The Affordable Way To Add Shade To Your Backyard If You Don't Have Trees

There's no denying pergolas are an affordable and stylish backyard upgrade. But most structures, whether they're made of wood or metal, require plans, lots of materials, deep post holes, and, in some areas, even permitting. There are easier options if, however, you're looking for something more temporary to shade your treeless outdoor space — like, say, somewhere to mount a sail for a backyard BBQ or protect a paved patio you can't dig down into. Drill large hooks onto four tall timber posts and pop them into four big buckets or containers. Fill the containers with concrete and, once set, attach a lightweight sail. Instant pergola! And one that will hardly make a dent in your household budget at that.

A benefit of this pergola on a budget is that the entire thing is highly flexible. Store the posts and sail in a garden shed or garage when they're not in use or during the long winter months when you're rarely outside. This nifty function also makes them the perfect choice for renters unable to dig or drill in their backyard and those wanting to cover existing wooden decks or concrete pads. (Just make sure the latter is sturdy enough to support what are essentially four hefty concrete blocks without cracking.) You could even use the concrete-in-a-container idea to anchor a lightweight pergola — one made from hollow metal poles or narrow pine planks — that keeps shifting in the wind. The four posts can double as outdoor string light stands for those balmy summer evening yard parties, or you could loop hanging planters over the post hooks whenever the sail comes down.

Look for a shade sail that's more cloth than canvas. You need something lightweight that doesn't pull on the posts too much. For example, this Winemana 40% black shade cloth stretches 10 x 20 feet and goes for under $25 on Amazon. Bonus: it just so happens that dark hues are the best color shade sails to keep your patio cool and protect you from harmful UV radiation. Sail sorted, you need to source your posts. Menards sells AC2 4 x 4 x 8 foot pressure-treated timber that's safe to bury in the ground and to use around pets and kids for under $12 each. If you're looking for something even more weatherproof, Lowe's has 4 x 4 x 8 foot lumber for just over $14 each.

The big buckets or planters you need for this project need to hold lots of cement to ensure they're heavy enough anchors. Amazon sells a set of two American flag-adorned United Solutions 5 gallon plastic buckets for under $30. Or, for those channeling rustic vibes, pick up four Behrens Manufacturing 9 gallon round galvanized steel wash tubs for about $35 each at Walmart. A 60 to 80 pound bag of quick-set concrete mix fills a 5 gallon bucket, so expect to use about one half to two thirds of the bag for each container. Walmart sells a 60 pound bag of Quikrete FastSet concrete mix for just over $80. A square or rectangle shade sail hardware kit costs about $20 on Amazon. Grab, too, something to mix the concrete in, a concrete stirrer or mixer, a cement leveling tool or trowel, and a power drill.

Attach the shade sail hardware to the top of each timber post using your drill — follow the instructions provided with the kit. Position the timber poles in the center of your chosen containers, the shade sail hardware facing inwards, and ask a few friends or family members to hold them in place. You can also brace them with a removable frame made from spare wooden planks. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into each container, making sure the post stays straight as you do so. Leave at least 2 inches of space between the concrete and the rim of the bucket so you can add adornments. Work quickly; some quick-set mixes start to harden in just 30 minutes. Once the concrete is completely cured, which takes about a month, arrange the cement-anchored posts in your backyard evenly to reduce slack in the sail.

Add gorgeous detail to your home's exterior by adorning this DIY wooden pergola. You could top up the level of your bucket or planter with decorative gravel. Amazon sells 15 pounds of natural river stones for under $30 that lend both extra weight and an undomesticated vibe to your pergola. You could also add some soil and plant vines that will eventually grow up the poles and disguise them. Drill some holes in the side of the bucket just above the concrete for drainage. Faux flowers work, too, for those without a green thumb or the time to cultivate plants. If you hate the look of plastic buckets, pop them inside decorative planters.