On the other hand, if the only logical place for your terrace is the south-west or west, making use of a large existing tree to shade it or planting a good-sized one to grow up and give you shade during the hottest hours may be the answer. Until trees get large enough, and even afterward, annual vines on a framework covered with trellis slats will give enough shade to make the terrace pleasant. When the trees get large enough to shade properly, the trellis slats may be removed and the vines dispensed with. You may leave the trellis framework, or take it down, as you wish. It is also possible to use roll-up materials for temporary shading. Snow-fencing, bamboo or basswood porch shades, and other materials can be rolled up and stored indoors during the winter, when any light and heat will be welcomed indoors and on the terrace. They can be lashed to the framework during summer so that winds and storms will not dislodge them.

Take into consideration the prevailing winds, too. In many places a cold wind, a strong wind, or a hot, dry wind may make the vulnerable side of the house less desirable than the side which is sheltered. It is sometimes the case that this windy side is the only possible location for the terrace, due to the layout of the grounds. In this case the terrace can be placed on this side and wind barriers erected in the form of baffle fences; louvred fences; fences with plate glass inserted where there is a view to be preserved but a wind problem to be overcome; or fences with wind-directing tops, which will cause the wind to leap over the terrace before sweeping to the ground again. Plantings, too, may be installed, with evergreens preferred, but with quicker-growing deciduous material also a good possibility. This living wind-break will be very effective when it has grown to proportions large enough to prevent the wind from sweeping over the terrace.

Is your climate variable? If sudden showers are likely to come up without warning, perhaps a covered terrace or a partially-covered one may be the answer to this problem. Terrace furniture can be quickly wheeled or carried under cover and, when the shower is over, brought out again for use.