By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Take an assessment of your patio at different times of the day to get an idea of how much sun the patio is exposed to and when it is in the shade. This is important to know for choosing the kind of overhead materials you want to use. It'll also help you in figuring out how much material you're going to need in terms of casting shade.
Step2
Decide what your main needs are for your overhead material. If you merely want shade, a large umbrella or sun shade may be your best option. If you are looking for a rain shelter, you probably need a sturdier material like plastic sheets or grooved resin siding.
Step3
Consider whether you want your element protection to be freestanding or connected to your house. Many patios can be equipped with a trellis-like system of beams that connect to the wall of the house and can be covered with waterproof fabric or something sturdier such as tile.
Step4
Decide which material you think is best for your patio. Consider that trees and large plants can be used for sun shade during the summer, but some may lose their leaves in the fall and winter, and the shade protection will be gone.
Step5
Buy the overhead materials for your patio. The amount of material will depend on the size of your patio, and the location you purchase them at will depend on which material you've decided on. Most material can be purchased at home improvement stores, although you may have to visit a greenhouse if you wish to use plants.
