Enjoying your backyard is just one of the delights summer weather offers. But if your outdoor area doesn’t offer protection from the sun, you may find yourself running back inside. Use these tips to create a haven that’s a pleasant escape from the heat.

Begin with a plan.

The first step to lessening the heat in your backyard is to track how much sun it gets. You can do this by taking photos of your space from the same spot at various times on a sunny day. Pay attention to areas that get too much light where you’d like to shade. Once you know where and from what direction the sun hits most, you can plan how to best block its rays.

Build shade.

Man-made structures, such as arbors, gazebos, pergolas, trellises, and umbrellas, are quick ways to add shade. These structures can be made of metal, wood, or plastic, and come in a variety of styles and colors. You can also plant flowers or vines to grow on them for added shade and beauty. If you choose to install a pergola or gazebo, fit it with shade cloths,  retractable awnings, or sun-blocking curtains. String a sun shade sail from your home, and attach it to trees or posts to shade large areas of your yard.

Bring in some green.

Planting trees, vines, and shrubs is a natural way to block the sun’s rays and cool your backyard. Oak and maple trees have dense, leafy canopies and are some of the best shade trees. Dwarf varieties like Japanese maple and crabapple are better choices to plant near your patio because their roots are less likely to disturb your pavers or concrete. Climbing plants, such as clematis, grapes, peas, and roses, can increase the shade produced by an arbor, pergola, or trellis and may produce flowers, fruit, and vegetables. Shrubs like boxwood and hydrangea, and tall flowers like sunflowers, can shade smaller portions of your yard.

Choose light furniture.

Furniture made with dark metals and fabrics can absorb heat from the sun, making it uncomfortable to the touch on hot, sunny days. Opt for outdoor furniture made from light-colored wood, plastic, or wicker instead. If you already have dark furniture, cover it with light-colored cushions or look for outdoor pieces with built-in shade, like this wicker outdoor daybed, which has its own retractable awning.

Cool your feet.

A balcony, deck, or patio can get hot in the sun. An outdoor rug can make the surface feel cooler and softer and add color and style to your outdoor space. Rugs that are made of synthetic materials can usually be cleaned with a garden hose. If you’d like an all-natural outdoor rug, you can choose one made of jute or sisal, but these materials can fade in the sun. Rugs made with recycled materials, such as this one composed of upcycled plastic straws, are another eco-friendly option.

Get chill.

A swimming pool is a surefire way to cool down your backyard, but there are less expensive alternatives. You could add a drink cooler that doubles as a table, or install a misting system to spritz you and your guests with cool water. Running water can reduce the temperature of the surrounding air, so you could consider installing a fountain or a pond. Enjoy refreshing breezes with a ceiling-mounted outdoor fan or use a portable battery-operated one. You could also set up a sprinkler for kids and pets.

With a little planning, you can create a cool oasis in your yard that you can enjoy all summer.