For some, lounging on a sun-drenched balcony is the ultimate luxury. For others, it can be a nightmare – but how do you block that sun while out on the balcony?
The easiest way to block the sun on a balcony is by using an awning or pergola that covers the entire structure. Alternatively, you can use a ‘sun sail’, a parasol, rolling shades, or any other kind of screen to effectively block all or some of the sun.
Read on to learn more about the tactical tools you can use to block the sun on your balcony.
Step Out Onto The Balcony
Balconies have been a staple fixture in warmer climates for hundreds, if not thousands of years. They’re a remarkably easy way to enjoy the glorious sunshine that is present almost all year round in these locales, and they’re often attractive additions to homes.
They’re a considerably diverse construct and can come in many forms, from tiny Juliet balconies to massive, sweeping terraces. Furthermore, they can be used for a huge range of purposes, from simple lounging to hosting an entire outdoor garden area.
In many cases, balconies are highly customizable and will differ from home to home. When you’re next walking past an apartment tower that features balconies, take a look, and see how the homeowner has personalized their individual balcony.
For the most part, a balcony is a space to gather, enjoy the sun, and relax. In most cases, a balcony best serves its purpose when it’s equipped with a sun lounger or two, a few plants, and a nice book, or music system.
Although, there are plenty of occasions when you’ll want to shield your balcony from that almost ever-present sun. But how do you go about blocking the sun on a balcony, given that it is a massively powerful celestial object?
The Sun: Beautiful But Deadly
It doesn’t matter if you love the sun or hate it – eventually, it can become too much. When you’re spending several days (or a lifetime) in a hot climate, that gorgeous sunshine can eventually cause its fair share of problems.
For example, there are several health issues caused by continued exposure to a hot sun, such as skin cancer, heatstroke, and sunburn. There’s also the potential for damage to the eyes, and dehydration can quickly be experienced if you’re standing or sitting directly under the sun.
When you’re out on your balcony, these facts are still true – even more so, considering the fact that you’re likely to be lounging there for some time. With that information in mind, it makes sense to learn how you can block the sun on a balcony.
There are several ways to accomplish this; some are expensive, and some are dirt-cheap. They’re also varied, to suit your needs – you can block all, or just some of the sunshine, tweaking the solution to deliver the exact amount of light and heat you need.
It’s Time To Block Out The Sun
The easiest way to block out the sun on a balcony is through the use of an awning. In an apartment block, awnings are often naturally in place, with the next floor up serving as a cover of sorts from the sunshine.
However, when that isn’t the case, you’ll need to deliberately build or install an awning or pergola. These awnings can be retractable, folding, or permanent, and they can be made from a range of products.
For example, if you were to have a pergola made of wooden beams, only part of the sunlight will be blocked. Although, if you install a PVC or fabric awning, you’ll block out almost all of the sunshine that beams down from above.
If you want something a little more temporary, you could purchase a parasol, which can be a considerably affordable way to block out the sun. These are essentially large umbrellas, and they can be extended whenever you so desire.
Furthermore, if you wanted more complete coverage, you could install some kind of screen around the whole balcony. These can be made from bamboo, wood, PVC, metal, or any other material that can effectively shield you from the sun.
Failing that, if you want something more attractive, you can try growing lots of leafy plants with a large profile. These will not only boost the aesthetic of your platform, but they’ll provide natural shade from the sunshine – provided they’re big enough, of course.
There are so many options to choose from – which will you pick for your balcony?