What Is a Shade Sail?

A shade sail is a device used to provide shade for an outdoor area. It works on the same basic principle as a ship's sail, and uses a flexible membrane that is tensioned between a series of anchor points to provide shade. Shade sails are inexpensive and easy to install. They are also very durable.

A 12-foot-long shade sail will block up to 95 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays and reduce ambient temperatures by 15 degrees. It comes in a variety of colors and includes an easy-to-follow installation guide. The shade sail does not come with any hardware, but it can be installed with a few basic tools.

The shape of a shade sail is a matter of personal preference, but it may also depend on the area in which it is going to be installed. The most common shapes are rectangles, triangles, and squares. You can overlap multiple shades to create interest and dimension. For larger spaces, it is best to install several shade sails. For smaller areas, a single shade sail will be enough.

A shade sail is usually made of durable HDPE fabric and can block about 95 percent of the sun's rays. The fabric is usually double-stitched to prevent rips or tears. They are also UV-protective and come with a five-year warranty.