Best Shade Solutions by Budget
Here's what you can get at each budget level, from least to most expensive.
Under $100
- Market umbrella: A 9-foot market umbrella with a basic base runs $50-$80. Shades a dining table immediately. No installation.
- Budget shade sail: A single triangle or rectangle HDPE sail with basic hardware for $40-$80. Good for seasonal use or testing a layout.
- Shade tree: A young shade tree (5-7 foot) from a nursery for $50-$100. Plant it now, enjoy it for decades (but not today).
$100-$500
- Quality shade sail setup: A commercial-grade shade sail with stainless steel hardware for $150-$300. Add steel posts if needed ($50-$150 extra).
- Cantilever umbrella: A mid-range cantilever with good fabric for $200-$400.
- Multiple shade trees: Plant 2-3 strategically placed trees for $150-$300.
- Manual retractable awning: An entry-level retractable awning for $400-$500.
$500-$2,000
- DIY pergola: A 10x12 pressure-treated pine pergola for $500-$1,000 in materials. Cedar for $1,000-$2,000.
- Pergola kit: A quality cedar kit for $1,500-$2,000.
- Motorized retractable awning: A mid-range motorized unit for $1,500-$2,000.
- DIY patio cover: A polycarbonate or metal-roofed cover for $500-$1,500 in materials.
$2,000-$5,000
- Premium pergola kit: Vinyl or aluminum kit installed, $2,000-$5,000.
- Contractor-built pergola: Basic to mid-range custom wood pergola, $3,000-$5,000.
- Basic patio cover: Professionally installed aluminum cover, $3,000-$5,000.
$5,000+
- Insulated patio cover: $5,000-$15,000 installed.
- Custom pergola with extras: Cedar or redwood, with retractable canopy, lighting, and fans, $5,000-$12,000.
- Louvered pergola: $8,000-$25,000+ installed.