Palm Springs, CA
Perfect Pergola
A classic pergola keeps things shady without completely blocking the sun. The thin wood slates let the rays poke through so you feel the warmth of the sun without it beating down on you.
Related: 15 Doable Designs for DIY Outdoor Furniture
Lovely Lattice Light
A lattice canopy with verdant vines makes a beautiful addition to any yard. You get the shade you're looking for with the added bonus of vibrant greenery all around.
Related: Flowering Climbers: 8 Cures for the Common Garden
Zillow Digs home in Del Mar, CA
Partial Pergola
Just because you're seeking some shade in your backyard, doesn't mean you want your entire patio covered. This DIY from The Created Home shades just a corner of the yard or patio and creates a romantic setting for some mood lighting—and it's budget friendly.
Related: 12 Big Ideas for Small Backyards
Curtain Call
You don’t need to invest in expensive outdoor curtains to add a little shade to your pergola. Kate, from Centsational Style, shares an easy DIY using canvas tarps for sturdy shades. Simple, affordable, and still attractive—just what everyone wants.
Related: 14 Cheap DIYs for a Better Backyard
Stand-alone Stunner
Build a private oasis in your backyard. This DIY canopy awning offers protection from the sun, and privacy from the neighbors. You don’t even need a whole weekend to build this outdoor escape.
Related: 14 Ways to Make Your Small Yard Seem Big
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Simple DIY Shade
Homemade By Carmona made this privacy shade using little more than copper pipes and fittings. The space-friendly canopy is great for anyone with a smaller yard or deck, and is a good project for DIY newbie.
Related: 12 Backyard Updates You Can Do in a Day
Extra Cover
Seek out an extra large patio umbrella. A normal size umbrella is fine, but a bigger one will keep you covered no matter what direction the sun is facing.
Related: Top 10 Classic DIY Projects for the Outdoors
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