Want some outdoor shade? Say you've got a bit of outdoor space, and you can't build an arbor or install a big roll-out awning. Say you rent. Whether you are heading up to the roof or out to the backyard, we have found that Shade Sails are awesome for creating a lot of shade on a lower budget.
Originally developed in Australia, where canopies were made of sail cloth, these new versions are made of a synthetic knit fabric that blocks 90% of the sun's harmful rays, are super light and impervious to moisture and mold.
We bought two a few summers back and rigged them up with four by four posts. They come in a few neutral colors and a bunch of different shapes that are finished off at the corners with heavy duty metal rings that make it easy to attach them to a wall or frame. You can even tie one end down to the ground if you want.
There are three places to get them that we know of, and prices start at @ $130 for a 12-foot triangle. The only problem is getting delivery. These small companies can be real slow....
(ReEdited from 2005-08-12 - MGR)
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Comments (10)
My mother in law gave us a shade sail. I love it and it works!
I'm just curious how all these sales people are posting on here now...ro were they always and I missed it? Is it annoying, Maxwell?
Are they able to automatically sign up in some way?
I have something similar for camping, it's better than a square canopy.
temporary / party solution:
You can acheive the same experience by buying 99cent/yard stretchy fabric at any discount fabric store. Fabric, twisty ties and a solid base (existing or installed) and you have something pretty nice for your day or evening party. christmas lights behind the fabric is pretty too.
you can cut the twisty ties, or hide them with more decorations.
I use one of this in lieu of a carport (connected to the house on one side and posts on the other), and absolutely love it.
The only word of warning I'd offer is to be careful in the winter, because they can collect ice during an icestorm.
We bought our Coolaroo shades from SkyMall -- the catalog in the airplane seat pocket! Great delivery, great product! www.skymall.com
Hi everyone,
Came across this website blog, and thought best to post some technical and supplier information. Our company Billabong Shade have been a specialist designer and installer of shade sails for over 15 years. The shade sail industry is full of backyard operators and there is a lot of mis-information about what they are and what they can do. There is also a serious problem of imported sails coming in from China. They are of a real poor quality and made with less than equal shade fabric (HDPE) and very lightweight corner rings. Of the mass produced sails Coolaroo is still an ok purchase. A good shade cloth fabric should be no less than 330gsm and these are not waterproof, however a good design should shed water to the lowest points. Shade sails should not sag nor should they flap in the wind, they should be rigid enough for the average person to walk acoss. If you want a waterproof sail then you should look at a good quality PVC. To find a good supplier please visit www.acaspa.com.au this is our professional shade sail association in Australia or visit us at www.billabongshade.com.au we are always happy to help and have an agent in Arizona and have shipped many sails to the USA
Guys, I have to tell you that Coolaroo is the only one to buy in the pre-made shade sail. I came across a company http://www.patioproductsusa.com
I had questions about the shade sails and called their customer service. I spoke to some guy with just the nicest accent. I didnt ask him where he was from but I could of spoken to him all day. Anyhow, he answered all my questions and their prices were really good. They also offered free shipping. I bought the Ocean Blue triangle shade. It was a breeze to install and looks just fantastic!
We are based in Australia where shade sails are often designed in as a graceful extension to a deck or terrace area. A common pitfall is to buy a DIY shade sail, get it home and find it will not match up with available fixing points! As we make shade sails ourselves we have put together a list of fixing hint and tips on our website. http://www.mulders.com.au
Tenshon, Inc. is an industry leading manufacturer and retailer of shade sails and shade canopies. Manufacturing entirely in the United States, Tenshon incorporates old world craftsmanship with modern day ingenuity. Our design-build mentality allows us to be flexible with design, to ensure that your
shade sail is manufactured and functions exactly as you envisioned. Give us a call at 480-663-3166.