1. Understand your exposure
West- and south-facing patios take the hardest afternoon sun. Note the hours the space is unusable and where the sun enters — that is the problem you are buying a solution to.
2. Decide how much you want to cover
One seating area or the full patio span? Coverage drives layout, the number of shades and how the finished patio feels.
3. Pick your openness
Openness controls the trade-off between view and shade. More openness keeps the view through the fabric; less openness gives deeper shade and more privacy. Ask to see the difference before choosing.
4. Sort out operation
Motorized or manual, remote or wall control, grouped or individual. Convenience is what determines whether shades get used daily.
5. Match the finish to the house
Housings and fabric tones should sit quietly against the exterior. A shade that reads as part of the architecture looks far better than one bolted on.
Questions to ask any installer
- Will you measure my patio in person before quoting?
- What exactly is included in the written quote?
- How will the shades be operated, and can you show me?
- What are the expected timelines in writing?
- Who handles service after installation?
Get a quote you can compare
We measure your patio, review exposure and give you a written quote for your home so you can compare it with anything else on the table.