The sunny climate of Tucson, Arizona, is one of its biggest draws, but during the scorching summer months, that same sunshine can make your backyard feel more like a furnace than a relaxing retreat. Fortunately, there are many smart and stylish ways to incorporate backyard shade into the design of your landscaping. Here are some ways the experts at Cimarron Circle Construction can help you stay cool while enjoying your backyard year-round.
Custom Ramadas: A Permanent and Stylish Solution
A ramada is a freestanding, roofed structure that offers complete shade and protection from the elements. Unlike a pergola, which provides partial coverage, a ramada features a solid roof which makes it ideal for covering an outdoor kitchen, dining area, or spa. Cimarron Circle Construction can design a ramada that blends beautifully with your existing architecture, adding both function and curb appeal.
Covered Patios: Expand Your Living Space Outdoors
If you love the idea of spending more time outside without getting sunburned, a covered patio may be the way to go. These structures are typically attached to the home and serve as an extension of your indoor living area. The team at Cimarron Circle designs and builds custom patios that take both form and function into account, using materials that withstand Tucson’s high temperatures while complementing your home’s design.
Pergolas: Light, Airy, and Versatile
A pergola is an open structure with a slatted roof that offers partial shade. While it doesn’t block all sunlight, it provides a cooler, filtered light that’s perfect for plant-covered sitting areas or pathways. You can enhance the shade by adding climbing vines like bougainvillea, or install retractable canopies and shade cloths.
Shade Sails: Modern and Flexible
For a more contemporary and cost-effective option, shade sails offer flexibility and flair. These triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric are stretched between posts or anchor points to create pockets of shade over pools, patios, and play areas. They’re available in a range of colors and UV-resistant materials and are especially useful in areas where installing a permanent structure isn’t feasible.
Strategic Landscaping: Natural Shade With Native Plants
One of the most eco-friendly ways to introduce shade into your backyard is through native landscaping. Trees such as mesquite, palo verde, and desert willow not only thrive in Tucson’s arid climate but also provide excellent natural cover. Planting trees or tall shrubs in key areas can reduce the temperature of your yard and offer shelter from the sun. Over time, this not only adds to your comfort but can also help lower cooling costs by shading parts of your home.
Create Functional Outdoor Living Zones
Incorporating outdoor kitchens, seating areas, and fire pits under shaded structures can dramatically boost the usability of your backyard. By creating distinct zones, you turn your outdoor space into an extension of your indoor lifestyle. Cimarron Circle Construction’s outdoor living service specializes in designing complete outdoor living environments that include custom cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and appliances.
Shade is essential in the Tucson heat, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. Partnering with the experienced professionals at Cimarron Circle Construction ensures your shade features will not only beat the heat but also enhance your home’s value and beauty for years to come. Call our pool and outdoor living company today to have our team visit your property in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Casas Adobes, Rancho Vistoso, Tortolita, Dove Mountain, Rillito, or Stone Canyon to get started on your outdoor living and pool design.