How Do I Choose the Best Backyard Canopy?

A backyard canopy can shelter you from both sunlight and rain, but finding the best one for your yard and uses involves a bit of thought before purchase. One of the most important details to consider is size, because you likely will find a backyard canopy more useful if it is big enough to cover everything you want to put under it without overwhelming your yard. You also may want to think about the appearance and durability of the canopy's material if you want it to look good and last for several years. Portability also is a factor in choosing a canopy, because you may want to move it at some point.

Before you choose a backyard canopy, you should be aware of the amount of space you have for it. Even if your backyard is rather big, you should typically avoid adding a large canopy to it unless you have lots of extra room, because the area may look crowded if you have to squeeze this type of furnishing into a small space. Measuring the space you have available can help you identify the right size backyard canopy for your property. You also may want to think about what you hope to fit under it, because a smaller canopy may accommodate a small table and two chairs, while a larger canopy can often fit a big table, chairs a fire pit and other backyard furnishings. Before you decide on this aspect, think about the number of people who will likely want to get under the canopy at the same time.

The material is another important detail to think about, because it will often affect durability and appearance. You likely will want to make sure the material is resistant to sunlight so it will not fade over time and resistant to mildew, because it will likely be rained on at some point. In addition, material that is touted as stain-resistant — or at least easy to wipe down — can help with the cleaning process for years. The color of the material is another important aspect, because you likely will want a shade that is appealing and matches any other outdoor decor you might have. Materials come in solid colors, a variety of shades, stripes and other designs.

Some canopies are quite easy to set up and often come pre-assembled, or at least only have a few pieces for you to put together before use. These are often called pop-up backyard canopies and usually only require one or two people and a few minutes to set up. If you plan to occasionally take your backyard canopy elsewhere, such as to the beach or a campsite, you may want to consider this type. On the other hand, some canopies require a lot of work to assemble, because they are meant to stay in one place for years.