Can installing a shade sail be a DIY project? All you need is a little knowledge and the right tools and you can install your own shade sail.
- Choose and measure the location
- Choosing shade sails
- When the shade sail arrives
- Digging post holes
- Installing the posts
- Installing the shade sails
- Maintaining shade sails
Step One: Choose and measure the location
You've probably already chosen the location for your shade sail, but you don't want to get a shade sail or shade sails that are too large or small for the location. Measure the area and put the dimensions on a piece of paper. Make a scale drawing so you can measure the dimensions of the shade sail.
Do you want triangular, square or rectangular shade sails? Whatever shape the shade sail is going to be should be transferred to the drawing. Keep in mind that you may want to install part of the shade sail to the fascia and you may also need to install posts. Mark these areas carefully and then measure the size of the shade sails. Also make sure you can dig holes in the areas where posts are needed or have something sturdy to fix a pole to.
You can order shade sails in any size or configuration. If one shade sail isn't enough, you may need to install two or more, so make sure all of them are accounted for in the drawing.
Read all of these instructions before you order shade sails. That will help you choose shade sails of the perfect dimensions for the area you want them in. You need to account for the angle of the post, the turnbuckle and other fixings before you dig your post holes and install the posts. It's a good idea to measure the length of the turnbuckle when you calculate the size of the shade sail. That way, you will get the right size for your project.
Step Two: Choosing shade sails
When you order shade sails, you can order them in a variety of colours. Also notice where shade sails are installed. They can be installed against the fascia of the house for a patio cover or you can use poles to install a freestanding shade sail.
You may also want to order more than one shade sail. Using two or more shade sails can create an interesting look and they can be at different heights. Sometimes they can be overlapped to create an intriguing appearance.
Step Three: When the shade sail arrives
When your shade sail arrives, lay it out on the ground where you want it to go. Mark the areas where you will need to install posts. Posts can be timber or metal, but they must be installed firmly into the ground. This will require a post hole digger and cement. You don't get second chances when installing posts, so make sure they are in the exact position you want them in.
Also remember the posts should not be installed vertically. Ideally, they should be installed at an angle of 10 degrees for steel and 20 degrees for timber posts. The angle should be away from the shade sail, so account for the angle and the length of the turnbuckles when you dig your post holes. Turnbuckles will allow you to make minor adjustments, but try to install the posts precisely. If you make a mistake, you can use rope or extra fixings to make up for the mistake.
If you can't find a place to dig a hole where the shade sail needs to go, find a place further away and place it there. You can bridge the gap by using rope or a chain.
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Step Four: Digging post holes
The type of soil you have will determine what you have to do when digging your post holes:
- On firm ground, pour 20mm deep by 100mm wide gravel into the hole
- On soft ground, pour concrete to a depth of 100mm and let it set
Since you need at least 100mm of concrete, dig the holes to the correct depth for either firm or soft ground. It doesn't hurt to go deeper, but don't make the holes too shallow. The posts are designed to hold the shade sails and shade sails are tensioned.
Step Five: Installing the posts
When you're ready, you can install the posts. If you're using timber, get at least H5 treated pine or a Class One hardwood that can withstand being buried in the ground. If you're using metal, find metal posts that will not rust when in the ground. They come in a variety of powder coated colours and can be cut to length. You may also want to get capping for the metal posts.
Before you install the posts, it's a good idea to acquaint yourself with the various fixings you'll need. Some of them include:
- Pad eyes are designed for attaching to a wall in conjunction with a "D" ring
- Eye bolts are designed for timber posts
- A "D" shackle is designed to connect pad eyes and eye bolts to a shade sail corner
- A Master Cleat is usually attached to the corners of a shade sail
- Use turnbuckles to connect the shade sails at the posts. The turnbuckle can be tightened to tension the shade sail after it is installed. Turnbuckles can be hooked or round. If you get round turnbuckles, you will need to use "S" hooks, snap hooks or rope to attach them
- "S" hooks and snap hooks can be used in places where tensioning isn't required
All of these fixings should be made of stainless steel. Before you install the posts, fix the eye bolts to the top of the post and be sure it faces in the right direction before you pour the cement.
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Before you dig the holes, keep in mind that you have to accommodate for the turnbuckles and other fixings. Measure their length and set the poles accordingly.
The posts will be in wet cement and should be propped up so they set at the right angles. This can be a two person job. One will hold the post in place while the other uses clamps to install long pieces of timber to prop up the posts. Pad the clamps to avoid damaging the poles. Use a level to determine the angle and make the sides of the posts vertical. The angle is only for the tensioned side.
Step Six: Installing the shade sails
The final step is installing the shade sails. The cement must be set before you tackle this step. The cement you buy will tell you how long the set time is and you may want to give it a little extra time to set. Now it's just a matter of getting on a ladder and installing the shade sails.
If the shade sails are installed against the fascia, start there. If you're using posts, start with one post and then move on to the others. After you've installed the shade sails, you will need to tension them with the turnbuckles. You may need to use a ratchet tensioning tool to help you.
The shade sails should be smooth and flat, but not overly tensioned. As soon as they are smooth and flat, stop tensioning them. They can stretch, so you may need to re-tension them later.
Maintaining shade sails
Shade sails should only be cleaned with mild detergent and water. If you use chemicals on them, they can be destroyed by the chemicals. To clean them, use a detergent and water solution and apply with a sponge or very soft brush. You can use an extension pole to reach hard-to-reach places, but don't remove the shade sail.
Do not use a stiff brush, scouring pad or an abrasive cleaner on shade sails. Gently scrub and then rinse the shade sail with a garden hose. Make sure to get all the detergent off the shade sail.
If you follow the directions and install shade sails correctly, you will have a beautiful addition to your patio or poolside area. In fact, you can use shade sails wherever you want to create shade. You may even want to make a shade sail carport.
