My Experience Making An Outdoor Roll Up Shade
Last summer, my husband and I decided to spruce up our backyard by adding some shade. We have a small patio area where we love to spend our evenings, but the sun can be brutal during the day. We thought about buying a pre-made shade, but they were all so expensive. So, we decided to try our hand at making our own outdoor roll up shade.
What is an Outdoor Roll Up Shade?
An outdoor roll up shade is a type of shade that can be rolled up and down as needed. It is usually made out of a durable material, like canvas or mesh, and is attached to a roller mechanism. The roller mechanism can be mounted to a wall, a pergola, or even hung from a tree.
Why Make an Outdoor Roll Up Shade?
There are a few reasons why you might want to make your own outdoor roll up shade:
- Cost – Pre-made shades can be expensive.
- Customization – Making your own shade allows you to customize it to your specific needs and style.
- DIY satisfaction – There’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating something yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making an Outdoor Roll Up Shade
Here’s how we made our outdoor roll up shade:
- Measure the area where you want to install the shade. Make sure to measure both the width and the height.
- Choose your material. We opted for a heavy-duty canvas material that we found at our local fabric store.
- Cut the material to size, leaving a few extra inches on each side for hemming and attaching to the roller mechanism.
- Hem the edges of the material to prevent fraying.
- Attach the material to the roller mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mount the roller mechanism to the wall, pergola, or tree.
- Test out your new shade by rolling it up and down a few times.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Making an Outdoor Roll Up Shade
If you’re thinking about making your own outdoor roll up shade, here are some tips and ideas to keep in mind:
- Choose a durable material that can withstand the elements.
- Consider adding grommets to the corners of the shade for added stability.
- Use a light-colored material to reflect the sun’s rays.
- Add some flair by stenciling a design onto the shade.
- Consider adding a valance to the top of the shade for added style.
- Make the shade wider than the area you want to cover to allow for better coverage.
- Use a pulley system to make it easier to roll the shade up and down.
- Attach the shade to a pergola or arbor for added stability.
- Consider adding some outdoor string lights to create a cozy ambiance under the shade.
- Don’t forget to take into account the direction of the sun when installing the shade.
Pros and Cons of Making an Outdoor Roll Up Shade
As with any DIY project, there are pros and cons to making your own outdoor roll up shade.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Customizable
- DIY satisfaction
Cons
- Requires some DIY skills
- May not be as durable as a pre-made shade
- May take more time and effort than buying a pre-made shade
My Personal Review and Suggestion for Making an Outdoor Roll Up Shade
Overall, I am extremely happy with our decision to make our own outdoor roll up shade. It was definitely a bit of work, but the cost savings and customization options were well worth it. We’ve had the shade up for a year now, and it’s still holding up great. My one suggestion would be to make sure you have a good understanding of the installation process before you begin. It can be a bit tricky to get everything lined up just right, but with a little patience and persistence, it’s definitely doable.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I make an outdoor roll up shade without a roller mechanism?
A: It’s possible to make a roll up shade without a roller mechanism, but it will be more difficult to roll up and down. You could try using a pulley system or attaching the shade to a long pole that can be turned to roll up the shade.
Q: What is the best material to use for an outdoor roll up shade?
A: The best material to use for an outdoor roll up shade is one that is durable and can withstand the elements. Canvas and mesh are both good options.
Q: How much does it cost to make an outdoor roll up shade?
A: The cost of making an outdoor roll up shade will depend on the size and material you choose. Our shade cost us around $50 in materials.