How Much Shade Do Lattice Patio Covers Really Provide? A Practical Breakdown

May 13, 2025

Imagine you’ve finally installed that beautiful patio cover you’ve been eyeing for a long time. Soon, you realize that it hardly gives any shade, but instead, it creates more of a “sunlight disco effect” in your backyard. Let’s be real; those aesthetic designs only look great on social media. When it comes to reality, think again: do they actually keep you cool or give you proper shade?

However, lattice patio covers can play both sides! During the day, it’s your protector from the sun while allowing some air to pass through. At night, you can enjoy the starry sky while some strings of light hanging from the cover add an ambience of peace and calm! Needless to say, they are visually quite appealing!

If you’re still on the fence about how much shade you can get by installing lattice patio covers, today, we’re here to tell you the truth. Just straight facts that will help you make the correct decision for your patio!

Want a lattice patio cover? Contact Us Now!

The Real Truth About Lattice Patio Cover Shade!

Lattice patio covers perfectly interplay between providing sunrays and shade, filtering the sunlight, and not blocking it entirely. But the truth is, the actual amount of sun or shade depends on some key factors. We’ll discuss them one by one.

1. Slat Spacing

The first thing that decides how much shade or sunlight you’ll get is the spacing between slats on the cover. Let’s say it has a one-inch gap between the two slats. Then you’ll get around 40-50% of sunlight, which is great if you like partial shade in your backyard.

A two-inch gap can let in 60-70% of sunlight, making it the best choice for those who love dappled light. But with adjustable louvers, you can control the shade from 10% to 90%!

2. Material of the Cover

While you might think this is obvious and often overlook its importance, the material of the cover actually plays a pretty huge role in ensuring the amount of shade you’ll get. If you get an aluminum lattice patio cover, it will give you an elegant look and keep you cool by regulating the temperature beneath it.

Plus, it’s low-maintenance, durable, rust-resistant, and can withstand tough weather conditions too! You can also choose other materials, such as wood or vinyl. They all do a great job of keeping the patio cool while also ensuring you can enjoy some amount of sunlight.

3. Customization Option

Quick question: what’s Nature’s shade multiplier? Well, it’s plants! With lattice patio covers, you’ll get enough space to grow climbing plants, vines, and similar natural cooling solutions. This factor can determine how cool your patio stays during the day while also adding a beautiful touch of style to the structure!

If you keep these three points in mind when installing a lattice patio cover, you can be the ultimate “shade connoisseur” of your backyard!

Not Too Hot, Not Too Dark, Get the Perfect Balance With Our Lattice Patio Covers!

Can Lattice Patio Covers Provide Additional Shade?

Your lattice patio cover will already provide you with filtered shade. But there are some easy upgrades to create an even darker and cooler area in your patio without losing the charm of the cover.

This is only possible because lattice patio covers offer several customizable options to beautify your patio and enhance its functionality.

Just add a removable shade cloth over the lattice cover. You can use clips or bungees for quick installation and removal of the cloth. So, when heat waves hit, your patio won’t feel like an oven!
You can also hang weather-resistant curtains on the sides to protect the patio from intense heat!
You can add temporary solar screens on the cover to block UV rays, filter the sunlight better, and keep the space cooler during extremely hot summer months.

Is the Lattice Patio Cover Only Good For Providing Partial Shade?

Lattice patio covers default to partial shade, but they aren’t limited to it! These covers offer several other perks to homeowners!

Increased Home Value: Lattice patio covers are excellent for adding curb appeal to your home. So, these are not only ideal for added functionality in your patio but also increase your property value. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy some quality time on their patio every day?
Privacy: With their unique design, lattice patio covers create privacy without giving the feeling of isolation. You can enjoy your outdoor living space without completely blocking your surroundings.
Personalizing Your Backyard: With hundreds of customization options, lattice patio covers can be great for expressing your creativity in your backyard. You can hang lights, plants, and other decorative items to personalize the space as per your style and choice!

