Keep Cool this Summer with these DIY Backyard Shade Ideas

There are endless ways to add shade to your backyard with awnings, pergolas, or umbrellas. But if you’re looking to get creative, here are some DIY backyard shade ideas, the perfect summer project. Whether renting a house in Phoenix, AZ, or moving to Palm Springs, CA, these shade tips will give your backyard a little something extra and keep you sheltered from the heat. 

We reached out to experts for their best DIY backyard shade ideas to add to your home. You can use these tricks to upgrade existing structures or start a new project all while helping spruce up your space and add shade.

Create backyard shaded spaces with nature

Incorporate vines like yellow flowering jasmine 

“I love yellow flowering jasmine. This hardy vine grows like crazy in the South and provides a beautiful natural shade over our poolside arbor.” – Southern Chick Journal

Recreate tree-lined streets at home 

“I live in Houston, TX where tree-lined streets are very common. To get that same look for a shady spot in your backyard, cut three inexpensive arched trellises in half and space them to fit the spot you want shaded. Add a potted vine, like jasmine or honeysuckle, to each section, and watch them grow into a beautiful shaded arch you’ll enjoy all year round.” – The Tinkering Spinster 

Ocotillo branches can give you a rustic beachy look 

“Ocotillo shade panels are a creative and unique way to add shade to a space. Create a basic support structure and add the branches above, which are sold in panels. These fresh Ocotillo branches have been wired together and can be found by vendors who ship nationwide. The aesthetic outcome can range and fit in with rustic, beachy, Spanish or desert-style landscapes.” – Branch Out Landscapes

Large sails help cast a shade 

“To create an idyllic summer hideaway right in your backyard, try hanging a large shade sail over your existing outdoor space and stringing bistro lights around the perimeter. It will provide some much-needed shade during the dog days of summer and a pretty glow once the sun goes down. For an extra DIY touch, twist some artificial ivy around the string lights for a little pop of green.” – Design Fixation 

“Adding large canvas sails to cover an outdoor space is a great way to create shade. You can purchase most canvas sails for under $200 – less for smaller ones. It only requires setting a few posts in concrete. The sail comes with factory grommets that you can be attached to posts with eye lag screws and turnbuckles, snap hooks, or s-hooks. Configure sails to cover the most area possible.” – Under a Texas Sky

Add drapery where you can 

“Install drapery on covered porches and patios in neutrals or colors that coordinate with trim and accent colors. Tie them back for sun and pull them out for shade. Alternatively, add drapery to an outdoor rated or teak canopy bed frame as a structure for an exotic look and feel.” – Jocelyn Winslow Decorating Den Interiors 

Test out a tulle fabric canopy 

“Ever thought of creating a summer canopy using tulle fabric for your backyard oasis? Light and inexpensive, tulle will add a touch of whimsy to any yard. Kids and adults will love the colorful and quirky retreats that have the bonus of keeping out mosquitos.” – CB Flowers & Crafts 

A shady project for pool owners 

“For pool owners, adding a pool house not only creates shade but adds a cool hang-out and summer entertaining space. Many prefabricated home kit options are available today, in styles from modern to traditional, to use as the base for this DIY project. For even more shade, add pergolas on the side of the pool house and elevate the space with maintenance-free astroturf, outdoor curtains, and hanging ferns. Not only does this DIY project add shade to your outdoor living space, but it adds value to your home.  – The Style Du Jour

You can always work with what you have  

“Most outdoor spaces offer some sort of existing shady structure. Design-wise, while it might be more challenging to work with existing structural elements, it can be more cost-effective and original to elevate your existing outdoor space. We encourage incorporating more unexpected, interior looking but outdoor-rated furniture & décor, such as drapery or cluster of oversized woven rattan chandeliers suspended above a dining table or lounge area.” – LuxySpace 

Hopefully, these shady tips help with your summer fun in the sun. DIY backyard shade ideas can be the perfect summer project with its endless possibilities. So get creative and find something that works for you.