Outdoor Sun Screens and Shades Greatly Improve Outdoor Living in Portland
Some parts of the country are heavily focused on protecting themselves from excessive heat and sun while others focus on the opposite and try to find shelter from the cold while still maximizing their outdoor living.
In the greater Portland area including SW Washington (Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal, as well as the Portland suburbs of Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Gresham), we are blessed with a nice mix of all that each of the seasons has to offer us.
With this comes both the good and bad of each season. And while we might dread the bad aspects of each season, our Sunsetter Retractable EasyScreens and EasyShades help you get the most out of each.
Whether it is excessive sun, UV rays, and heat, light winds, moderate Portland rain showers, or just the need for more privacy, outdoor screens and shades can help you greatly live the outdoor life that you desire.
Overhead protection, such as a patio cover, pergola, lanai, or just a second story overhang, are a great first step to expanding your outdoor living. But quite often, what is needed to add the final elements for extending your outdoor living is side protection. Much sunlight, wind and rain can come in from a side angle.
That’s where outdoor shades and screens excels. While a screen or shade won’t completely eliminate these elements (who would want them to completely block out all sunlight?), they help considerably. Not only do they provide additional protection, their fully adjustable settings allow you to control how much coverage you need at any given moment with the push of a button. And don’t forget the added privacy. While you can easily see out through your screens and shades, they provide considerably more privacy than when you are fully exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Portland-area patios need “side protection,” not just a roof?
Because sun, wind, and rain often come in at angles. Side screens/shades help when a patio cover or pergola only protects overhead.
Are outdoor sun shades mainly for heat, or also for glare?
Both. Many homeowners want less glare (especially late-day sun) as much as they want cooler seating areas.
Will shades make my covered patio feel too dark?
Not necessarily—fabric openness and color matter. The right shade can reduce harsh sun while still keeping the space bright.
Do outdoor shades help with privacy?
Yes—many options provide daytime privacy while still allowing you to see outward.
What’s better for my space: screens or shades?
If bugs/airflow are the priority, screens are often first. If sun/glare and privacy are the priority, shades are often first. Many setups combine both.
What info should I send for a quick recommendation?
A photo looking outward from the patio, the direction the sun hits (morning/afternoon), and rough opening sizes.