Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - patio cover shade

I have a patio cover in my backyard. It is made of wood and what looks like 2x2's on top with 2" spaces in between.

Where i live it gets really hot and i've seen what looks like a vinyl cloth that attached to the top (staples?)that provides better shade than just the spaced 2x2's.

Unfortunately I don't know what it is called nor can I find it at the local hardware store.

has anyone done this or know what it is called so I can buy it before the sun cooks my family this summer?

thanks,

Check with a local awning company. They sell vinyl and fabric awning materials. Care and maintenance are issues to consider. If aesthetics is not an issue, perhaps a plastic tarp from the home center would suffice. At the end of the season, you can simply dispose of it and get a new one next season. Building a roof to create a picnic shelter is also an option--more complicated and more expensive of course. Another option might be to simply screw on some sheets of exterior grade plywood that could be removed at the end of the season.