Shade Sails Direct - Your Online Shade Sail Store

Client Ratings

Shade Sails: 4.5 / 5   ( 45 reviews )

Excellent!!
By Scarlet from Las Vegas

"We loved the first shade sail we bought, this is exactly why we made the decision to buy another! We have very windy conditions here but the sail has stood up well. Excellent quality."

Triangular Sail Sun Shade
By Dior21 from Montreal

"As with other comments, I, too found the style and shade to be just waht I was after. I hope that it will prove to be durable for the long haul. I purchased another one three days later because I looked around and located this was the very best price for this product! You will find lower quality options available although not having a ten year guarantee."

Great Product
By Klippe from Omaha

"I receive plenty of compliments on my small sail shade! My first choice was Forest green, but this was not available at the time and so i settled for beige which looks great. I'd purchase them again!"

Sun Shade
By Alois from Austin

I purchased the product also it showed up rapidly And also at a significantly lower cost than similar products I found by doing a search online!

Absolutely Great!!!
By Redcap88 from Detroit

"The product is really great - very simple to use and offers a significantly needed break in the sun. I really utilize it being an extension to my garage for any garden party. I'll absolutely recommend it for cost, value, quality and construction."

Deeply in love with Sun Shade!!!
By Ladybug from Denver

"I simply simply love the product. After setting up one, I purchased two more. I simply wish there have been more colors to select from!"

Triangular Sail Shade
By Nougat from Indianapolis

I hung the shade sail at the end my terrace in around an hour which is now the talk of the neighbourhood! Everybody keeps asking me where they can get one.

Fun and Functional
By Sammich from Phoenix

"Provides me the colour tone I had been expecting for my small patio - regardless of what time of day, it's well-shaded and very stylish."

Great Product
By Red from Ottawa

The product is among the best purchases I have made. It's durable and produces enough shade making my terrace a minimum of 10 degrees cooler. I would suggest the product to anybody! It is also a lot more stylish and unusual compared to items obtainable in the local stores.

Sail Shade
By kook21 from Anchorage

"We received the triangular-formed sail within the beige color very quickly. It so nice and sturdy! It's more compact than it seemed in the pictures, however it looks fantastic! We will get two more and mount them together at various levels with slight overlaps and that will appear great."

TRIANGLE SUN SHADE
By Flash from Regina

"Finally, here comes a business that is offers great customer support! High quality and fantastic, fast service. Appreciate this kind of easy ordering and fast delivery!!!"

Read more customer reviews on each product page... Shade Sails Catalogue

All About Shade Sails

Shade Sail History

Ever since ancient times, man has been known to use large pieces of cloth or fabric to provide shade and get protection from the sun. History reveals the use of large canvas "sails" by Roman sailors, which were tough, heavy and inflexible. But nevertheless, these sails were durable and served the purpose of providing shade - these were the first shade sails.

These primitive types of shade sails have also been known to be used in different countries throughout the ages, especially in the sunnier and hotter countries like India, Africa and the desert regions of the Middle East, and even in the wet Amazonian forests.

The modern design of shade sails used today have a more extensive use. The use of a far more resilient and reasonably priced fabric known as shade cloth first appeared in Australia and South Africa towards the end of the last century. These shade sail products offered protection from the sun's harmful UV rays and in recent times have become increasingly popular as an alternative to parasols and pergolas.

In the beginning, there was some confusion over the terminology that should be used to describe these sun sails. People often referred to them as sail shades or sun shades. It is, of course acceptable to refer to them any way one likes, but as the product gain acceptance in a market a specific term normally emerges as being the most popular way to describe the shade sail products. Perhaps surprisingly, the innovative technology behind shade sails has only seen a sluggish growth in the European market, but a recent survey indicates that soon France, Germany and the United Kingdom will open up to shade sails and be more receptive to this new technology. Soon they will be more popular and easily available in the market. Other countries all over the world are expected to follow suit, Greece, Italy, Benelux countries and Spain of course. The new technology of shade sails is adaptable to all climates and situations and is on the way to becoming the "must have" shade accessory.

Shade Sails Technology

If we look at the earlier fabric used for making a shade sail, it was not strong and durable enough to defy the strong UV of sun as well as its heat. Needless to say, these earlier shade sails suffered from UV degradation and did not offer complete protection from the sun.

The specialist fabric used for making sun sails today is far better and improved, thanks to the new technology - High Density Polyethylene (HDP) with a mono filament. While manufacturing the shade sail cloth, UV inhibitors are added to make it stronger and resistant to the sun’s heat. Today, sail shades are manufactured from superior fabric and are offered with UV degradation warranties which run for several years.

