Building a Shade for my Benches

Hello IBC folks,

I need to design and build a shade to protect some of my trees that require some midday shade. I am looking for design options, please share if you have any ideas.

I don't have a pic. of my bench but below is what it looks like (picture taken from http://gweb-sketchup-showcase.appspot.com/sketchup/showcase/project/sketchup-designed-bonsai-bench/view)



Below is one option (picture taken from http://bonsaibaker.wordpress.com/):



I am really trying to avoid nailing anything against the house esecially with siding (unlike the brick wall shown in the picture).

Thanks,
- S

If you are not in a wind prone area of the windy city I think a kite like shade would work best, they sell them at the box stores to shade patio furniture. If you are prone to wind that maybe a harder construction of the same model would work.

I actually thought about that; occasionally we do get high winds. However, I want to take a look at some... can you post some pictures or maybe a link?

Thanks,
- S

Just google patio shade

S,
Why not use the same idea as in the second picture but use 2x4s bolted to the backside of the bench? Probably running them the length of the legs would give the most stability.

Todd

If you near water, Reeds work wonderfull. Its labour intensive to cut them an pull the leaves off, but its FREE If you leave gaps inbetween it also works and looks great.



love and light
Andre

Also google Lath House

DreadyKGB wrote:Why not use the same idea as in the second picture but use 2x4s bolted to the backside of the bench? Probably running them the length of the legs would give the most stability.

I agree.

suburbia wrote:I actually thought about that; occasionally we do get high winds.

Have you checked "shade cloth"? They are basically nets w/ different filtering grade and wind can pass through them (less resistance).

I built a shade structure over my plants out of PVC pipe. They go together like tinker toys.
I then covered the top with shade cloth. Not beautiful, but it's neat and works well. Come
winter, I'll be wrapping the same structure with plastic for a greenhouse effect.

Libby