Your patio cover blocks the sun overhead — but from about 4 p.m. on, the Temecula Valley sun comes in sideways. Drop-down patio shades are exterior roller shades that mount to the edge of your patio cover and lower to block low-angle sun, glare, wind, and evening heat, turning a covered patio into a true outdoor room you can use all day.
Elite Patios has been building outdoor living spaces in Riverside County since 1992, and drop-down shades are the newest addition to our lineup. We install them on our own aluminum patio covers and on existing covers alike.
What Are Drop-Down Patio Shades?
Drop-down patio shades (also called exterior roller shades or patio sun screens) are weather-rated fabric screens housed in a cassette mounted to the header or fascia of your patio cover. They roll down along side tracks or cables to enclose one or more open sides of your patio. The mesh fabric blocks a high percentage of UV and solar heat while preserving your view of the yard—you see out, and the sun stays out.
Unlike interior blinds, drop-down shades stop heat before it reaches your patio, which is what makes the space usable during a Riverside County summer.
Why Add Drop-Down Shades to Your Patio Cover?
- Block low-angle sun and glare. A roof can’t stop the 5 p.m. sun coming in from the west. Shades can.
- Cut heat where you sit. Exterior mesh intercepts solar heat at the edge of the patio instead of letting it in.
- Tame the wind. Afternoon winds through the valley can make a patio unusable. A lowered shade takes the edge off.
- Add privacy. Enclose the side that faces a neighbor’s yard without building a wall.
- Protect your furniture. UV fades cushions, rugs, and outdoor TVs. Shades extend their life.
- Fewer bugs at dusk. A lowered shade is a real barrier at the hour bugs show up.
Motorized Options
Motorized power shades raise and lower at the touch of a remote and can also be operated from a smartphone app, making them especially convenient for wide openings or multiple shades. Fabric options range from open mesh that maintains airflow and visibility to tighter, more opaque weaves for increased sun protection and privacy, with colors selected to complement your patio cover’s finish.
How Much Do Drop-Down Patio Shades Cost?
Pricing depends primarily on the width and height of each shade. Based on our standard pricing schedule, shades ranging from 4 feet by 4 feet through 10 feet by 10 feet are priced from $3,000 to $4,440 per shade/opening.
| Height | 4′ Wide | 5′ Wide | 6′ Wide | 7′ Wide | 8′ Wide | 9′ Wide | 10′ Wide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ | $3,000 | $3,120 | $3,240 | $3,360 | $3,480 | $3,600 | $3,720 |
| 5′ | $3,120 | $3,240 | $3,360 | $3,480 | $3,600 | $3,720 | $3,840 |
| 6′ | $3,240 | $3,360 | $3,480 | $3,600 | $3,720 | $3,840 | $3,960 |
| 7′ | $3,360 | $3,480 | $3,600 | $3,720 | $3,840 | $3,960 | $4,080 |
| 8′ | $3,480 | $3,600 | $3,720 | $3,840 | $3,960 | $4,080 | $4,200 |
| 9′ | $3,600 | $3,720 | $3,840 | $3,960 | $4,080 | $4,200 | $4,320 |
| 10′ | $3,720 | $3,840 | $3,960 | $4,080 | $4,200 | $4,320 | $4,440 |
Additional options shown on our pricing schedule include:
Free-floating or wire-guide system: Deduct $300 per shade compared with the zipper system
1-channel Somfy remote: $125
5-channel Somfy remote: $180
16-channel Somfy remote: $320
Your final price is based on the measurements and configuration of your patio. We provide a written quote after confirming the size and shade options for your project.
Made for the Temecula Valley Climate
Between summer highs in the 90s and 100s, strong afternoon sun from the west, and seasonal winds, Western Riverside County is exactly the climate drop-down shades were built for. We match fabric openness and mounting style to your patio’s orientation—a west-facing Murrieta patio has different needs than a north-facing yard in Wildomar.
Drop-Down Shades + Your Patio Cover: The Complete Outdoor Room
Drop-down shades pair with every cover style we build:
- Solid patio covers — full overhead shade plus drop-down sides for an all-day outdoor room
- Lattice patio covers — filtered light overhead, sun control at the edges
- Combination covers — the best of both
- DuraCool aluminum patios and 4K aluminum patio covers — embossed-finish covers with matching shade cassettes
- Freestanding covers — shade an island structure anywhere in the yard
Already have a patio cover? In most cases we can retrofit drop-down shades to an existing aluminum cover in good condition.
Where We Install Drop-Down Patio Shades
We install drop-down shades throughout Western Riverside County from our home base in Wildomar, including Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Winchester, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Corona, Riverside, and Hemet.
Why Choose Elite Patios?
- Family-owned and building in Riverside County since 1992
- Licensed contractor specializing in patio covers and outdoor shade solutions
- We can install shades on patio covers we built as well as many existing covers
- Clear pricing based on the size and configuration of each shade
- No permit is required for drop-down patio shades
- Typical lead time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the time an agreement is completed
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do drop-down patio shades cost in Riverside County?
Our standard pricing ranges from **$3,000 for a 4′ x 4′ shade to $4,440 for a 10′ x 10′ shade. Pricing increases based on the width and height of the opening, with additional options available for guide systems and remote controls.
Do I need a permit for drop-down patio shades?
No. Drop-down patio shades do not require a permit. Because they are an accessory added to the patio cover rather than a new structural patio cover installation, there is no separate permitting process for the shade installation.
How long does it take to get drop-down patio shades installed?
The typical lead time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the time we make an agreement. Once the shades are ready, the actual installation is generally completed quickly, depending on the number and size of the shades being installed.
Do drop-down shades block the view of my yard?
Standard mesh fabrics allow you to maintain visibility through the shade while reducing direct sunlight and glare. Tighter weave fabrics are also available when additional privacy or sun protection is preferred.
Can drop-down shades handle wind?
Guided drop-down shades are designed to remain stable during normal conditions. When strong winds or severe weather are expected, the shades should be raised into their protective cassettes.
Can I add drop-down shades to a patio cover Elite Patios didn’t build?
Usually, yes. If your existing aluminum patio cover is structurally sound and provides an appropriate mounting surface, we can typically add drop-down shades. We confirm compatibility and measurements during your on-site quote.
Get Your Free Drop-Down Shade Quote
Ready to use your patio past 4 p.m. again? Call (951) 837-6180 or schedule a free on-site visit — we’ll measure your openings, show you fabric samples, and give you a written quote with no pressure.