Shade Sails for Gardens and Patios

1) Decide where you need shade

Start with the space you actually use: outdoor dining, seating, a pool area, or a children’s play space. Plan for shade when the sun is strongest (midday / early afternoon).

• Sun path: note where the sun sits at lunch time and later in the afternoon.
• Coverage goal: shade people and furniture, not just empty paving.
• Shape: squares/rectangles usually cover the most; triangles often look lighter and more architectural.
• Coolaroo install rule: plan a twist (different corner heights) to help drainage and reduce pooling.
• Design tip: combining 2–3 sails is common and can look superb.

2) Identify potential fixing points

Mark any solid structures you can use (house wall, beam, existing post). If you only have 1–2 points, plan where posts may be needed for the remaining corners. A quick sketch makes size selection much easier.

• Common setup: 1–2 wall fixings + 1–2 posts.
• Fixing strength matters: anchors must be structurally sound (high loads in wind).
• Height guide: choose practical fixing heights (Coolaroo suggests ~2.4 m as a guide).
• Tree fixing: treat as temporary only (not ideal as a permanent anchor).

Note: include corner heights on your sketch — it helps plan the twist and avoid pooling.

3) Measure your maximum spans

Measure the straight-line distance between intended fixing points (A–B, B–C, C–A…). Your shortest measured span usually limits your maximum sail size.

• Measure straight: tape or laser (not around corners).
• Record all spans: especially for 4-point layouts.
• Double-check: re-check the numbers before selecting a size.

4) Subtract allowance for fixings + tension

A shade sail must be smaller than your measured spans so it can be tensioned firmly. Oversizing is the number one cause of sagging.

• Coolaroo rule: allow a minimum of ~10% between sail corner and fixing point for tensioning hardware.
• Rule of thumb: 35–40 cm per corner (hardware + adjustment).
• Per side total: typically 70–80 cm (both ends combined).
• Best practice: a turnbuckle at every corner for even tensioning.
• Between sizes: choose the smaller — you can extend with chain/cable, but you can’t shrink an oversized sail.

5) Install correctly (tension + settling)

Coolaroo sails are designed to be tensioned. A short settling period is normal — then you re-tension and the shape stabilises.

• Tension target: firm, with minimal creases.
• Settling: re-tension after 1–3 weeks, then do a seasonal check.
• Drainage: build in a twist / slope so rain runs off (avoid a low “bowl”).
• Safety: remove during storms / very strong winds. Keep BBQ/fire away and avoid chemical exposure.
• Snow load: remove if snow is forecast. A fixing kit makes removal and re-installation quick.

6) Choose your shape and size, then the range & colour

Use your shortest span and pick the largest sail size that still leaves room for tensioning hardware. Then choose the range and colour to match your space.

• 3.0 m side → Min gap 3.7–3.9 m
• 3.6 m side → Min gap 4.3–4.6 m
• 5.0 m side → Min gap 5.7–6.0 m
• 5.4 m side → Min gap 6.1–6.4 m
• 6.0 m side → Min gap 6.7–7.0 m

• Range: Everyday (value), Premium/Extreme (performance), or Commercial/DualShade (maximum durability).
• Colour: darker colours can feel like deeper shade; lighter colours feel brighter underneath.

If your measurements are close to the minimum clearances, a quick sketch can help confirm the best size and fixing approach.