DIY Shade Solutions for Folding Chairs: Best Folding Chair With Shade
Adding shade to a folding chair enhances comfort and protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Several readily available materials and simple techniques can be employed to create effective DIY shade solutions, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing pre-made shaded chairs. The choice of method depends on factors such as the desired level of shade, the chair’s design, and the available resources.
Umbrella Clamp Attachment
This method utilizes a readily available clamp-on umbrella to provide shade. The effectiveness is high, providing substantial shade coverage. The cost is moderate, depending on the umbrella’s price.
Tools and Materials:
- A clamp-on patio umbrella (size appropriate for the chair).
- A sturdy clamp capable of securely attaching the umbrella to the chair’s frame.
Instructions:
Attach the clamp securely to a strong point on the folding chair’s frame. Ensure the clamp is firmly fixed to prevent accidental detachment. Then, attach the umbrella to the clamp. Adjust the umbrella’s angle to optimize shade coverage. Consider using additional straps or bungee cords for extra security, especially in windy conditions. Visualize a standard beach umbrella clamped onto the top horizontal bar of a typical folding metal chair. The umbrella provides broad shade, easily adjusted by tilting its pole.
Fabric Canopy Construction
This approach involves creating a small canopy using fabric and supporting poles. It offers customizable shade and is relatively inexpensive. Effectiveness depends on the fabric’s density and the canopy’s design. The cost is low to moderate, depending on fabric choice and pole material.
Tools and Materials:
- Lightweight, water-resistant fabric (e.g., canvas, ripstop nylon).
- Two lightweight poles (e.g., bamboo, fiberglass) slightly taller than the chair’s height.
- Strong cord or rope.
- Sewing machine or needle and thread.
- Clamps or zip ties.
Instructions:
Cut the fabric into a square or rectangular shape large enough to cover the chair. Sew or otherwise attach the fabric to create a loose pouch or canopy. Insert the poles into the top edge of the fabric, creating a simple frame. Secure the poles to the chair using clamps or zip ties. Use cord or rope to tie the poles together at the top and adjust the canopy’s height and angle for optimal shade. Imagine a simple square of canvas suspended by two thin poles, attached to the back of the chair with zip ties. This provides a more localized shade area, directly over the seated person.
Modified Sunshade Attachment, Best folding chair with shade
This method repurposes a pre-existing sunshade, typically designed for strollers or beach umbrellas. Effectiveness and cost depend on the sunshade’s design and existing condition.
Tools and Materials:
- A pre-existing sunshade with adjustable straps or clips.
- Additional straps or clips, if necessary, to secure the sunshade to the chair.
Instructions:
Carefully examine the sunshade’s attachment mechanisms. If straps or clips are present, attach them securely to the folding chair’s frame. Ensure that the attachment points are strong and the sunshade is stable. If the sunshade lacks suitable attachments, use additional straps or clips to fasten it to the chair’s frame. Visualize a small sunshade, similar to those used for baby strollers, clipped onto the back of a folding chair. The existing clips on the sunshade provide a simple, quick solution.
