Although there are plenty of ways to keep yourself cool on your patio during the summer months, not all of them will provide you with adequate shade. For example, you could install a pair of fine mist sprayers which are extremely effective at lowering your body temperature. However, these devices will not prevent you from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays whilst you sit on your patio. If you want to do that, then what are the options for shade-making devices that will be the most effective? 

Awnings

If you turn to a professional awning contractor to install one of their products for you, then you are sure to generate plenty of shade just where you need it. Because an awning installation requires a wall nearby, they are particularly effective when fitted over rear-facing patio doors. The fabrics that are used in modern awnings are particularly effective at shutting out all of the more harmful rays the sun casts down. In the past, awnings used to be made of rather flimsy materials which provided some shade but did not cut out all of the necessary light frequencies to remain fully protected beneath them. Thanks to the latest fabrics, this is no longer an issue. Indeed, awnings with motorised controls can be set to any pitch you wish at the flick of a switch to ensure you get shade just where you want it. This makes them incredibly versatile, too.

Pergolas

Another option that is popular in many Australian gardens is a pergola installation. These are basically temporary garden structures which are usually constructed from timber. Although a pergola does not need to have a roof, it is often better to fit one in order to generate sufficient shade. Alternatively, you could grow a vine - or another plant that has shading leaves - through it, although this will take a while to mature fully. Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes, and because they are free-standing objects, they are ideal for terraces which are away from the main building as well as patios close by. 

Shade Sails

Increasingly common in public spaces, shade sails are also objects that are able to support themselves. Like awnings, they are best when fitted with modern fabrics that block out all of the sun's rays. However, like pergolas, shade sails are usually set in a fixed position, so you do not always get the benefit of the shade that is cast exactly where you need it, especially when the sun is low in the sky. Furthermore, because they do not retract, they need to have very robust supports so that they can withstand any high winds they might be exposed to.