Backyard Awnings

A few years ago, my husband and I bought our first house. It was far from a dream, closer to nightmare, but after long hard hours of sweat equity, it’s turning into a great home. Of course, there’s always more to do, and this year we get to tackle the backyard. I have many things on my wish list, a bluestone patio, bigger, prettier deck, along with trees, shrubs flowers and something to provide some shade. It gets pretty sunny in the afternoons in Arizona and I think backyard awnings are just the thing to help cool the yard and the house. I have my heart set on some backyard awnings for a few reasons, but most important is sun protection. I know that some strategically placed backyard awnings will not only cool down the patio and deck, but will also keep the house cooler, and help reduce my electric bill and cooling costs.

Backyard awnings aren’t the biggest things on my husband’s wish list, so I’ve had to do some research to help convince him. I’ve discovered that backyard awnings are becoming more and more popular with homeowners, for many of the reasons I’ve already outlined. But, I also discovered that backyard awnings could be retractable. This makes them an even better option, as backyard awnings that retract, give me control over when I want shade or even rain protection and when I’d like to have my deck or patio open to the sky. Plus, backyard awnings that retract usually last longer, because they can be drawn in during severe storms, or winter months, so that backyard awnings aren’t damaged. Backyard awnings offer great Sunbrella material, with bright colors and patterns, to bring some style to a boring yard.
 

While most backyard awnings are attached and braced to the home and cover an attached deck or patio, I’ve also seen some great freestanding backyard awnings. Living in Arizona, a backyard pool is almost standard in most homes, and we have the basic rectangle pool, like every other house in our neighborhood. I love the idea of building some freestanding backyard awnings near the pool. Backyard awnings would make that space cooler, shadier and I think it would really bring some style to the area. I’ve noticed these freestanding backyard awnings built out of both metal and wood (which my husband could definitely tackle) and the awning fabric can be removed for winter storage or even replaced when wear and tear or a change in style dictates it. I can see it now; those backyard awnings can bring some resort style to our plain and boring backyard.

I’m convinced that backyard awnings can easily and affordably help us solve some of our worst landscaping problems (at least for now), and all I need to do now is convince my husband. I think it’s time to pull out the style file and show him just how much style backyard awnings can add to our landscape, not to mention helping with our cooling bill.