The Best School Shade Ideas

While experts recommend that people spend time outside each day, too much exposure to UV rays can be harmful. In some cases, burning and overexposure can begin after just 10 minutes of sunlight. This is especially harmful to children who are looking to play and have fun outdoors.

Shade structures for school playground spaces are critical for childhood growth. They allow students to spend time outside in the fresh air without overexposing their skin to UV rays. Read on to learn some of the school shade ideas that can help you.

Umbrellas and Small Shades

If you're looking for temporary shade solutions over smaller areas, umbrellas are the perfect option for your needs. You can get them in multiple shapes and sizes to meet your precise specifications. These are best for outdoor areas with tables where teachers gather and students study. Make sure the umbrellas you purchase are tamper-proof and suitable for schools. 

School Shade Sails

While umbrellas are excellent at keeping UV rays at bay, permanent outdoor shade structures are usually a superior option for schools. They remain in one location for a prolonged length of time and therefore do not need additional storage. They can remain outside in all weather conditions and do not need to be transported from one location to another at various times.

Custom shade sails are made from durable marine-grade materials that can withstand rainy and windy weather. While they're a bit more expensive than some alternatives, they can last for many years when maintained properly. Students, particularly young ones, will also have a wider shaded area under which to run and play.

Shade Structures

Shade structures are essentially areas in which a shade is held up over a large space. These are gazebo-like fixtures where the durable cloth is attached to a tall pole that hangs over the area. The fabric shade may also be stretched across multiple poles for larger spaces.

These permanent fixtures are installed into an outdoor space. They come in many shapes and sizes to cover tables, seating areas, and even entire assembly spaces. Many of them have similar shapes to cantilever umbrellas but are not put away in various weather conditions.

These shade options are conical shaped and stand on their own like a building. You can link it together between buildings or with durable posts. This is a popular option for schoolyards that want to shade entire sports teams and play spaces.

Get the Best Shade Structures for School Playground Spaces

Whether you want shade structures for school playground spaces, courtyards, or blacktop events, there are many options available to you. These shades keep students out of harsh sunlight and stop them from overheating, so they're critical for day-to-day life.

Now that you know about the various shade structures that you can choose from for areas surrounding a school, it's time to start ensuring student comfort and safety. Reach out to our experts for more ideas on how you can add shade to your school!

Please note the contents of this post is information only and general in nature.
If you require advice it is best to contact one of our shade specialists who can review your particular circumstances and then provide tailored advice according to your needs.