Lattice patio covers can be an amazing addition to your backyard, offering an ideal blend of comfort and aesthetics. They might be the only missing link between a “nice backyard” and an “awesome outdoor space!”

Takeaway

It’s normal to think twice before investing in patio covers. But if you’re looking for partial shade, more functionality for your patio, various customization options, and visually appealing patio covers, we’ve got the ultimate answer – install a lattice patio cover. These covers are the best for filtered sunlight on your patio, keeping the area cool.

The amount of shade will, however, depend on the slat spacing, the material of the cover, and how you are customizing the patio cover. You can always opt for additional shade by adding removable shade cloth, weather-resistant curtains, and solar screens. All in all, it’s a top-tier upgrade for your yard!

To Know More About Our Service and Pricing, Call Us To Get a Free Quote!

Get Both Shade and Sun with New Dawn Awning Company’s Lattice Patio Covers!

For patio covers installation in Granite Bay, you can rely on New Dawn Awning Company! We have been in this business since 1970 and know the ins and outs of patio covers and their latest trends.

If you want lattice patio covers in Granite Bay, we’ll give you that classy, elegant, and sophisticated cover that you were searching for. We’ll install the patio covers safely and won’t leave your place until you’re completely satisfied with our work.

We also offer free-standing, insulated, roof-mount, solid, and combination lattice-solid patio covers for your needs. Call us now at (916) 989-3533!

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— Testimonial

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Schellenger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What service !! 25 years later and Vern dropped off parts to us ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dyan Renzo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received 5 quotes from different companies before deciding on n New Dawn. Within the first 10 minutes of meeting Vern I had made a decision. I couldn’t be more happy. He was priced right without the high pressure.  His crew were just as impressive. Super friendly. And completed the job beyond my expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Service Plus 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Haluck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just had a patio cover installed by New Dawn Awnings and could not be happier. From the initial contact everything was top quality and professionally done. Vern, the owner, responded to my inquiry for an estimate faster than any of his competitors. He even came out in the rain to measure everything and provided a written estimate on the spot. He was polite and professional and patient, and answered all questions and even accepted our ideas for less than standard installation, while, at the same time explaining to us why some of our requests may not be the best idea. After comparison shopping with other companies, it became clear that Vern and New Dawn were the best choice. Just a little over two weeks after we signed the contract with New Dawn, Vern called to let us know that the patio cover had arrived and was ready to be installed. We were fortunate to learn that his crew could come the next day, and, we were also available. I asked Vern what time his crew started and he advised “7”. I presumed that meant his crew arrived at work at 7 and would arrive at our home in Roseville sometime later. We were anxious to get the cover installed that I rolled out of bed and got dressed just in case I misunderstood. Pleasantly surprised when John rang our doorbell at 7:00 sharp. The two young men worked like a well-oiled machine, including wiring an extra electrical outlet and for a ceiling fan, and installed the fan. They cleaned up every scrap from the project and the job was completed by early afternoon on the same day. We so love our patio cover. My wife’s first words were “why did we wait so long?” It is like having a new 14x14 room in our home, albeit open-air. I am glad we chose New Dawn. I reviewed the prior reviews before making our decision. I recommend New Dawn absolutely, without reservation. Good price. Efficient in every way. Professional. Highest quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   April Hansen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've been enjoying our new patio and awning for about a month now and can't express enough how much we are thrilled with the results. Vern and crew were fantastic to work with despite some challenges with coordinating across companies for the awning and pavers. Vern was professional, understanding and extremely helpful in initial setup and design considering the odd space and different levels we were working with. Once the time came, it only took Johnny and crew a day and a half to install while consulting with us on any questions they had for things like outlet placement and fan install. Thank you all so much for the great work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   johnny loos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and his crew do phenomenal work. On time, on budget, quick, professional and friendly. Cannot recommend them enough for any patio cover. Here is a photo of what Vern and his crew installed yesterday
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Megan Laherrere 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love my patio cover!! The crew was friendly and efficient and it turned out better than I even expected!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug L. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and the guys did a great job on my patio cover. Its been several years now and it is doing the job well. I do have a few words of advice though. I asked about an insulated roof and was told shade is shade. So, I opted for uninsulated roof, wish I didn’t! Uninsulated allows condensation on the ceiling to form in cold weather causing water to drip everywhere until its dry. I would recommend a insulated roof! Shade is shade and wet is wet! Overall, still very happy with the product and service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dave W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This review is 16 months in the making. I like to wait some time before I give a review to see how the product holds up long-term. I am happy to say my pergola looks like it was just installed yesterday instead of February 2020. This is truly a quality product. It is obvious  I will get many, many years of use out of this pergola. Professional installation, quality product, excellent customer service = a very happy customer!

