Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of summer, but the heat can quickly make patios, decks, and gardens unpleasant. With some strategic planning and a few affordable projects, you can create an outdoor oasis right in your own backyard. Here are some tips for cooling down your outdoor living spaces so you can enjoy being outside even on hot summer days.
Use Shade Strategically
One of the easiest ways to cool down an outdoor area is by adding more shade. Carefully positioned trees, shrubs, vines, and trellises can provide cooling shade right where you need it. Some shade-providing plants to consider include:
- Trees – Maple, oak, birch, and honey locust trees provide dense shade. Fruit trees like citrus can also be nice shade trees.
- Vines – Plant vining plants like grapes, trumpet vines, and passionflowers on overhead structures to create shade canopies.
- Shrubs – Shrubs like azaleas and hydrangeas thrive in shade, so plant them around any seating areas.
Focus on shading spaces where you want to sit, relax, or eat. An umbrella is an easy way to get instant shade right where you need it. Outdoor curtains hung from overhead beams are another quick shading option.
Choose Cool Materials
Building and decorating your outdoor space with naturally cool materials can also help reduce temperatures. Here are some good options:
- Wood – Wood decking, furniture, and pergolas remain cooler than materials like metal or concrete. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant woods commonly used outdoors.
- Stone – Natural stone pavers, walls, and accents don’t absorb as much heat as poured concrete and help regulate ambient temperature.
- Wicker – Wicker chaise lounges, chairs, tables, and hammocks allow air circulation and feel cool.
- Fabrics – Umbrellas, curtains, cushions, and pillows made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen stay cooler than synthetic fabrics.
Choosing cooler materials can make a big difference in how comfortable your outdoor space feels on hot days.
Install Overhead Structures
Adding an overhead structure is an excellent way to make an outdoor space more comfortable for hot summer days. Here are some ideas:
- Pergolas – Open wood or metal pergolas provide some shade while allowing in breezes. Vining plants grown on pergolas increase cooling shade.
- Pavilions – Small standalone pavilions create shaded relaxation nooks, play areas, or dining spaces.
- Verandas – Attached verandas extend indoor living space outdoors under the shade of the roof overhang.
- Sails – Fabric sail shades mounted on posts efficiently block sun while allowing airflow.
Measure the area carefully when planning overhead structures to ensure ample shade coverage.
Incorporate Water Features
The sight and sound of moving water has an instantly cooling effect. There are lots of easy ways to add water features:
- Fountains – Self-contained fountains come in endless styles, from modern to classical. Place near seating areas so the sound can be enjoyed.
- Ponds – Small backyard ponds with a recirculating pump provide habitat for wildlife as well as tranquil water movement.
- Rain Chains – Rain chains directing gutter downspout water into rain barrels or cisterns add sparkling cascades.
- Misters – Misting systems made for outdoor use release a cooling mist. They feel wonderful on hot days.
Situate water features where prevailing winds can capture the breeze they generate. The ambient cooling they provide makes a noticeable difference.
Use Fans and Misting Systems
On especially hot days, fans and misters can be used for more active cooling:
- Ceiling Fans – High-powered outdoor ceiling fans vigorously circulate air, creating a wind chill effect.
- Stand Fans – Large stand fans work well in covered outdoor seating areas.
- Misting Systems – Low pressure misting systems release a cooling mist that instantly drops the temperature.
- Misting Fans – Fans with misting nozzles provide air circulation and evaporation for maximum cooling power.
Look for fans and misting systems made specifically for wet outdoor use. Routinely clean and dry them to prevent corrosion and electrical hazards.
Keep it Cool at Night
Don’t forget to use nighttime cooling strategies too:
- Ventilate – Open windows and doors after the sun sets to let in cooling breezes. Use fans to maximize air circulation.
- Limit Lighting – Minimize lighting at night to reduce radiant heat. Use solar lights along paths.
- Night Watering – Water lawns and plants in the early morning or at night when evaporation rates are lower.
- Cover Up – Pull down sail shades and close up umbrellas, curtains, and pavilions at night to preserve cool air.
Making the most of natural nighttime cooling saves daytime air conditioning costs.
FAQs About Cooling Outdoor Areas
How can I cool down my patio without air conditioning?
Some good ways are adding shade trees or a patio umbrella, using wicker and wood furniture, installing an overhead structure or canopy, incorporating water features, and running outdoor ceiling fans.
What can I plant to shade my yard?
Some excellent shade trees for yards include maples, honey locusts, birches, fruit trees like citrus, and flowering trees like dogwoods and redbuds. Dense hedges and vines grown on trellises also provide shade.
Should I use misters to cool my patio?
Misting systems are very effective for temporarily cooling patios on hot days. Look for commercial grade misters and timers made specifically for outdoor use. Situate misters where they won’t spray furniture to avoid mildew.
How can I shade my deck cheaply?
Some budget-friendly ways to shade a deck include mounting solar screens on railings, extending retractable awnings from the house eaves, and installing a rectangular shade sail on posts. Even just a standard patio umbrella makes a significant difference.
Should I choose wood or concrete for a cool patio?
Wood decking and furnishings generally stay cooler than concrete or composite decking. However, natural stone pavers also hold heat less than poured concrete. Any shading strategies will help regulate the temperature of either material.
What vines provide the best shade?
Great vine options for dense overhead shade include trumpet vines, passionflower, grape vines, wisteria, and kiwi. For partial shade, try annual vines like morning glory and moonflower.
Conclusion
Creating an outdoor oasis doesn’t require expensive air conditioning or complex renovations. Strategically using shade, plantings, water, and conscientious material choices allows you to both cool down and beautify your patio, porch, or garden. Paying attention to both daytime and nighttime conditions ensures you can comfortably enjoy your landscape morning, noon, and night. With some planning, even modest yards can become a summer haven right outside the door.