Question
Hi, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ANSWER. I AM RENTING A HOME, IT HAS A LARGE CONCRETE PATIO (APPR 24'L X 6'W) BUT NOTHING ABOVE TO RELIEVE US FROM THE SUN! WE are in miami, fl. i am looking for something inexpensive to build or place on with minimal attachment to the home itself. Someone suggested lattice around and above but not sure if it is what I want. Ideas? I would like for it to be fairly easily broken down if the landlord wanted to remove it after we leave. (ex: removing a few things of wood from the ground) not too difficult because i am a single woman and not alot of carpentry knowledge, but learning...ha ha! really want shade! Thanks , stacy

Answer
Lattice is o.k.  It can become a maintenance issue, when time to re-paint or stain.  There are tons of books written on the design and construction of these kinds of structures - Just spend a few minutes in the Home Depot project book section, or home improvement isle at Walden or Barns & Knoble!!  It is a bit of a 揷ustom design?to fit each unique space卋ut I hope these resources might help you in your shade project.

If you want something that is movable or removable, I would suggest a pre-fabricated, free-standing, fabric & metal structure such as this one:
http://www.hendee.com/shadestructures_overview.html

There are lots of other manufacturers, as well.  This one is just an example.

A 24' x 6' wood structure will be quite heavy.  However, if  you have your heart set on something in wood, here is a good source of FREE arbor and garden structure plans.  Maybe one of these will fit the space in question:

http://www.backyardspaces.com/arbors.html

Hope it helps ~M