Metal Shade Structures

Select the Right Metal Shade Structure Today

Choosing the right outdoor shelter depends on your project budget range, the size of the shelter needed, and the desired aesthetic appeal of the property. Metal roof colors can greatly enhance the look of your space, from the bright red of a mini message shelter to the earthy green tones of a picnic shelter or a sleek, modern black bus stop shelter. These featured colors on metal shelters can add interest and style to ordinary spaces.

Consider the function and type of structure you're seeking. For example, a gable end structure makes an excellent entryway shelter, and a steel cantilever trellis adds an attractive feature to gardens. Mini shelters provide shade for those resting on benches or cover from rain, snow, and UV rays for equipment. Whether you decide on a gable end, hip end, hexagon, octagon, or flat roof frame structure, it's essential to consider roof pitches that can withstand heavy loads and suit the aesthetics of your property.

Key Considerations for Metal Shades

Careful planning ensures metal shades meet intended purposes. Key factors include:

• Size: Measure the area needing shade and order structures slightly larger to increase coverage. Factor in additional clearance for entry/exit points.
• Shading Height: Standard shade height is 12-14 feet, allowing comfortable 7-8 foot clearance below. Adjust height based on ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, etc.
• Shading Angle: Aim for shading angles that block the western and southern positions of the sun when it's highest during summer afternoons and evenings.
• Maintenance Needs: Some metal finishes require occasional touch-up painting. Ensure you have access to the roof for debris removal and gutter cleaning.
• Compatible Architecture & Landscaping: Choose metal shades that match or complement existing architectural features and hardscaping.

Steel vs. Aluminum for Shades

The two most common metals for shades are steel and aluminum. Steel is extremely strong and durable and can withstand impressively high wind loads. It is a heavier material and prone to rusting, but coatings, paints, and finishes help protect against corrosion.

Aluminum is lightweight, but very sturdy when properly gauged. This material has excellent corrosion resistance. It can sometimes come at a higher initial cost than steel. Regardless of the option you choose, proper construction and finishing are crucial.

Benefits of Metal Shade Structures

Metal structures offer some unique benefits for schools, parks, businesses, and other properties. Here are some key advantages:

1. Durability: Metal is incredibly durable, long-lasting, and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high wind, rain, snow, and ice. Quality steel or aluminum structures can last 20-30 years or more.
2. Low-Maintenance: Metal requires very little maintenance. It won't fade or degrade from sun exposure, sag from water pooling, or need frequent repairs.
3. Customization: Metal can be formed into limitless shapes and sizes, from creative curved designs to massive square footage coverage. Custom metalwork allows structures to match unique spaces.
4. Strength: Pound for pound, metal is stronger than fabric and better suited for large-scale shades or those needing heavy-duty wind resistance. Metal frames support greater weight loads.
5. Fire Resistance: Metal is non-combustible and meets fire code requirements. It's the ideal shade material for applications like restaurants with grills and fire pits.
6. Pest Resistance: Metal won't attract or be damaged by insects, rodents, and other pests.

Popular Uses for Metal Shade Structures

Metal shades provide solar protection, rain shelter, and architectural design for:

• Patios: Shading for outdoor dining spaces, sitting areas, and patios attached to restaurants and cafes.
• Pools: Permanent shade around pool decks for lounging areas.
• Playgrounds: Shelter for play structures, seating, and equipment at schools, parks, and childcare facilities.
• Sports Courts/Fields - Shade sails for spectator seating and bench areas around athletic courts and fields.
• Carports - Metal carports and drive-through canopies to cover vehicles.
• Events: Temporary event tents and staging covers for performances, vendors, and guest areas.
• Employee Areas: Break areas, designated smoking areas, and shelters at commercial sites.
• Equipment/Storage: Covers to protect stored materials, vehicles, waste areas, generators, and mechanical equipment.

Metal Shade Structures from Furniture Leisure

At Furniture Leisure, our all-American-made park shelters are fully constructed from industrial-grade steel: ASTM A-500 Grade B/C Frame Tubing and ASTM A-36 Roof Plates. This provides the necessary strength for metal roof shade structures to withstand wind gusts of 90 mph and snow loads of 20 PSF. Standard shelters are available in many different shapes and sizes to fit any space, including square, hexagon, octagon, rectangle, gable end, dugout, cantilevered, trellis, kiosks, mini shelters, and privacy shelters. You even have the option to add an electric access package that adds cuts into the frame to route wiring for lighting, fans, or speakers! We also offer cupola and duo-tops for additional style.

As one of the nation's leading suppliers of commercial outdoor furniture for over 20 years, Furniture Leisure creates gorgeous, durable metal shade solutions built to last decades. Our structures enhance parks, businesses, and recreation areas at affordable prices. For personalized recommendations and quotes on metal shade structures, contact the professionals at Furniture Leisure today.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of a metal shade structure?

Metal shades offer extreme durability, wind resistance, and customization compared to fabric shades. Metal structures are long-lasting, low-maintenance additions that provide shelter and architectural design.

How do I determine the right size for a metal shade structure?

Measure the full area needing shade and add an extra 2 feet of overhang on all sides. Taller structures should have at least an 8-foot clearance underneath. Size appropriately for the number of people and items needing shelter.

What metal materials are best for shade structures?

Steel and aluminum are the most common options. Steel offers supreme strength at a lower cost but requires frequent touch-ups to prevent rust. Aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength when powder-coated.

How much ongoing maintenance do metal shades require?

Metal is very low maintenance compared to fabric. Expect to do occasional touch-up painting on steel structures and annual cleaning of debris, gutters, and fittings to maximize lifespan.

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