Shade sails are a great way to make your outdoor living space usable in the summer months and beyond. Not only do shade sails protect you from the UV rays of the sun, but because they are typically made from waterproof fabric, they can also double as rain protection. Shade sails also provide an aesthetically pleasing look; choose from various designs to suit all styles for a patio, garden or other outdoor area. They come as semi-permanent structures that are easy to install and can be used in combination with furniture which will help you make the most of your outdoor space. What can be a shade cloth for patio?
Creating the perfect patio for your outdoor living space doesn’t just have to be about style, it can also come in a practical and wallet-friendly package! Check out these great ideas that combine shelter from sun or rain with easy budget solutions.
What can be a shade cloth for patio?
Take your backyard to the next level with these innovative shade sail ideas! Not only will they protect you from sun and rain, but their cost-effective installation makes them a quick fix for any outdoor space. Now there’s no excuse not to enjoy some quality time outdoors – come on in, the weather’s fine.
1. SHELTER AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE WITH A SAIL SHADE
During the pandemic, we tapped into our inner interior decorators and gave ourselves an unexpected upgrade – transforming outdoor spaces with furniture, rugs, cushions and accessories to make inviting backyards that felt like alfresco living rooms.
If you’re looking to stay cool while soaking in the sunshine, then a sail shade is perfect for creating an added layer of protection from those scorching rays. Installing one with a large square design will help create the feeling that your outdoor area has been transformed into ‘another room’, making it comfortable even on hot summer days.
2. SHIELD YOUR INTERIOR SPACE FROM THE SUN
Make it a priority to cover your garden in style with an awning, creating the perfect shady spot for outdoor dining. With its entrance-level placement, you can enjoy fresh air from within your home without worrying about overheating!
Creating a gorgeous outdoor area can be costly, but investing in an expensive set up like an awning or pergola isn’t your only option. Finding the perfect balance of style and budget is possible with using just one rectangular shade sail! Attach two points to any exterior wall above patio doors for full coverage that’s kind on your wallet.
Evie Lane, Gardening Expert at Primrose(opens in new tab), suggests considering a sail shade for its affordability and versatility. Compared to an awning installation, this is the more flexible choice- perfect if your garden plans are ever changing!
3. SUPERSIZE YOUR SAIL SHADE FOR SUN SAFETY
Make sure you enjoy your patio in peace and comfort by choosing a big design that offers 98% UV resistance! Wayfair’s stylish furniture is the perfect way to stay cool without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen every hour.
For those of us with limited patio space, a mini shade sail is the perfect, stylish solution. Forget bulky garden parasols and enjoy your bistro set sheltered in style.
4. INVEST IN A SEMI-PERMANENT SHADE
Don’t get caught in the shade without a plan! Make sure you have all the necessary pieces set up – like fixtures and poles specific to your outdoor area – when it comes time for installing that perfect shade sail.
Create a chic outdoor oasis with this stylish and practical gazebo/shade sail hybrid. It’s easy to install in your garden right away, thanks to its rust-resistant steel frame – powder coated for extra life span! You’ll be amazed by the multiple points at which it is secured, ensuring that you get reliable shade as soon as possible. Transform any urban backyard into an enchanting escape today.
5. TRY SOME COLOR OVERHEAD
Pergolas are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, but they can be expensive and vulnerable to the wind and heat. Shade sails offer an ideal way to include wonderful pergola elements without having to break the bank or struggling with exposed areas of your garden. Most traditional shade sails come in white, but there are also plenty of bright and vibrant options for those looking for a more colorful solution. ManoMano offers an array of eight colorways from blue and green through to orange and terracotta, so that you can craft something truly individual. Bright-colored shade sails will give your garden shelter from the sun’s harsh rays while adding some eye-catching style at the same time.
