October 31, 2026 · 3 min read

Shade and outdoor rooms in the Scottsdale heat

An outdoor room is only useful if the sun leaves it alone for part of the day. Here is how we think about shade first.

1.Follow the sun

Walk the yard at noon and again in the late afternoon. The shade you need is where the sun is strongest at the times you want to sit outside.

A solid cover gives full shade and rain protection. A pergola feels open and lets some light through. Many yards use both.

A short counter beside the grill makes outdoor dinners easier and keeps trips through the door short.

Low, warm lighting and a fire feature extend the season well after the sun goes down.

Planning a project like this?

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