5 Reasons to Add a Shade Structure to Your Outdoor Kitchen in the Westborough, MA, Area

As you contemplate how you will end up using your new outdoor kitchen in Westborough, MA, heat may be a top concern. If the sun is beating down in the middle of the day, you may have wished you had included a shade structure in this outdoor living space. If you are torn between a full covering over your outdoor kitchen or you’d prefer partial shade, there are options for making this area of your landscape as enjoyable as possible—for both the cook’s and your guests’ sake.

Related: Make Your Pergola the Star of Your Patio With These 4 Outdoor Lighting Design Ideas in Ashland, MA

An Increased Aesthetic Appeal

The focus of many landscape designs at first is often horizontal features—from the patio and pool to the walkways. Adding a shade structure can bring just the right contrast of a vertical landscape element to increase the beauty and interest of the overall design.

Think of how the hefty wood posts of a pergola rising up from the patio can bring texture and height to your outdoor space. Decorative edges along the cross beams could offer a detailed effect. The shade patterns that the pergola reflects on the patio of the outdoor kitchen could also add visual interest.

Improved Safety for Friends and Family

The little ones and the elderly can get hot very quickly with potentially serious consequences if you are not cautious. Incorporating a shade structure into the outdoor kitchen can help them to stay cool on a hot summer day by the dining area where they can sip a cold drink to keep their body temperature down.

The shade can also help you as the cook to stay cooler, as well. Grilling over a flame and preparing the rest of the meal can become quite uncomfortable. Any type of shade can improve the temperature to allow you to get the entire meal ready without feeling faint or clammy.

Because the shade structure has overhead beams, this can be the ideal place to add ceiling fans and potentially personal fans attached to the posts to keep the breeze flowing there.

Protect Your Outdoor Kitchen from Damage

Even when you are careful with the outdoor kitchen appliances and grills, rain can come along and wreck your BBQ plans. A shade structure over this area can add another layer of protection for your kitchen and appliances.

The structure itself can keep the debris and harsh rain from pelting the kitchen cabinets, appliances, and more. When you have invested in an outdoor kitchen, you will likely want to give it the best protection possible with a structural covering.

A True Outdoor Living Space

Since the outdoor kitchen will have a shade structure, this space can feel like a true room in the house. The elements can’t ruin your plans because you and your guests are protected. Once the food is done, you can eat in comfort since the whole area has protection from the rain and UV rays of the sun.

Types of Shade Structures

Your landscape contractors can point you in the right direction for a shade structure that will suit your needs best.

Pergola: A pergola can be placed anywhere on the patio, but having one over the outdoor kitchen and dining space can make any meal so much better. The dappled light that filters through the top slats could provide you with just the right balance between warmth and coolness.

Pavilion: A shade structure with a full roof can eliminate all the hottest sun and offer plenty of ways to increase the air flowing for a delightful outdoor dining experience.

Related: Why You’ll Soon Want to Add a Pergola to Your Backyard for the Summer in Ashland and Wayland, MA Areas