One of the most functional and useful structures for the outdoors is the shade canopy. Shade canopies, which are often portable, have four sturdy poles and a hard-wearing, weather resistant canopy top that supplies instant shade at any time in just about any place.

Portable shade canopies can go with you anywhere and set up quickly and easily. Many come with their own handy tote bag, which makes carrying and storing your shade canopy trouble free. There's no apparent limit to the variety of situations in which portable shade canopies can prove useful. Create a shady spot over the sandbox, kiddie pool, or outdoor play area. Enjoy a relaxing, shady picnic in a sunlit park or even in the back yard. Protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays during soccer games, visits to the beach, or all day garage sales. Many people like to keep portable shade canopies in the back of the car, truck, or RV because they come in handy more frequently than you might expect.

Larger, less portable versions of the shade canopy have more permanent uses. For example, there are shade canopies that can function as a spare garage for an extra car or recreational vehicle. They protect your vehicles from a major portion of the direct sunlight that they might otherwise be exposed to over the course of a day. They also decrease the snow pile-up on your vehicle during winter storms. Enclosed shade canopies offer even more protection for your vehicles and belongings because, in addition to the standard canopy top, they have walls to keep bad weather out. Enclosed shade canopies can be used for any number of purposes. Fashion your own outdoor room at home or at the campsite. Use it as a fun backyard play area for the kids and their friends. Host a backyard dinner party, and don't worry whether rain will spoil the fun.

Shade canopies, whether portable or more permanent, provide an inexpensive solution for anyone wishing to create more shade and more protection for people or possessions. They're simple to assemble and to take apart again, and their rugged construction ensures that they will be able to handle many long years of frequent use. No matter how you use them, portable shade canopies keep you covered when it counts.