How can I build a cover for my patio?

I live in a condo. The area is almost like a square with the back of the condo, 2 walls that connect to the back of the garage. During the Arizona summer, that area is always in the sun with heat up to 115 degrees. I was thinking of running 2” by 8” planks all the way across, attaching them from the condo to the back of the garage. Then maybe line the top using those wood flats ( oh darn I forgot what they’re called). It’s an idea that I came up with to save money. I can paint them myself. Also, I don’t want that area so dark that I can’t grow flowers or small trees either. I believe by using them, it will give me enough shade so I can enjoy the back yard, yet give me enough light to grow plants. Also, help cut the wind down a little too, I hope anyway. I had a bid from a company here, it was almost $5,000. Gulp! At Lowes, I see they have big “Sails” that I can attach between the buildings for less than $1,000. They’re pretty too. Thank you for getting back to me. I love Hometalk, and all of the ideas.

Great plan! But, according to building codes you need a permit to attach anything to the condo structure and / or garage structure, not to mention permission from the Homeowners Association for the condo. A sail shade is an excellent idea, you just may need to sink some free standing posts to attach them to. Do your research so you do not receive the wrath of the Homeowners Association.

Thank you so much for your answer. I see that one of my neighbors made a shade out of sheets. ☺️ I know that I have to put in a request to the HOA to do anything and I find that they are very hard to deal with. So, I’m trying to decide on what I’d like to do, and can do, whether it’s build a covering over the area with lumber or using the sails. I thought I could put together 2 or 3 ideas, using pictures and licensed contractors with costs of installing it. The sails idea are so very pretty and are guaranteed for at least 2 to 3 years. My only worry with using them is the wind. We get some awful winds here, not often, but when we do, will the sails hold up? I’m hoping that they are strong enough, almost like the huge sails that you see on boats. I like the idea of not having to sand and paint every so often to keep up the wood. Some of the owners here have them and they look awful, peeling, boards warping and breaking too. Well, thank you so much again, for listening to me and giving me advice also regarding the HOA. Wish me lots of luck.

My neighbors have wood covering over their yards. Some are awfully dark, way to dark for me. I didn’t want to spend more than $2,000. My backyard area is about 18 ft by 30 ft. If I put up the giant “Sails” from Lowes, they cost about $200. each and guaranteed for at least a couple of years. Also, they come in colors and I can change them from time to time when I want to.

also, they don’t need painting either which is a big plus! I have access to lots of the wood flats, their free also, so that’s why I thought about using them but I believe they would be a lot of work just to get them ready and to put them up on top of the planks. Then the work to keep them looking nice, especially when your 80 years old, might not be such a good idea after all. 🤔. Thank you for answering me.

Sounds like you got it figured out. Enjoy your sails. I think they are neat.