Outdoor kitchens have become a popular way to enjoy Tucson’s beautiful weather while entertaining family and friends. But with that Arizona sun comes the challenge of keeping your outdoor space cool, comfortable, and functional year-round. One smart solution? Solar screens.
At Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens, our solar screens are designed to enhance outdoor living spaces while protecting you from intense sun, heat, and glare. In this post, we’ll explore some creative ways to use solar screens in your outdoor kitchen setup, along with tips for choosing the right fabric, color, and opacity.
Benefits of Using Solar Screens in Outdoor Kitchen Areas
Tucson’s climate makes outdoor kitchens a great investment, but without shade, these spaces can become uncomfortably hot. Solar screens offer a clean, modern solution for controlling sunlight while adding style and functionality.
Here are just a few benefits of using solar screens in outdoor kitchens:
- Keeps the cooking area cooler during peak sun hours
- Protects surfaces and appliances from harmful UV rays
- Reduces glare on outdoor TVs and mobile devices
- Enhances privacy from neighbors and passersby
- Allows airflow while still blocking direct sunlight
Creative Installation Ideas for Outdoor Kitchens
Drop-Down Solar Screens for Covered Patios
If your outdoor kitchen is under a covered patio or roof extension, drop-down solar screens can be installed along the open sides. These retractable screens can be raised or lowered depending on the time of day, blocking harsh sunlight in the afternoon while still preserving airflow.
Motorized systems allow for easy operation with a remote, smartphone, or voice control, giving you maximum flexibility throughout the day.
Side Panels for Wind and Privacy Protection
In open outdoor kitchen layouts, adding vertical solar screens to the sides can block wind and improve privacy. This is especially helpful in neighborhoods where homes are close together or if your kitchen is visible from the street.
Choosing a lower-opacity screen (such as 1% or 3%) creates a strong visual barrier while still allowing filtered light to pass through.
Partial Enclosures with Higher Opacity Screens
Some homeowners prefer a semi-enclosed kitchen feel. Installing solar screens on one or two sides of your outdoor space creates a defined area for cooking and dining while offering shade and comfort.
Opt for 5% or 10% opacity for this application, depending on how much light you want to let in. These screens offer a more relaxed level of sun filtering, ideal for morning or evening gatherings.
Pairing Solar Screens with Pergolas or Shade Structures
If your outdoor kitchen includes a pergola, solar screens can be mounted to the sides or front to offer adjustable shading throughout the day. This setup works especially well for Tucson homes with southwestern or desert-inspired outdoor living areas.
Screens can be hidden when not in use, preserving the open feel of the structure while adding shade only when needed.
Creative Color Matching to Outdoor Decor
With fabric options from Mermet, including Natte and Satine weaves, you can match your solar screens to your existing finishes. Choose natural hues to blend with stucco and stone, or go bold with contrasting tones to highlight modern metalwork or cabinetry.
These high-quality fabrics are built for durability and performance in Tucson’s harsh desert conditions, ensuring long-term value and visual appeal.
Choosing the Right Opacity and Fabric for Your Needs
One of the most important decisions when selecting a solar screen is opacity. Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens offers four standard opacity levels: 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%. Each provides a different balance of visibility, shade, and privacy.
1% Opacity
Maximum sun protection and privacy. Best for harsh sun exposure or when complete visual shielding is needed.
3% Opacity
A balanced choice offering significant sun control while still allowing some outward visibility. Ideal for cooking areas and general shade use.
5% Opacity
Softens the light and provides moderate privacy. Great for semi-shaded patios or west-facing kitchens.
10% Opacity
Allows the most visibility and natural light. Works well when view preservation is a priority, such as overlooking a backyard or pool.
The fabric weave also plays a role in aesthetics and light diffusion. Natte features a traditional 2×2 basketweave, offering a clean, consistent texture. Satine has a twill weave with a more refined look, perfect for upscale outdoor kitchens.
Smart Features and Integration
Modern solar screens do more than block sunlight. With optional motorized systems, you can control your screens with the push of a button or schedule them to respond to the time of day or amount of sunlight.
These features are ideal for Tucson homeowners looking to get the most from their investment without added effort. Integration with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home makes operation seamless and convenient.
Why Choose Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens
For more than 40 years, Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens has helped homeowners across Southern Arizona design better, more comfortable outdoor spaces. Our solar screens are custom-built to meet the needs of each property, offering premium Mermet fabrics in a wide range of colors and opacities.
All installations are handled by our experienced team, ensuring a perfect fit and long-lasting performance. From drop-down patio screens to pergola-side shading, we bring function and beauty together to enhance your outdoor lifestyle.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Ready to elevate your outdoor kitchen with custom solar screens in Austin, TX? Contact Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens today to schedule a free consultation. Our team will help you choose the right fabric, opacity, and installation style for your home.
Let’s make your outdoor kitchen as comfortable and enjoyable as your indoor one.
