How do you create shade in the backyard without breaking the bank? Shade sails are an inexpensive way to create shade in the backyard. They are stylish and are a perfect way to create shade in the patio, near the pool or any place in the backyard where you want to relax.
- Shade Sail Designs
- Are Shade Sails for Backyards Only?
- Shade Sail Dos and Don'ts
Shade sail designs
The beauty of a shade sail is that it can be cut into any pattern. You can have a square shade sail, a rectangular or triangular shade sail or even a shade sail with curves in it. You're not limited to just one shade sail, either. Get three, four or five to cover a wider area.
Shade sails are made of cloth. Unlike patio covers or awnings, the cloth can be cut into any size or shape you desire. Then it's just a matter of placing poles in the ground to support the cloth. This gives you almost unlimited design possibilities.
Shade sails can be placed at different heights and overlap each other. This can create even more shade and eliminate sunny spots between the sails. Depending on the support structure, a shade sail can even resemble a large umbrella.
Shade sails are so versatile, you can find a way to fit a sail or several sails almost anywhere you like. Because they can be cut into any shape you like, they can provide partial shade or full shade. For example, a shade sail over a pool can provide shade in one area of the pool and poolside as well.
And because shade sails are made of cloth, they aren't rigid and can be lower in one area than another. This can be a perfect solution in a yard where the sun can strike the area you want shaded. Just make the shade sail lower at the end where the sun strikes and it will shield you from the sun.
Shade sails are often thought of as fairly freestanding, with only supports where they're needed. Actually, you can do anything with shade sails. If you want a stiffer patio cover, you can create a greater support structure for the sail and have an inexpensive patio cover that doesn't rise and fall in the breeze.
A shade sail can be anything you want it to be. It can be the perfect solution for spots where an awning or traditional patio cover doesn't work well.
Are shade sails for backyards only?
While shade sails are often installed in the backyard, they aren't limited to the backyard. Do you need shade for your car when you don't want to park it in the garage? A shade sail can be perfect installed outside the garage. It will provide shade for the car and you won't have to put up with getting into a hot car when you need it. It can also provide shelter from the rain, allowing you to lower your umbrella and step into the car without getting wet.
Do you need shade for a children's playground? A shade sail can be perfect for that, too. A colourful shade sail in a colourful playground will keep the children happy throughout the day and you don't have to worry about them getting too much sun.
Shade sails aren't just for the ground floor, either. A shade sail can make a perfect balcony cover. It may even be better than a stiff cover because it has a light and airy appearance. It can also take up just as much space as needed instead of covering the entire balcony.
Shade sails are ideal around pools. They can cover the pool, cover a poolside area or both. Since you're not limited to just one shade sail, you can combine them in any configuration that works for your pool. Do you just want one to cover part of the pool? Do you need more to cover the pool and a poolside area? Because shade sails are so versatile, you can do virtually anything you like with them.
Shade sail dos and don'ts
Shade sails can be made from heavy duty PVC or a type of canvas. Either one can provide the shade the yard or pool needs. Canvas shade sails are popular because of their appearance. They are generally UV resistant and will last for years.
Even some types of canvas sails are treated with a substance that makes them waterproof. However, they may not be completely waterproof. If you choose a canvas or PVC shade sail, make sure the water can run off the canvas. Pools of water on any shade sail will shorten its life and you don't want pooled water on the sail.
You can make sure water runs off the shade sail by installing it at an angle. Another way to make water run off the sail is to use a "hypar" twist. Hypar stands for hyperbolic parabaloid. It's simply a twist in the design that allows water to run off the sail.
All shade sails are not alike. When purchasing shade sails, look for well designed and well made shade sails. If they have stitching, it should be double stitching. Single stitching won't last as long as double stitching.
All shade sails have eyelets for hanging them. The eyelets should be made from stainless steel and have an extra support on the edge. The extra support will prevent the eyelets from ripping out in a heavy wind or heavy rains.
If you're doing a DIY installation, a common mistake is to understretch the shade sail. This can be a big mistake because it will flap in the wind and understretching will create wrinkles in the sail. The sail should be as taut as possible. It will last longer and look better. It's also possible to overstretch the fabric. This can be a mistake, too. Have the sail professionally installed. Installers know exactly how taut to make the sail for the greatest longevity. They may also install tension mounting holds to allow you to adjust the tension as needed. They will also show you how to make the perfect tension for your sails.
Shade sails come in a variety of colours. Choose your colours wisely because you will have a shade sail for a long time. White is a safe colour, but many other colours are available. You may want a more colourful arrangement. There is no reason why you can't have different colours for your shade sails.
Shade sails require occasional cleaning. They can be removed easily, but don't use chemical cleaners on them. The chemicals will destroy the synthetic materials shade sails are made of. A mild cleaner with no chlorine should be all it takes to clean a shade sail.
Shade sails are not high maintenance items. They need only occasional cleaning and will last for years. Look for better shade sails that come with a warranty. Have your shade sails professionally installed and enjoy them for years to come.
