Custom made versus ‘off-the shelf’ – Which type of shade sail do you need?

Triangle shade sail

There’s a huge range of options when it comes to shade sails, so which option is best – custom-made, or pre-made “off-the-shelf”?

Of course, the choice you make will depend on what your project is. However, we always recommend custom-made, simply because these shade sails are designed and made to fit your space perfectly and you won’t have to compromise.

The benefits of custom-made shade sails

When you’re sprucing up your outdoor area with a shade sail, you should consider it an investment. Just like any kind of refurbishment or renovation project, generally, the idea is to make your space more ‘livable’ and compatible with how you use your home, as well as to add value to it in the long term.

This is one of the reasons we always recommend custom-made shade sails. The price difference is nominal when you consider that it will be designed exactly to your specifications, in whatever shape and size you need, and you’ll get the colour option you want.

When you buy “off-the-shelf” your choices can be limited – and this usually means compromising, on colour, size, or shape. Sometimes you might be lucky enough to ‘hit the jackpot’ and we will have what you need in stock.

Your shade sail is an investment in your quality of life

Of course the benefit of buying “off-the-shelf- is there is typically no ‘wait time’ – your shade sail can be packed up and shipped within a few days of you ordering and paying for it. If you’re in a rush, then you might decide to buy ‘off-the-rack’ but if you’re not, then taking your time to design what you want can really be worth it.

Taking your time also means carefully planning your space, measuring properly, and as we always advise, getting a builder or engineer to check the structural poles and fittings. Not having sturdy fixing points will cause problems – it’s important to get everything right, right from the start … and then you can simply relax in the shade.

At ShadeSailsOnline.com.au we pride ourselves on attention to detail and creating the best shade sails made from quality sailcloth fabric that provides up to 95% UV protection. Because the fabric is also ‘breathable’ it lets any hot air accumulating within the structure out – which is just ideal for Australian weather conditions.

We provide a lot of information about how to plan and measure your shade sail, and how to take care of your shade sail over the long-term too, to ensure it lasts, and still looks good in the years to come.

Our expertise in both residential and large-scale commercial projects is how we have built our reputation as a market leader. And, because we’re an Australian company, when you purchase from us you can be absolutely certain that you’re protected by product guarantees, and we’re easy to contact via our website if you encounter a problem.

All the information you need is at your fingertips

Our website is our showroom – all of our business is conducted online – so take a look around at the projects we have showcased on the ‘Gallery’ pages. These might provide you with inspiration – shade sails are not only affordable and practical, but they can also be installed just about anywhere – covering pools, barbecues, patio areas, and spas. You can create an extra car space, a shady spot in the garden over the kid’s play area, or somewhere to just sit and have a cuppa.

Just remember that this is an investment in your outdoor space, so think it over, take as much time as you need. And always be sure to get a professional building or engineering advice about your project, in particular the structural poles and fittings you’ll need.

You can use our online calculator to get a rough idea of costs, and when you’re ready, you can request a formal quote via our online form. Typically we respond within 24-48 hours. You can also contact us via Facebook or the contact us page.

If you have drawn up plans, or photos you want to send through, you can also do this via the contact form. We’re a company committed to excellence, and most of our time is spent actually making up orders to specification. This is why we appreciate all of your information coming through to us in one place – it makes it easier for us to understand what you want to achieve and to help you create the outdoor space you want.