6. SHELTER WHILE YOU DINE
Dining outdoors can be delightful, but the heat and exposed sun can feel unpleasant as you’re trying to enjoy your meal. A pergola is a valuable addition to an outdoor dining area, but if it isn’t an option due to time constraints or not having the materials needed to build one, a shade sail can provide coverage from the wind and sun at a fraction of the cost. Not only will standing outside in sweltering heat be less unpleasant when you have shade provided by a sail hanging above; but having access to cool gusts of wind that may pass through makes for an even more enjoyable outdoor eating experience.
7. ZONE A CORNER WITH A SHADE SAIL
Beat the sun and make your outdoor corner shine with a triangular shade sail, perfectly size to fit against any wall or fence. This stylish solution can keep you cool while providing comfortable coverage for everyone on the sofa – choose an equilateral shape if possible so that no one gets left out in direct sunlight! Attach it securely in place and get ready to watch those rays dance away.
8. GO SMALL FOR BOTH SUN AND SHADE OPTIONS
Give your friends and family the best of both worlds by providing luxurious shade from a small triangular covering over an outdoor seating area. Whether they’re looking for some sunshine or prefer to stay in cooler shadows, everyone can relax comfortably outdoors with this convenient option.
9. CHOOSE A PORTABLE SAIL SHADE
Want to go camping or have a picnic without subjecting yourself to the blazing sun? Shade sails provide you with exactly that – plus they’re super portable! All you need is an anchor point, like a tree or vertical surface and some rope. They’ll even protect your outdoor fun-time from sudden rain showers – just make sure it’s taut enough so the water can drip off.
10. COLOR CO-ORDINATE YOUR SHADE WITH YOUR SPACE
Gray is the perfect finish for any outdoor area, providing a neutral backdrop that highlights greenery and complements existing furniture. It ties everything together to create an effortless cohesion of color in your garden.
WHICH IS THE BEST SHADE SAIL DESIGN FOR MY SPACE?
When it comes to selecting the perfect shade sail for your space, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed! Clara Shade Sails Founder Director Claire Maclean explains that you can take your pick from square, rectangle, equilateral triangle or right-angled triangles – in whatever size and shape best suits what you’re looking for. Whether it be a bit of extra weather protection or just general shading up, you’ve got covered.
WHAT CAN YOU USE FOR SHADE SAIL POSTS?
You’ve found the perfect spot for your shade sail, now it’s time to pick out where to attach it. It could be a tree, home wall or fence – even an existing pergola structure works wonders.
HOW TAUT SHOULD A SHADE SAIL BE?
Claire Maclean’s awnings provide a convenient way to set up a temporary shade solution that is aesthetically pleasing. Rather than installing a permanent awning, her sails offer an elegant and simple alternative. Made from a high quality material, the edges are held together with a tie and a block to achieve a billowed look. Shopping for Claire Maclan’s awnings is also a breeze, offering customers the perfect shade without the commitment of installation.
Claire recommends that if you’re expecting a sudden downpour or planning to keep your sail up for extended periods of time, make sure the canvas is stretched tight. The curved edges let it hug more firmly onto its supports and can handle greater tension– perfect for weathering whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Our customer couldn’t have said it better. Making sure the installation is as “tight as a drum” ensures that water won’t be standing around; pulling taut and angling them prevents any wet messes.
ARE SHADE SAILS GOOD FOR RAIN?
Making sure your shade sail withstands whatever nature throws at it comes down to one simple rule – during extreme weather, take shelter! Claire Maclean – a director of the popular Clara Shade Sails company recommends taking caution when using a sail in wet conditions. To keep your sails safe and secure, just be sure to set them up on an angle between 20-30 degrees so any rainfall or wind doesn’t damage it.
Having irregularly-shaped posts can require a bit more TLC. If your posts are square or rectangular, you’ll want to make sure two of the corners rest in slightly lower positions than the others – and if it’s triangular then at least one corner should be set up differently for best results. But don’t worry – even when water does collect on top, there is an easy fix! Grab a handy broom handle (or something similar) and push from underneath until it all slides away.
Read more: Do i need a permit to build a patio cover?