Shade and Privacy for New-Build Backyards

How to get shade and privacy in a new-build backyard without feeling closed in.

New-build backyards often have two problems: full sun, because the trees are young, and neighbors close enough to wave at. Here's how we solve both with design instead of a tall fence.

AY Luxury Designs LLC · Certified Building Contractor CBC1268168 · Amany Youssef: Registered Building Contractor RB29003947 · Registered Electrical Contractor ER13016631 · Registered Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor RU11066663

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Shade Options

Covered patio or lanai extension: full shade and rain protection.
Gazebo or A-frame: a solid-roof outdoor room, attached or freestanding.
Pergola: filtered shade with an open feel.
Louvered pergola: adjustable shade you can open or close.
Fans: move air under any covered space.

If you like a green canopy, UF/IFAS points out that Florida vines such as crossvine or trumpet creeper can be grown on pergolas for shade.

Privacy Options

Placement. Orient seating away from neighbors' windows, using the house itself as a screen.
Slatted privacy walls. A slatted wall on one side of a pergola or gazebo blocks sightlines and still lets air through.
Screen enclosures. Screens soften the view in and keep bugs out.
Seat walls and planters. Low walls define the space and add separation.
HOA review. Privacy walls and screens are usually reviewed, so we include them in your package.

When planning an outdoor living space, UF/IFAS suggests a tree, umbrella or pergola for daytime shade.

Why AY Luxury Designs

You design it with the founder. Amany Youssef designs every project with you in person and stays involved through the final walkthrough.
We manage every step, from design to final inspection. We handle the AutoCAD design, the HOA paperwork, the engineering, the permits and the build. We handle electrical work with our licensed electrical partner, and gas and plumbing with our licensed trade partners.
Built for Florida. Every permitted structure gets its necessary engineered documents.
A Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.

Our Design-Build Process

Design session with Amany. Your project starts at our Jacksonville design studio, where you sit down with founder Amany Youssef and watch your project take shape live on screen in AutoCAD.
Free AutoCAD design and a custom quote. You get to-scale 3D renderings and a fully itemized custom quote within 24 hours of your consultation, so you know exactly what you're getting.
In-home design visit. Amany comes to your home for an in-person walkthrough, so we look at the project together where you're most comfortable, finalize the details and choose your colors and finishes.
Engineering, HOA and permits handled. We get the necessary engineered documents for every permitted structure, prepare your HOA/ARB package and pull the permits.
Build. We can start most projects within two to four weeks. Our crews follow a build process we've refined over many projects, and you get daily updates.
The AY Advantage. You hold back the final 5% for seven days after completion, so we can take care of any touch-ups before you sign off.

Financing is available through Synchrony Bank, including 18 months of no-interest financing, and we have other financing options as well.

Related Projects

Grand cedar gazebo with linear fireplace and two outdoor kitchens, Del Webb Nocatee An expansive A-frame cedar gazebo tied into the house, with custom columns to match the home and custom shutters, inside a screen enclosure with our expanded-view upgrade. Outside, a linear gas fireplace and a cedar privacy wall frame two outdoor kitchens with granite counters.

Screened A-frame gazebo with stone fireplace on a raised patio, Cypress Trails (Nocatee) A screened A-frame cedar gazebo that ties into the home's existing A-frame lanai so cleanly it looks original to the house. Because the yard drops off sharply, the patio is built up on a raised wall-block base. Inside, exposed rafters give it a cabin feel over a tongue-and-groove ceiling with lights and a ceiling fan, and the focal point is a gas fireplace clad in hand-laid stone with a raised hearth, a stone mantel and a TV above. The same pavers and ceiling finish continue across the existing lanai so the old and new spaces read as one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get privacy when the houses are close together? Well-placed structures, screens and seat walls can create privacy without feeling closed in. We plan this in your AutoCAD design.

Pergola vs. patio cover: which is better? A pergola gives filtered shade and an open feel. A solid patio cover gives full shade and rain protection. Louvered pergolas sit in between. We'll recommend based on how you use the space.

How do I deal with bugs on the patio? Screening is the most effective way to enjoy the outdoors without bugs. We can add a screen enclosure or design one into your project.