G'day all,
We've just put in a deck in our backyard that runs from the back door to the fence (approx 4.5 metres), and then runs about about 6.5 metres wide. I've been considering a couple of solutions for providing shade/rain cover on demand (still want to be able to enjoy the sun if I want to!).
It seems as though cantilevered umbrellas, retractable awnings and retractable shade sails are the main options I've uncovered, although I'm more than happy if someone can point out something that I haven't managed to uncover.
I think I'm leaning towards retractable shade sails as my preference. Cantilevered umbrellas take up a prime position on the decking for the base, retractable awnings seem to get troublesome around the 4.5 metre length, from what I can gather. Because we have the option of putting in some support posts either side of the deck against the fence, I think the retractable shade sail would be the "cleanest" solution.
Has anyone on here had any experience with them? Can't seem to find an awful lot about them in Victoria. Seems to be a few mobs in Qld and some in NZ doing them.
I would have thought that it should be a pretty cheap option as well, compared to the others, but have been unable to find any info on pricing for them.
Cheers,
al fresco