Depending on your outdoor project, it’s always worthwhile looking at the options available regarding shade sails. There are two choices: The first is pre-made, sometimes called “off-the-rack” or “off-the-shelf.” The second choice is custom-made.
Pre-made shade sails tend to be, on the whole, a little cheaper, so if your budget is tight, then they can be a good option. They’re good quality – ours are made with all the care and attention to detail and high-grade material which offers up to 95% UV protection that we use to custom-make; there’s just one thing to consider.
With a pre-made shade sail, you must work with what you get in colour and sizing, so you may have to make compromises for your project.
Why custom-made?
However, when you have a custom-made shade sail, you can let your project’s vision determine your shade sail – you can have it made in any size, any colour, any shape.
With those two fundamental differences out of the way – if you choose a custom-made shade sail, there are a few things you should know.
The process
Once you know what you want, the next most important step is measuring up. We have guidelines here on our website.
Essentially, you require three measurements:
- fixing point to fixing point
- perimeter
- diagonals
These dimensions can be entered onto our site for instant online pricing, and for placing an order.
Dimensions should be taken in millimetres or feet and inches.
Get professional advice
No matter how experienced you are at DIY, or even if you’ve installed shade sails before, we recommend getting professional advice specific to your project. Every project is different, and you’ll want to ensure that you get suitable mounting structures, considering the aesthetics and weather conditions.
Salt and corrosion can be problematic if you live by the beach, so talk to a professional builder. They usually have a great idea of what products are on the market and what’s appropriate for your product. You need to consider mounting strength if you’re in an area with strong winds. The prior planning means that your shade sail will be durable, and that’s what you want.
Don’t forget our recommendations for a ‘one-in-five fall ratio.’ ‘Fall’ is simply a small angle – your shade sail should slope gently so that water can run off – this is important because if water cannot run off, it pools in the middle and can stretch and damage the fabric.
Australian made to Australian standards
At Shade Sails Online, our expertise in residential and large-scale commercial projects is how we have built our reputation as a market leader. And, because we’re an Australian company, you can be confident that you’re protected by Australian manufacturing standards and Australian product guarantees when you purchase from us.
Plus, we’re easy to contact via our website if you encounter a problem.
Our website is our showroom – all of our business is conducted online. This reduces our overheads to provide our customers with excellent products and great service at a lower cost.
Look at the projects showcased on the ‘Gallery’ pages for inspiration. There’s a Frequently Asked Questions section too. And when you’re ready to commence your project, you can get an online quote to know the cost upfront and submit your order here.