Waterproof Shade Sails

It depends on the fabric. Water-resistant sails handle light rain, while waterproof sails are made to keep the rain off, and each product page tells you which one you're looking at. Either way, hang the sail on a slope so water runs off: hung flat, any sail will collect water.

Measure the distance between your anchor points, not the area you want to shade. Then choose a sail at least 45 cm shorter than that distance at every corner, so there's room to tension it. Every product page has a size guide showing the anchor spacing each size needs. Not sure? Email a photo of your space to info@shadelys.com and we'll help you choose.

Only to solid points: posts set in concrete, a brick or block wall with masonry anchors, a roof bracket fixed into a rafter, or a structural beam. Fascia boards, gutters, roof sheeting, fences and balcony railings can be damaged by the pull of a tensioned sail, especially in wind.

Every sail comes with stainless steel rings at the corners, ready to attach. Pad eyes, turnbuckles and snap hooks are sold separately: add a fixing kit when you order your sail for a bundle price, or use your own hardware on existing anchor points. Some models also include ropes, as shown on the product page.

A rectangle covers more area for the same side length and suits long, straight spaces like a dining area, a deck or a pool edge. A triangle needs only three anchor points and fits corners and irregular spaces. For a large or awkward area, two overlapping triangles at different heights work well.

Fixed to solid anchor points and properly tensioned, a shade sail is made for everyday outdoor use. A tight sail flaps less and puts less shock on its fixings than a loose one. Unclip it when strong or gusty wind is forecast: with snap hooks on the corners, it only takes a few minutes.

Yes, if your anchor points already exist and you're comfortable drilling into masonry or timber. Allow two people and an hour or two for most sails. If you need new posts set in concrete, or your sail is over 20 m², a local builder or shade installer will give a safer result.

Hang your sail high, ideally 2.4 m or more at the low corners, and keep the sides open so warm air can escape. Lighter colours reflect more of the sun's heat, while darker colours cut more glare. Position the sail slightly to the west of where you sit, so the late-afternoon shade lands on you.

It depends on your council and on the sail's size, height and position. Small sails behind the front of the house are often exempt, but rules vary between states and councils. Check with your local council before installing, especially for large sails or anything in front of your home.

Delivery is free Australia-wide, and you'll receive a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships. The estimated delivery time for each sail is shown on its product page. If it isn't right for your space, you have 14 days to change your mind and arrange an exchange or refund.

Hose it down now and then and use a soft brush with mild soapy water, avoiding pressure washers and harsh chemicals. Check the fixings and re-tension the sail at the start of each season. Take it down over winter and before storms, let it dry completely and store it somewhere dry.

A shade sail fixes to anchor points around your space, with no base or pole in the way, and suits courtyards, pools and larger areas. A cantilever umbrella stands on its own base, can be moved and rotated, and needs no drilling. Compare both in our guide to cantilever umbrellas, market umbrellas and shade sails.