| Privacy and shade are essential elements for | | | | established. |
| transforming a deck into an inviting outdoor living | | | | In certain regions the climate may force a |
| space. Climbing vines trained over a sturdy arbor add | | | | homeowner to cover a portion of the deck with a |
| a measure of welcome shade that changes the | | | | full-fledged roof so that time can be spent outdoors |
| character of a deck completely. With a combination | | | | even in inclement weather. To many people shade |
| of the right kinds of vines and a sturdy supporting | | | | structures constructed of wood are very appealing. |
| structure a deck can be transformed from a hot and | | | | However, it is posible to construct a shade structure |
| sunny space to be avoided to a a shady deck | | | | out of galvanized pipe with its pieces glued together. |
| retreat. Even a simple trellis that hides an unappealing | | | | Copper pipe pieces can be soldered together to |
| view can work to create an intimate enclosure, | | | | create an interesting and unique support structure. |
| making the deck more appealing. | | | | Even plastic pipe using standard plumbing connections |
| Vines also add a wonderful ambience to a deck | | | | can be glued together to make a durable and |
| because they have the ability to create an | | | | weather resistant shade structure. |
| atmosphere of rich plant growth abundance. Decks | | | | A frame for an old awning can be altered to become |
| can become amazing places with flowers and foliage | | | | a functional vine support. The top can be covered |
| spilling over railings, covering walls and downspouts | | | | with galvanized wire mesh that has fairly large |
| and draping over an overhead arbor or pergola. That | | | | openings that are a minimum 4 inches in size. |
| same arbor, a trellis or a fence thickly covered with | | | | Deciduous vines such as Virginia Creeper and |
| vines, together with plantings of shrubs and other | | | | Dutchman's Pipe are ideal choices to trail up these |
| large landscape plants, can help to muffle noise from | | | | structures to cast welcome summer shade and allow |
| the outside world making the deck retreat seem | | | | in the sun after they have dropped their leaves in |
| even more secluded from the outside world. | | | | winter. |
| Vines are extremely effective for softening | | | | Retractable awnings are a very good practical |
| landscape elements such as walls and railings. They | | | | solution to shading a deck. These add on structures |
| have the power to give the deck the charm of an | | | | are relatively simple to install and can be extended by |
| outdoor living space that seems to be right in the | | | | a motor or a hand crank. Some models with |
| middle of the garden. | | | | retractable arms can extend up to 14 feet. For larger |
| Arbors, pergolas and trellises and other overhead | | | | areas there are other models that have cross rails |
| shade structures are designed to support vines in | | | | and uprights. These can extend to about 20 feet |
| such a way as to be able to support the considerable | | | | maximum. |
| weight of these climbing plants. Proper construction | | | | Awnings need to be mounted so they have a |
| methods and heavy duty materials are very | | | | minimum pitch of at least 15 degrees in order for the |
| important in this process. These structures must be | | | | rain to be shed efficiently. The pitch also allows the |
| able to withstand both wind and the elements of | | | | awning to block the late afternoon sun to a better |
| weather. | | | | degree. Mount the awning high enough on the wall so |
| The style of the house will determine the style of | | | | that its outside edge is high enough off the deck so |
| arbor or other overhead structure to be built. Once | | | | that anyone may walk under it comfortably. Eight |
| the structure has been constructed, the vines can be | | | | feet is the recommended minimum height. |
| planted. To create a deeply shaded retreat, choose | | | | It is important to remember that retractable awnings |
| large, vigorous vines that will readily cover an arbor | | | | should not be left extended when no one is home. |
| or other structure. Wisteria is one of the most | | | | They are not designed to withstand heavy rain or |
| vigorous vines for covering these support structures. | | | | high wind. They also most definitely do not support |
| Its fragrant flowers add wonderful color and | | | | any kind of snow load. |
| fragrance to the late spring garden. Eventually once | | | | A homeowners can create a wonderful shady deck |
| the vines begin to grow they can be trained to | | | | retreat by using practical design techniques combined |
| weave themselves throughout the various parts of | | | | with the proper choice of colorful and fragrant plants |
| the structure. In some cases string can be used to | | | | to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the deck and |
| help hold them in place temporarily until they are well | | | | provide a functional shaded outdoor living space. |