Build a tropical shade structure

July 9, 9:54 AMBackyard Living ExaminerJane Gates

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A tropical shade structure being built (Photo by Jane Gates)

Tropical gardens are still a favorite theme for landscaping. You can design your own tropical shade structure to help make your garden more comfortable in summer heat while adding that island look to the design of a tropical garden. The concept of the structure is basic enough that it can be adapted to use for pets and even farm animals.

Build a basic frame with 2 x4’s and 4 x 4’s. Use 4 x 6' pieces of wood for structures that will be larger and stronger. The design of the basic frame can be taken from any plans for simple box structures, sheds or other basic frames.  Another good form is to build a rounded frame like an octagonal shape, for example. Roofs can be designed on a simple box-like form with a slanted roof in which the back wall is taller so the front slants down in the front to allow runoff. Circular structures can be formed with domed roofing. In short, you can use just about any simple skelleton for a structure that will fit in the space or use you have in mind.

Like most wood structures screwing or bolting the base of the posts to post hardware set in cement footings will give your shade structure stability. You can also use pre-formed piers sunk into the ground. Just make sure your footings are solid.

Design your tropical shade structure so the sides are open and you can create the feel of tropical island 'walls' by hanging woven grass mats or adding a bamboo lattice. Bamboo poles can be split or used whole for an ornamental covering over the support posts. Or you can wrap straw or grass cloth around posts.

The roof of your tropical shade structure is important since shade is the primary purpose of the structure. Try shingling the roof over the supporting timbers with dried palm leaves. Fan Palms are grown all over this area and the leaves of most of them need to be stripped regularly so they look neat and clean and don't afford nesting for rodents and other pests. These dried leaves are perfect to layer for roofing over your shade structure. Just wear thick gloves so you don't get 'bitten' by the sharp teeth of the stems.

Leaves can be stapled or tacked to the timbers on the roof. If you live where wind is an issue, you can use manila rope or heavy nylon twine to weave over and under the leaves to keep them in place.

If you plan to use your shade structure in your landscape as an outdoor room or for entertainment, you might want to outfit it with outdoor furniture in cane, raffia or bamboo. Toss in some comfortable pillows.  Then cover the floor with a colorful outdoor rug and post a couple of tiki torches at the entry to be lit at nighttime for a festive tropical welcome.