Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 5/6/2008

Question
Hi, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ANSWER. I AM RENTING A HOME, IT HAS A LARGE CONCRETE PATIO (APPR 24'L X 6'W) BUT NOTHING ABOVE TO RELIEVE US FROM THE SUN! WE are in miami, fl. i am looking for something inexpensive to build or place on with minimal attachment to the home itself. Someone suggested lattice around and above but not sure if it is what I want. Ideas? I would like for it to be fairly easily broken down if the landlord wanted to remove it after we leave. (ex: removing a few things of wood from the ground) not too difficult because i am a single woman and not alot of carpentry knowledge, but learning...ha ha! really want shade! Thanks , stacy

Answer
Hi Stacy - thanks for your question!

The lattice solution you've heard violates two of your requirements: it won't be easy to remove (what are you going to do with all that wood when you leave?) and it's very expensive!  You'd also need your landlord's permission to build it, and you've have to meet building codes - which means hurricane resistance in Dade County, which means $$!

A better solution is a retractable awning like the ones at www.sunsetter.com.  You won't be able to cover the entire patio with one awning, but you can install more than one - and they're much less expensive than a wood pergola/lattice structure.

More importantly, a rectractable awning does the job of making shade very well and can be retracted when the weather requires it.

Finally, it's easily installed and removed...should be easy to convince your landlord to allow it.  AND NO "CARPENTRY" INVOLVED!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com