How-To Install Shade Sails

How-To Install Shade Sails
May 23, 2024

Congratulations on your new shade sail purchase from ShelterLogic! You are just a few steps away from endless shade in your outdoor space. Before getting started, it’s always a good idea to read the manual before any assembly. Depending on the product, you can figure out the type of tools you need and ensure all the pieces are within arm’s reach before getting started. Assembly is simple enough that you can skip the call to the handyman. But it might be helpful to have a second set of hands, especially when using a ladder. 


Find the Perfect Spot 


Before getting started, make sure you have a safe place to anchor your shade sail. You can choose to anchor it on your home, a tree, or steel or wooden posts depending on your backyard setup. It is very important that each attachment spot is sturdy. You should also make sure the shade itself is about 2 feet shorter than the space between your mounting points so it has plenty of room for tension.  

Installing the Shade Sail 

Looking from the manual of your specific shade sail, attach the hardware as aligned in the manual photo. Begin by attaching the eye bolts to your desired anchor points using a drill. Once those are in place, assemble the shade sail with the provided rope and utilize the turnbuckle on each post to adjust to the desired tension.  Not enough tension will make your sail sag, and too much can cause tears or damage in the wind. 


Tips and Tricks 

You should always keep an eye on your shade sail, ensuring it is free from debris or tears. Clean it when you can after rain and wind to make sure it stays at peak performance all year long. After storms or heavy winds, always check to make sure all connection points are still sturdy. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, think about taking the shade sail down for the winter to prevent damage so it will be ready for the spring. 


The Finished Product 

Shade sails from ShelterLogic come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to create a truly one-of-a-kind look that matches anyone’s outdoor aesthetic. Choose from triangle or square shade sails in multiple colors which can offer stunning pops of color throughout your entire patio area. Shade sails don’t have to hang overhead either. Adding a cloth privacy screen shade sail can not only block the blazing sun, but provide an added layer of privacy and solitude to your back yard space. 

16 Comment(s)
Comments Form
Joe
Mar 29, 2019 11:06
It there a maximum recommended distance from the shade sail corner connection point to the fixed connection point? The roof is sloped on the back of my house and is low compared to the height of the raised deck. I was planning on using a the second story overhang. The length could be 5 to 10 feet.
Staff
Aug 29, 2019 11:38
Hi Joe!

This is entirely up to you. If you are planning on installing a post or pole to support the sail we would suggest to look into the bending properties of the pole/post so you can see how far the materials used may bend. Pole height, depth of ground penetration, diameter, material composition, etc. all play a role. Unfortunately, there are just too many unknown variables for us to put a number to it.

Hope this helps!
Tom Cannon
Jan 12, 2019 13:54
Am planning to purchase a 16x16 shade. What is the minimum distance between anchor points to allow for proper tensioning of the shade? thanks
Staff
Aug 29, 2019 11:28
Hi Tom,

This is entirely up to you. If you are planning on installing a post or pole to support the sail we would suggest to look into the bending properties of the pole/post so you can see how far the materials used may bend. Pole height, depth of ground penetration, diameter, material composition, etc. all play a role. Unfortunately, there are just too many unknown variables for us to put a number to it.

Hope this helps!
Tom Cannon
Jan 07, 2019 14:03
Is 16x16 as large as these shades are manufactured?
Staff
Aug 28, 2019 14:39
Hi Tom,

Yes, the 16x16 Shade Sails are the largest we manufacture. We do offer <a href="https://www.shelterlogic.com/shop/shade-cloth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shade Cloth</a> which comes in 15', 25', and 50' lengths and can be modified to fit your needs.

Hope this helps!
Edsel Henson
Jun 25, 2018 02:50
We are planning a deck and want a shade sail. The deck will be 16' X 24' all help is appreciated.
Should I plan on steel poles?
Thank You
Edsel
Staff
Aug 15, 2018 14:00
Hello Edsel!

Congrats on your deck plans! <a href="/shop/department/outdoor-shades/sun-shade" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">ShelterLogic shade sails</a> offer competitively stylish and functional outdoor shade, perfect for your deck or patio. As long as you have a sturdy connection point (your home, trees, or another post), you can utilize virtually anything to hold your shade sail up.

For the right size sun shade, configure a <a href="/shop/shade-sail-triangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">shade sail triangle</a>, <a href="/shop/shade-sail-square" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">shade sail square</a>, or <a href="/shop/shade-cloth" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">shade cloth</a> to the appropriate specifications before purchasing. This will ensure effective outdoor shade. Best of luck!

Feel free to <a href="/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">contact</a> customer service by giving us a call at 1-800-560-8383, or fill out a <a href="/support/forms/product-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">customer service form</a> and we'll reach out to you for more information.
Elsa Anderson
Jun 09, 2018 05:53
I like the idea of putting a sunshade in front of the house, on top of the outdoor garden area during the warm summer months while being able to take them down when not needed. My friends and I always have our morning talks in the garden and it came to a point where we need to move the tables and chairs so we don't struck by the heat of the sun. It'll be great to seek an expert in looking for options in having a stylish sunshade and installing one in my place.
Staff
Aug 15, 2018 14:29
Hello Elsa,

Thank you for your comment. Fortunately, we have plenty of sun shade sails in multiple sizes and colors to help you find the right solution. Our outdoor shade style options include:
- <a href="/shop/shade-sail-triangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Triangle Sun Shade Sails</a>
- <a href="/shop/shade-sail-square" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Square Sun Shade Sails</a>
- <a href="/shop/shade-cloth" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Shade Cloth</a>

For more information and tips on installing your shade cover, visit our <a href="/support/manuals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">manuals section</a>. Or, feel free to <a href="/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">contact</a> customer service by giving us a call at 1-800-560-8383 or fill out a <a href="/support/forms/product-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">customer service form</a> and we'll reach out to you.