We weren't using our deck space during the day because the sun was too hot. I looked into sun shades, but hooking it up to the house meant drilling into the siding and cementing poles in the yard. This large free standing umbrella saved the day. Put it up when you want, move it somewhere else if needed; it's so versatile. And it definitely keeps the deck cooler.i love how it tilts in different angles and even rotates to cover a different space. The lights are the icing on the cake.