Summer outdoor upgrades usually aren’t top of mind—until the heat, glare, or worn-out boat cover starts causing problems. Every summer, it starts the same way.
The grill’s going. The kids are outside. The backyard should be the place everyone wants to be.
But give it about 20 minutes… and the complaints start.
“It’s way too hot out here.”
“Why does the sun hit right here every afternoon?”
“Did the boat cover shrink or what?”
Most of the time, it’s not the space—it’s the setup.
This Father’s Day, instead of another gift that ends up in the garage, it might be time to focus on outdoor upgrades that actually make summer better.
Here are some of the most common summer complaints dads have—and what can actually fix them.
“It’s Too Hot to Sit Out Here”
If it’s not comfortable, nobody stays outside. It doesn’t matter how nice your patio looks—if it’s hot, people head back in.
The fix: Shade that actually works.
This is where retractable awnings and pergolas change everything.
- Awnings give you instant, adjustable shade when you need it
- Pergolas create a defined, cooler space for gathering
- Both turn your patio into something you can use all day—not just early morning or late evening
This is exactly why Father’s Day outdoor upgrades like these make such a big impact. They don’t just improve the look—they change how often the space gets used.
“The Sun Hits This Spot Every Afternoon”
This is the 4 PM problem.
Everything feels fine… until one section of your patio becomes unbearable. It’s also the fastest way to ruin outdoor dinners or trying to watch anything outside.
The fix: Block the sun where it actually hits.
Overhead shade isn’t enough here. You need Verticool drop shades.
- Designed to stop low-angle sun
- Reduce glare and heat
- Add privacy without closing off the space
Instead of working around the sun, you control it—which is exactly what smart outdoor upgrades are meant to do.
“Why Does the Boat Look Worse Every Year?”
This one shows up slowly.
Faded seats. Cracking vinyl. Covers that don’t quite fit anymore. And every year, it gets more expensive to fix.
The fix: Protection that’s built to fit.
Generic covers leave gaps—and that’s where damage starts.
- Custom boat covers protect against sun and weather
- Snap-on, tie-down, and cinch covers give you the right fit
- Upholstery upgrades restore comfort and appearance
These kinds of upgrades don’t just protect your boat—they save you from bigger repairs later.
“Nobody Even Uses This Space”
The backyard has potential—but if it’s too hot, uncomfortable, or pieced together with temporary fixes, people stop using it.
The fix: Build a space people want to spend time in.
This often means:
- Retractable awnings for shade
- Verticool drop shades for afternoon sun and privacy
- Pergolas to create a true outdoor gathering space
Most dads don’t need another gift they’ll use once.
They need fewer frustrations.
The kind of upgrades that make the backyard more comfortable.
The boat easier to maintain.
The patio worth using on hot summer afternoons.
Because the best outdoor spaces—and the best summers—are the ones people actually want to spend time in.
This Father’s Day, summer outdoor upgrades aren’t just gifts—they’re improvements people use all season long.
If you’re tired of working around the heat, sun, or wear and tear, we can help you find a solution built for your space.
From awnings and drop shades to custom boat covers and upholstery, SugarHouse Industries creates upgrades designed to last.
Call 801-563-9600 or request an estimate here.
SugarHouse Ind. has served its clients in the Intermountain West since 1941. In that time, we have become Utah’s largest provider of awning, boat tops, and specialty canvas covers. After over 80 years, our focus is still to provide customers with the highest quality products and the best prices. We remain a family-owned company, and we remain committed to putting a personal touch into everything we do. That’s why we make every product that we offer in our 30,000 ft2 facility in Midvale, Utah.