Looking for the right deck shelter to help keep away the rain? Adding a deck shelter to your deck is a great way to ensure you can enjoy your deck even on those wet, rainy summer days. However, how do you know which shelter is right for you? There are many options ranging in price, durability, and amount of shelter provided. If you’re looking for ways to improve the usability of your yard and deck, contact the experts at Jay Fencing today, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

What Is The Best Deck Shelter To Shield You From The Rain?

Your deck should be a place of relaxation and retreat. When it comes to overall best protection from the elements, including rain, wind, harsh sunlight, and even insects, as well as best value added to your home, a gazebo is an excellent choice. Gazebos are the most versatile option on our list of different deck shelters. You can install a small gazebo or a larger gazebo; an elaborate, decorative gazebo or a simple gazebo; an open gazebo or an enclosed gazebo.

With a gazebo, the possibilities are nearly endless, which makes it perfect for your new backyard shelter solution. If your area sees little rain, you can choose an open gazebo, or purchase removable tarps or mesh for extra rainy days. If your location is prone to windy, rainy days, an enclosed gazebo may be the best way for you to enjoy your backyard no matter the weather.

However, gazebos are an investment. Though they can increase the value of your home, they do cost more upfront. To ensure your gazebo stands the test of time, it’s best to ensure a professional installation company builds your gazebo from the best materials.

Interested In Your Own Beautiful Gazebo?

If you are unsure if a gazebo is the best choice for you and your budget, consider some of the other options listed below. Check out our deck shelter comparison that lists the pros, cons, average price, and durability for each option. For more detailed explanations of each option, continue reading below!

Deck Shelter Options – Comparison Chart

Deck Shelters – Options Overview

Adding a deck shelter can be a big decision – or it may be as simple as buying an outdoor umbrella or two. Whatever you choose for your yard, it’s important to know all of your options first so you can make an informed decision and feel good about your final choice!

Deck Roofs

Available To: Homeowners

Adding a roof to your deck is a permanent deck shelter solution that can last a very long time. Depending on the materials used to build your deck roof, you will likely never need to replace it or repair it, unless an unforeseen accident occurs.

When built by a professional, your deck roof will be durable and provide a great deal of protection from the rain and other elements. Like a gazebo, a well-built deck roof can also add value to your room. Adding a roof to your deck makes it easier to screen in your deck if you choose to do so in the future.

Building a deck roof is a major construction project and will take a bigger budget than some other projects. It may cost more or less depending on the current layout of your home and yard. It is important to work with professionals.

An inexperienced installer could build a roof that does not stand up to the winds and rain, becoming easily damaged or even collapsing. Because it is a small addition to your home, it’s important to know the bylaws of your area – you may need a building permit to add a deck roof.

Gazebos

Available To: Homeowners

As mentioned above, gazebos are a versatile option that come in nearly endless sizes, styles, and designs. It’s easy to find or build a gazebo that fits all your wants, needs, and your budget.

Because gazebos have posts that surround the structure, it’s easy to attach a permanent or temporary screen or mesh to help keep the rain away. You can also choose to enclose your gazebo. An enclosed gazebo is essentially a room of its own, keeping out wind, rain, sun, and bugs!

Gazebos do require a higher budget. Though they can add value to your home, you will have to pay more upfront. Building an enclosed gazebo, the style that will provide maximum protection, is typically the most expensive option. If you are looking for a DIY project, a gazebo is not a great choice for you.

Deck Umbrellas

Available To: Homeowners and renters

If you need a quick, cheap, and simple backyard shelter solution, a large deck umbrella or two can help provide some shelter for your deck. Deck umbrellas are often used to provide shade, but can protect from light rain as well. Deck umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, so you can pick a beautiful option that works well with your yard and existing outdoor furniture!

Unfortunately, deck umbrellas provide limited protection and lack durability. A heavy rainstorm or an extra windy day could send your umbrella off your deck and into your neighbour’s yard!

Deck umbrellas only protect from rain falling straight down and provide no shelter on the sides. If it is raining on an angle, a deck umbrella won’t do much to protect you and your guests.

Hanging Canopies

Available To: Homeowners, Possibly renters – check with landlord before installing

A hanging canopy is a structure built on to your house’s wall. Some hanging canopies are retractable, meaning you can “put them away” when you want to sit out in the natural sunlight.

They are easy to use and can even be built the DIY way, though they may be a bit difficult to build for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers.

When built with high-quality materials, hanging canopies can last years without needing repairs or replacement. They provide a moderate amount of shelter and protection from the rain, depending on the style.

Some hanging canopies cannot retract, and therefore do not allow you to choose when you want sunlight and when you want shelter.

Canopy columns may also get in the way of other parts of your deck, or may not blend in well with your existing structures. Though they do provide a good amount of shelter, it is unlikely you will be sheltered on very windy or rainy days.

Portable Canopies

Available To: Homeowners and renters

Portable canopies are a great way to add temporary shelter to your yard when you need it. They are also ideal for larger backyards or larger decks, as you can move your canopy from place to place wherever you currently want shelter.

Some portable canopies even come with fabric ‘walls’ or mesh coverings to provide extra protection from the elements. They are generally affordable and come in a variety of styles and sizes for many different budgets.

Though portable canopies do come in different sizes, the majority of them are quite large. This means that if you have a very small deck, a portable canopy may not fit properly, or it may take up your entire deck.

They are not easy to customize; most come as-is. Though some portable canopies are made with durable materials, they are not the most durable option for heavy storms or windy days.

Removable Tarps

Available To: Homeowners, Possibly renters – check with landlord before installing

Removable tarps allow you to add shelter where and whenever needed. They are made from many different materials, and are generally a cost-effective shelter option for your deck. Most tarps are made from water-resistant materials, which means you won’t have to worry about maintenance.

Tarps are flexible and can be placed in many different ways, including as a temporary roof, or temporary walls, depending on your deck layout.

Though tarps are a great water-resistant solution, they are not generally aesthetically pleasing. If you are looking for an option that adds beauty to your yard, you are unlikely to find that with removable tarps.

Though you can choose when to put up your tarp, this may eventually become tedious, especially if there are many sunny-then-rainy-then sunny days in a row.

Shield Your Deck From The Rain With Jay Fencing!

There are many online guides and YouTube videos on how to build DIY deck shelters. However, building most of these structures from scratch or even from a kit can be a challenge. Ergonomic issues such as strained muscles, heat exhaustion, or fatigue can halt the process and result in serious injury.

DIY can also end up costing more due to improper installation – repairs and even replacements down the road can result in many unexpected costs.

One of the best ways to avoid unexpected costs and DIY frustrations is by choosing a reputable installation company. An experienced installer will help you know what’s best for you and your property, will know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid pitfalls and skip right to the beautifully installed deck shelter or gazebo of your dreams with Jay Fencing! 

“We are very pleased with our new deck with gazebo. I was very impressed by the
city inspector’s comment that whoever built the deck takes great pride in their
work. Again many thanks.”

– Bob – Read more testimonials here!

At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will make the price go up. We offer free onsite consultations for all the jobs we quote on!

Sources:

familyhandyman.com / todayshomeowner.com / heavydutytarps.ca / lowes.com