Central Florida shade cover

[andyburr]

In response to a couple requests, here are some pictures of my recently constructed 10'x20' shade cover, which I hope will protect my plants from the fierce noon-day sun.

It's on the east side of my house between garage and fence, and is loosely attached to both. The cost of materials--pvc pipe, shade cloth, tie-wraps--was about $50.

No way it'll survive anything approaching a hurricane, but it held up to some gusty winds the other day. I'm now trying to make a portable structure approx 7'x6'.
best wishes to all!
Andy
Winter Garden, FL

[kimstwin]

Nice job, you have a slew of nice looking plants under there. That looks pretty sturdy. I wish I was handy like that.

[Royal]

very nice, indeed. Any tips for us folks who will do something like this in the future? What to avoid, what worked well?

I've been trying to muster up the courage to ask my wife if I can do something like this. She might be OK with it if it only costs $50.

[andyburr]

I'm the opposite of handy... klutzy? But it wasn't too hard. We measured the area, drew a picture of it, imagined what we'd need to do it, searched for it all at Lowe's.

Some random notes:
Shade cloth comes in 6x15 rolls (cheapest at wal-mart) or by the foot at lowe's. They offer several (expensive) attachment options--we went with plastic tie-wraps, cheap at Big Lots.
In measuring the cloth, remember to leave a couple inches each side to wrap around the pipe.
I think Shade cloth comes in several thicknesses or translucency levels-- 50%, 70%, etc. I'm not sure what I got or if it's going to be adequate shade in the long run.
You might consider using electrical conduit pipe instead of pvc--still inexpensive, heavier, but much more rigid and likely much more sturdy.
There are post/corner attachments made for pvc, but I couldn't find ones to attach my 1" uprights with my 1/2" horizontals.
It would be easier to work with and handle--probably sturdier, too--in smaller sections. We made this one in one big piece--kinda awkward.

[lostonthebeach]

I agree it is a nice job. Thanks for all the pictures.

[Rothie]

Nice pics and helpful tips,thank you.I was looking at one of the online stores-either Walmart,Lowes,or HD-and they had a portable 10X10' with adjustable legs(for height).I think it was about $100 and had good reviews.

[andyburr]

Thank you for the kind words. It's sort of a hillbilly construction project. Thinking back, Royal, I didn't keep real good track of the cost.... it may have been closer to $100.... but you could always TELL your wife it'll be $50.... can't help 'cost over-runs'!

The Big Lots near me has a 10x10 shade tent for about $30, but I believe it doesn't allow any sunlight to pass. Looks kinda flimsy, too. We recently got one of the Walmart 10x10 unfolding metal canopies with canvas roof for under $100; it's for use when we're vendors at a flea or farmer's market.