How to Install a Shade Sail? (Solutions Guide)

La shade sail is a major trend in outdoor design, offering a natural aesthetic and a warm atmosphere. Whether it’s to create shade on a beach, in a garden, a bar, or a restaurant, it’s important to know how to properly install this shade sail.

Before you start the project of mounting a shade sail, it’s crucial to plan carefully and consider several aspects to ensure a successful and durable installation. Here are the 10 essential points to consider before placing your shade cover :

The 10 points to consider before embarking on your shade sail mounting project

1. Select the right location

Sunlight analysis

Observe the sun’s movements to identify the most exposed areas and determine the ideal location for your shade sail. Ensure that the chosen spot provides the desired shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Potential obstacles

Check that there are no obstacles like trees, poles, or structures that could interfere with the installation of the sail.

2. Select the type of sail

Sail material

Choose a material suited to your needs, like coconut fiber for its durability and natural aesthetic. Also consider the fabric’s density, which influences the level of shade and UV protection.

Shape and size

Determine the shape (triangular, rectangular, square) and size of the sail based on the space to cover and your aesthetic preferences.

Triangular Sail: une triangular sail brings a modern design to your outdoor space. It only requires three anchor points, making it easy to install. However, the shade area it provides is more limited compared to quadrilateral sails.

Square or Rectangular Sail: if you want a broader coverage, a hanging sail square or rectangular is a better option. It offers more shaded space and can be attached higher to create a natural “belly.”

3. Study the anchoring points

Installation weight

Before addressing the strength of the anchor points, it’s worth defining the total weight of the installation. Indeed, for a shade sail placed on a pergola, weight is of little importance (within reason), but for a suspended sail, it becomes a critical factor for assessing anchorage points. Ranging between 150g/m² and 350g/m², a fabric shade sail cannot compare to a coconut fiber shade cover. Indeed, the latter weighs up to 1.2kg/m2. Overall, your shade cover should weigh less than thirty kilos to prevent deformation and ensure your attachments hold up in strong winds.
Also note that a coconut fiber shade cover can reach 2.4kg/m2 when wet from rain. Do not neglect the formation of water pockets which can quickly add dozens of pounds to your suspended shade cover.

Anchor point strength

Ensure that the anchor points (walls, poles, beams) are solid enough to support the tension of the sail and the forces exerted by the wind. Some facades with plaster and insulation are not suitable for a simple anchor. You will need to reach the cinder block or the sturdy support behind it.

Here are the most common ways to fix your sail:

Between a wall and poles: this is the most common setup for a shade sail. You will need fixings suitable for your walls and poles to support the other side of the sail.
Between two walls: if your space allows, you can fix the sail between two walls. This is the easiest setup to achieve as it requires little work.
Between masts: if no walls are available to fix your sail, you can use masts at each corner of the sail.
On a pergola: if you already have a wooden or metal pergola, you can add a shade sail to create an additional relaxation space. Just make sure that the sail size is slightly smaller than your structure for a correct installation.

Finally, you will need a system to connect the sail to your anchoring point. In the case of our coconut shade covers, a natural coconut fiber rope as well as a ring (“thimble”) are included with your order. You can also purchase additional ones, but it’s usually not necessary. Otherwise, plan for a strong, long strap and carabiners which will make it easier for you to install and remove the shade cover. A steel cable is also sometimes used as a system.

Accessibility

Ensure that the anchoring points are easily accessible for easy installation and maintenance. Indeed, if you need to disassemble your sail that can’t withstand winds every weekend, an attachment point 3 meters high will require the use of a ladder each time. Also consider the height of your sail installation : it’s unpleasant to feel “crushed” because the sail is too low. Air won’t circulate, making it warmer underneath.

4. Check weather conditions

Wind resistance

Evaluate the resistance of the sail and fixings to the wind. In windy areas, choose a sail and fixings able to withstand significant gusts. Coconut shade covers being openwork are particularly resistant to winds; it’s one of the many advantages of coconut fiber shade covers. The coconut fiber sail is designed to resist the wind by allowing air to flow through it. This means it can be used during the summer months without fear of being damaged by strong winds.

Rain protection

Although the main function of a shade sail is to provide shade, ensure it’s installed with enough slope to drain rainwater and avoid water pockets. Coconut shade covers being openwork do not retain water in the form of pockets.

5. Comply with standards and regulations

Local regulations

Even if there is no specific legislation for mounting a shade sail, inform yourself about local regulations regarding the installation of shade structures, especially in terms of building permits or height restrictions. In the case of a shared terrace, even if it’s not a permanent structure, it might be worth asking the syndicate, the concerned persons, or the body managing the common spaces.

Safety

Ensure that the installation complies with safety standards, especially regarding the stability and strength of the anchoring points. Also, don’t forget that it’s a flammable material… your shade sail should not be near a heat source like a brazier or a barbecue.

6. Consider aesthetics

Integration into the environment

Choose a sail and fixings that blend harmoniously into your outdoor space and complement the style of your terrace.

Colors and patterns

Select colors and patterns that match your personal taste and the ambiance you want to create. Coconut fiber shade covers have a chic and timeless bohemian appearance.

7. Plan for maintenance

Ease of access

Install the sail in a manner that allows it to be easily taken down for cleaning or possible repair.

