It doesn’t matter where you live in Australia, there are going to be times of the year when being outside in the sun gets uncomfortable fast. Providing shade to your al fresco area is a great way to make the space usable for a larger portion of the year.
If you live in a recently built home, then chances are the al fresco area is incorporated with the main house, under the roofline and may even have a plaster ceiling. So you already have shade!
For everyone else, though, you’ll need to create shade. You could duplicate recent home designs and provide some sort of covered area for use as your al fresco space. Check with your local council, as a permit may be required.
If you want something a little less pricey, then a pergola may be the answer. A pergola is basically a timber frame for the space without any walls or ceiling. They can look a bit stark and the shade is only partial, but they’re a great support structure for growing a deciduous creeper or vine. Shade in the warmer months, open in the winter!
Longer term, trees are another option. Think about when and where the space needs shade, and choose trees to suit. Just make sure you plant them appropriately for their eventual size. I’ve seen too many people plant big shrubs or trees right next to a space, only to end up with trunks and foliage making the space smaller every year.
Another option is shade sails. You can leave them in place year round, or put them out for the hotter months and take them down in winter, if you buy the right type.
If you think through your plans for using the al fresco space, you will be able to choose a shade solution that strikes a great balance for enjoying the great outdoors without being hot and uncomfortable.