Play

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Schellenger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What service !! 25 years later and Vern dropped off parts to us ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dyan Renzo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received 5 quotes from different companies before deciding on n New Dawn. Within the first 10 minutes of meeting Vern I had made a decision. I couldn’t be more happy. He was priced right without the high pressure.  His crew were just as impressive. Super friendly. And completed the job beyond my expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Service Plus 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Haluck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just had a patio cover installed by New Dawn Awnings and could not be happier. From the initial contact everything was top quality and professionally done. Vern, the owner, responded to my inquiry for an estimate faster than any of his competitors. He even came out in the rain to measure everything and provided a written estimate on the spot. He was polite and professional and patient, and answered all questions and even accepted our ideas for less than standard installation, while, at the same time explaining to us why some of our requests may not be the best idea. After comparison shopping with other companies, it became clear that Vern and New Dawn were the best choice. Just a little over two weeks after we signed the contract with New Dawn, Vern called to let us know that the patio cover had arrived and was ready to be installed. We were fortunate to learn that his crew could come the next day, and, we were also available. I asked Vern what time his crew started and he advised “7”. I presumed that meant his crew arrived at work at 7 and would arrive at our home in Roseville sometime later. We were anxious to get the cover installed that I rolled out of bed and got dressed just in case I misunderstood. Pleasantly surprised when John rang our doorbell at 7:00 sharp. The two young men worked like a well-oiled machine, including wiring an extra electrical outlet and for a ceiling fan, and installed the fan. They cleaned up every scrap from the project and the job was completed by early afternoon on the same day. We so love our patio cover. My wife’s first words were “why did we wait so long?” It is like having a new 14x14 room in our home, albeit open-air. I am glad we chose New Dawn. I reviewed the prior reviews before making our decision. I recommend New Dawn absolutely, without reservation. Good price. Efficient in every way. Professional. Highest quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   April Hansen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've been enjoying our new patio and awning for about a month now and can't express enough how much we are thrilled with the results. Vern and crew were fantastic to work with despite some challenges with coordinating across companies for the awning and pavers. Vern was professional, understanding and extremely helpful in initial setup and design considering the odd space and different levels we were working with. Once the time came, it only took Johnny and crew a day and a half to install while consulting with us on any questions they had for things like outlet placement and fan install. Thank you all so much for the great work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   johnny loos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and his crew do phenomenal work. On time, on budget, quick, professional and friendly. Cannot recommend them enough for any patio cover. Here is a photo of what Vern and his crew installed yesterday
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Megan Laherrere 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love my patio cover!! The crew was friendly and efficient and it turned out better than I even expected!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug L. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and the guys did a great job on my patio cover. Its been several years now and it is doing the job well. I do have a few words of advice though. I asked about an insulated roof and was told shade is shade. So, I opted for uninsulated roof, wish I didn’t! Uninsulated allows condensation on the ceiling to form in cold weather causing water to drip everywhere until its dry. I would recommend a insulated roof! Shade is shade and wet is wet! Overall, still very happy with the product and service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dave W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This review is 16 months in the making. I like to wait some time before I give a review to see how the product holds up long-term. I am happy to say my pergola looks like it was just installed yesterday instead of February 2020. This is truly a quality product. It is obvious  I will get many, many years of use out of this pergola. Professional installation, quality product, excellent customer service = a very happy customer!