Durable materials

Opt for weather-resistant materials that are easy to maintain, to minimize maintenance efforts. Colored fabric sails are pretty but tend to green if left outside. Choose a natural and durable material.

8. Calculate the budget

Cost of materials

Establish a budget taking into account the cost of sails, fixings, necessary tools, and possible labor fees if you hire a professional.

Additional costs

Plan for unforeseen costs, such as additional fixings or potential repairs.

9. Prepare a backup plan

In case of bad weather

Plan solutions to quickly remove or protect the sail in severe weather conditions. Even though coconut shade covers can withstand rain, snow, or storms, this is not the case for fabric models which will inflate like real boat sails risking tearing or detaching your fixings.

Adaptability

Ensure that the installation is flexible enough to be adjusted or moved if necessary. A pole set in concrete is, after all, a definitive choice.

10. Prepare the necessary tools and materials

After considering these 9 points for your project, all that’s left is to ensure you have the right tools!

Tool list

Gather all necessary installation tools, such as a drill, screws, plugs, hooks, ropes, cables, and a ladder.

Material quality

Use high-quality materials for fastenings and supports to ensure the durability of the installation. Opt for hardware that will resist moisture and rust. Stainless steel is often a quality choice.

By considering these 10 points, you will be well-prepared to install a shade sail effectively and safely, thus transforming your terrace into a pleasant and shaded space. You just need to install it!

Installation Steps

Have you finally made your choice and have your sunshade at home? All that’s left is to fix it! This operation takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the complexity of the installation. Generally, you’ll need at least two people for this installation.

Preparing the Structure : if you are using a wooden, bamboo or metal structure, prepare it by securing it firmly to the ground. If you attach the sail to a wall, install the wall fastenings.
Attaching the Sail : attach a rope to each corner of the sail. Then, attach the sail to the structure or wall fastenings using the rope. Make sure to tighten the sail to prevent it from sagging.
Adjusting the Tension : once the sail is installed, adjust the tension according to your preferences. You can use tensioners for strong winds to help maintain the tension of the sail.
Checking the Installation : finally, check that the sail is correctly installed and secured. Ensure it is well-tensioned and shows no signs of detachment or damage.

1. Fixing a Shade on a Pergola

Shades to be placed on a pergola are ideal for bringing a touch of freshness and shade to your terrace. Here’s how to install them:

Measure your pergola : take the exact dimensions of your pergola to choose a suitable shade sail.
Prepare the attachments : attach hooks or rings to the beams of your pergola at all four corners. Whether it is wrought iron, wood or bamboo, the process remains the same.
Install the sail : hang the coconut fiber shade sail using sturdy ropes or cables, ensuring it is well-tensioned to prevent water pockets in case of rain.

For detailed instructions, refer to our installation guide for pergolas.

2. Fixing a reinforced diagonal hanging shade

Reinforced diagonal hanging shades are perfect for creating a shaded area without intermediate support. They are hung with attachment points at the ends.

Choose attachment points : select solid points on surrounding walls, beams, or posts.
Attach the hooks : use sturdy expansion bolts and hooks for a secure attachment.
Attach the sail : use strong ropes to attach the corners of the sail to the hooks, tightly stretching the fabric for an optimal finish.

For more details, follow our installation guide for reinforced diagonal shades.
NB: for custom-made coconut shades, please refer to the accompanying instructions.

3. Fixing a reinforced grid shade to be hung on cables

These shades are designed to be hung and can slide on cables, offering flexibility in adjusting the shade.

Install the cables : secure stainless steel cables between robust anchor points.
Attach the sliding attachments : mount the sliding attachments on the cables to allow the sail to move easily.
Hang the sail : suspend the shade sail on the sliding attachments and adjust the position according to your needs.

For detailed installation, refer to our guide for grid shades.

4. Fixing a triangular shade

Triangular shades are elegant and easy to install, with only three attachment points.

Determine attachment points : choose three strong points to secure the corners of the sail.
Install the hooks : use dowels and hooks for robust attachment.
Attach the sail : attach the sail with strong ropes, adjusting the tension for a well-tensioned installation.

For more information, follow our installation guide for triangular shades.

5. Fixing burlap, bamboo, or reed screens

Burlap screens

Burlap screens are natural and add a rustic touch to your terrace. To fix them:

Prepare the attachments : use hooks or eyelets at the corners of the fabric.
Attach the fabric : secure the fabric with ropes or straps to sturdy anchor points.

Bamboo

Bamboo sails are durable and aesthetically pleasing. To install them:

Prepare the supports : secure posts or structures to support the bamboo screen.
Attach the fabric : use nylon ties or cables to securely fasten the screen to the supports. Be sure to provide fastenings every meter, as bamboo is fragile when subjected to strong winds.

Reed screens

Reed screens are perfect for creating shade while allowing some transparency. To install them:

Fix the supports : install frames or trellises to support the reeds.
Secure the reeda : use metal or plastic ties to attach the reeds to the supports. Be sure to provide fastenings every meter, as reeds are particularly wind-sensitive.

Regardless of the type of shade you choose, correct installation is essential to fully enjoy your shaded space. By following these instructions, you can transform your terrace into a peaceful shaded haven, ideal for relaxing away from the sun and heat. Don’t forget to consult our detailed guides for each installation type to ensure optimal and durable setup.