Shade Structure Feedback needed.

[Eturnol]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/anrifll7ouu840p/Structure.jpg

Does this look like a good setup for a shade structure? The structure consists of 2x4s and 4x4 posts attached by galvanized fittings and outdoor wood screws. I plan to attach lattice to the top and two of the sides for shade, but also to let wind through. Chiffon fabric will be used for atmosphere and additional shade. I will tie down the four corners of the structure with rope and rebar. Should I take any other precautions so that the structure is safe? I dont wanna kill my wife or friends...

[Elderberry]

Your link doesn't work.

[Eturnol]

oops sorry. Uploaded to drop box hope it works now

[gaminwench]

Looks good, but chiffon (or whatever fabric) will NOT be a sunscreen ... wear SPF rated blockerz ...

[SquirrelHead]

You could use aluminet or shade cloth to help with your shade needs. Then if you wanted to add some color or style to it you could add chiffon.

[trilobyte]

If you mean lattice like the fancy wood stuff used in gardens and such.... that's less shade and more selective areas of sun, isn't it? Also, plus SPF100 to what gaminwench said, chiffon is pretty but provides no UV protection.

[Eturnol]

Yeah it's a lattice fence that will surround the top and 3 of the 4 sides. Once I screw it into the frame it should be pretty sturdy. I chose it because it should provide some shade while still letting wind through so my structure doesn't become a kite. It's true the chiffon is just for atmosphere. I'll update with the progress next week but I'm happy so far

[DoctorIknow]

The lattice shading should be nice (absorbing heat, too) if the gaps are close enough for good shade.

Here's a pic of your structure with my addition in white.

The only thing I would do is for the two sides with the middle braces, run one wire diagonally in each quadrant, with a turnbuckle on each.
Probably unnecessary, but easy to do and cheap.
I'm not conversant in construction, so maybe the diagonal wire should be differently put on...

square bm shelter.JPG

[Hoolie]

Looks like a nice sturdy frame. Looking forward to the next phase.

[Eturnol]

Here is a link to what the structures will look like with the lattice work. I still have to include some sort of cross bracing as recommended. There are two identical structures which are partially modular in that they can rotate to form a single opening or two openings like a Z. I also need to decide on whether I should tie it down from the top or bottom.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/l7nh22iimvkkk ... 7%20PM.jpg

[Hoolie]

That's looking rather beautiful actually. Do you really need cross-bracing though? It looks damn sturdy as is. Plus if you tie it down with guylines, that will strengthen it further.

[Eturnol]

Thanks! Yeah I'm pretty happy with it so far. I did buy guy lines for it. I'm just not sure how sturdy it actually has to be since I've never been to burning man and haven't really experienced a 75 MPH wind.

[Eturnol]

Here's the final structure. It ended up being super sturdy and had a wonderful ambience. I have plans to expand it for next year and introduce a Mad Hatter high tea theme next year. Thanks for the feedback!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ightzlct80lh ... M.jpg?dl=0

[Ratty]

That is a really beautiful lattice structure. I think I would have made it from plastic lattice. I'm afraid of 50 mph winds.

[spacetime]

Indeed, beautiful structure. Well done.

[Hoolie]

Looks great. You made a very nice space there, and it does look extremely sturdy.

[Oldguy]

Nice shed construction. I would be using 4'X8' panels stapled to 2"x4" frames bolted together with wing nuts, maybe a plywood roof. This type of gazebo would look nice in my backyard. Good job !

{ I am thinking about the ticky-tacky houses covered by tarpaper that my folks lived in during the Depression, and the Dust-Bowl years.}