Okay, so I came up with some plans for a shade structure. Right now, my biggest concern is the weight. I have nothing resembling a crane or lift and no place in the right area where I can hang a pulley. I can't hold up the pallets and support the structure while bolting it together. Once part of it is constructed, I can use the structure itself to help support the weight as I extend it. For now, I'm working on a method to build one upward section at a time, then bolt them together. Each section will help support the other sections.

Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.

Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.

If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.

I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.

Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.Okay, so I came up with some plans for a shade structure. Right now, my biggest concern is the weight. I have nothing resembling a crane or lift and no place in the right area where I can hang a pulley. I can't hold up the pallets and support the structure while bolting it together. Once part of it is constructed, I can use the structure itself to help support the weight as I extend it. For now, I'm working on a method to build one upward section at a time, then bolt them together. Each section will help support the other sections.

Still, I have to go buy some deck screws or 4" nails.

Once it's up, I'm considering stapling sections of tarp near the top. Probably try that on one section before doing the whole thing. With the dark color of the tarp, my hope is to achieve a solar chimney effect. Leaving the top open will help decrease wind resistance, as well.

If the whole thing is sound enough, it can be painted later and maybe cover it with other material for winter and help insulate the house. If the idea works well enough, I'll add large bolts to stabilize it more in coming months.

I also figure I may hang misting water lines from the underside of the structure. With natural ventilation, it would result in a huge swamp cooler effect. Coupled with a solar chimney effect at the top, I'm hoping it will cool the house. I'll have to add one element at a time and assess before going to the next step.

Have to catch a bus in a few minutes. Unfortunately, no place in easy walking distance to buy nails and screws.