The Durable And Inexpensive Material That Can Provide Shade For Your Sunny Backyard

Summer is almost here, and with it comes bright, sunny days sitting outside. But anyone who lives somewhere with little to no tree coverage can tell you that there's a downside to too much sun. Not only can that extra sunshine turn your outdoor space unbearably hot, but it can also cause glares on screens when you're trying to spend a work-from-home day outside. The solution is simple: Create more shade in your patio or deck. There are plenty of ways to do this, from planting fast-growing shade trees to building tall privacy fences. On the other hand, though, you can opt for a more wallet-friendly, DIY-able choice that you can install in a single day — homemade shades.

Many people have jumped on the bandwagon of using reed mats to add shade to a patio, but this earthy look doesn't fit everyone's sense of style. If it doesn't align with your taste, then, consider corrugated aluminum. This durable option is simple to install over a wood structure, provides instant shade, and has a unique look that will impress guests. Corrugated aluminum is often used as roofing material because it's long-lasting, leak-proof, and easy to install, so it's a perfect fit for this purpose. Plus, if you ever decide you want a new look, the aluminum sheets can easily be reused and upcycled for other projects.

Corrugated aluminum has a minimalist style that looks great with any type of decor, especially industrial or modern spaces. The material has become popular in recent years, so there is no shortage of colors and patterns in corrugated aluminum panels. If you or someone in your home has DIY skills you're looking to use, you can also use corrugated aluminum to create either a privacy screen or a roof to a backyard pergola. This option is more customizable to your space, plus can be more cost effective: you can buy a 2.16' x 8' roll of corrugated aluminum roofing for $19.98 from Lowe's. To install it, you just need a screw gun or drill. If you need to cut the metal, though, make sure you wear cut-resistant gloves. Finally, decorate with aluminum spray paint, or leave the silver color if that matches your space.

If you're looking for a prefab option, consider buying a privacy screen. These can be used to create both shade and privacy along the perimeter of a deck or patio. The prefab products are typically made from aluminum slats rather than corrugated aluminum sheets, so they're just as rust-resistant and affordable, but may be prone to dents over time. Nonetheless, these types of screens are often the easiest and most simple option. You can purchase a 6' x 4' privacy screen for $179.99 from Wayfair, or a stackable 48" x 2' panel for around $35 from Lowe's.