Tent Shade Structures

Single Cantilevers

• Manufacturers make single cantilevers with one side of the tent shade supported by posts. The tent shade extends to cover the designated area. This type of tent shade works well for offering shade in the bleachers, along tennis courts and sports fields. In addition, single cantilevers provide an obstacle-free view since the manufacturers design the units with posts on only one side.

Shade Walks

• Shade walks also have support posts on one side only. This type of tent shade is ideal for shading walkways, pathways, benches, dugouts and the walkway around an inground pool. Although shade walks are smaller than single cantilevers, shade walks offer the maximum amount of protection from the sun and rain, without including any obstacle that gets in the way of walking along the pathway.

Cafe Umbrellas

• Many people encounter cafe umbrellas in commercial settings such as hotels, country clubs, resorts and areas where people dine outdoors. Such umbrellas offer shade to various outdoor areas including concession stands, patios, water parks, pools and theme parks. Cafe umbrellas are smaller tent shade structures than single cantilevers. This type of shade tent provides protection for smaller, more-intimate areas.

Mesh Tents

• Mesh tent shade structures offer shade to an area but allows the sun's rays to pass through. Unlike tent shade structures constructed with fabric, mesh tent shade structures have a mesh covering. Mesh tent shade structures offer 73 percent of shade and 27 percent of light from the area they cover, according to Ace Canopy.

Star Shade Tents

• Star shade tent structures give a different look to an event. They have six arches compared to a traditional shade tent. In addition, this type of shade tent provides shade and protects guest from drizzle outdoors. They also resemble a lopsided pointy shade tent.