This new shade cloth is actually a knitted fabric and it is this inbuilt stretch of the knitted fabric, which is used to form three dimensional shapes with ease. This is a very important factor as not only is the fabric more resistant to UV, but is also easy to handle and use it for making different designs. Another important plus is the low cost of this new shade sail fabric which make it the first choice for making sun sails. The other alternatives like PVC or some variations in canvas tend to be more expensive and do not allow hot air to pass through the sail material.

Benefits of Using Shade Sails

Another benefit of using the knitted fabric to make the shade sail is that it lets the fabric breathe and feel alive. The warm air from below the fabric can easily circulate through and not feel trapped inside. This results in a cool shade which is simply not possible with a parasol or pergola. Today, you will come across different new sun sails in different shapes, colors and sizes. The trend seems to be moving towards using and installing multiple sail shades. These are sometimes arranged in an overlapping design, thus adding some depth and style to the overall function.

A stainless steel turnbuckle or a pulley system set at all corners of the sail provide the much needed tension to give them a pleasing architectural shape. In case of permanently fixed sun sails, the turnbuckle is used to apply a large amount of tension to the sail shade, which is essential for a permanent installation. In case using these shade sail devices for domestic purpose, it is suggested to use snap hooks, which allow for easy removal and setting up of these sails in adverse weather conditions. One can set up a shade sail and take it down in minutes.

One needs to apply the right amount of tension in the right direction for the correct installation of these shade sails, so as to avoid any flapping in the wind and give them the right shape.

What Is The Correct Name For A Shade Sail?

As shade sails are still a relatively new product there are many different ways that are used to describe them. A lot of the phrases used tend to combine the functionality of the product with its sail like appearance: expressions such as sun shade sails, sail sun shade and sun sails shade reflect this approach. Alternatively people can use a more descriptive term for these sails for shade such as shade sail canopy, sun shade canopy and sail shade canopy. Finally the sails shade type of product can be referred to more by the shade sail material or shade sail cloth from which the sail cloth sun shade is manufactured. Shade Sails supplied by Sail Shade World are made from a specialist shade sail fabric which should not be confused with canvas shade sails or primitive shade cloth sails which do not offer the same degree of UV protection and durability.

Where Can Shade Sails Be Used?

The potential applications of shade sails are really only limited by the imagination of the shade sail designer and installer. Patio shade sails are very popular and using patio sails for shade can really add to the style of your outdoor space. In the US, backyard shade sails or deck shade sails are very common to provide shade in an outdoor eating or barbeque area. The range of shade products available on the market makes it very easy to find shade sails for decks that will match the space available and complement the existing color scheme.

While it is possible to install shade sails in an indoor environment this would usually only be for the visual effect. Outdoor shade sails are able to combine aesthetic beauty with the practical concern of providing garden shade. Outdoor sail shade designs and especially garden sail shade products are often green in color to tone nicely with the garden planting and greenery.

Others applications would be pool shade sails to provide UV protection while swimming and playground shade sails which are particularly important to protect young children from over exposure to the sun's radiation.

What Are The Main Types Of Shade Sails

Apart from the color the main types of shade sails are differentiated by their shape.

Triangle Shade Sails - A triangle sun shade sail is a very adaptable shape that only requires three fixing points and can be used to shade corners as well as larger open spaces. A triangle sail sun shade or triangle sail shade can be used in multiples to form an attractive overlapping design to provide a pleasing visual effect. Shade sail triangle designs are offered by Shade Sail World in 16' 5" and 11' 10" triangular shade sail sizes.

Square Shade Sails - Square sail sun shade products are often the first choice when the project requires a large area to be covered. Square sun shade sail designs are offered in 16' 5" and 11' 10" square sail shade sizes. For rectangle shade sails, where the sides of the rectangular shade sail are of different length can be ordered as custom shade sail rectangle designs on a made to measure basis.

Right Angle Shade Sail - SailShadeWorld also offer right triangle shade sails with dimensions of 9'10" x 13' 1" x 16' 5". This right triangle shade sail is a Sail Shade World exclusive and can be a perfect solution for creating a shady corner where only a shade sail right triangle will fit.

Shade Sails Installation

How to install shade sails - shade sails diy is perfectly possible for a handyman with a reasonable amount of experience. The most important factor in a diy shade sail installation is the security of the mounting points as it is these that take the force of the tension in the sail shade installation, which will be magnified significantly in windy conditions. If you are installing shade sails and do not have enough walls to fix the mountings you will need to consider using shade sail posts or poles. A diy shade sail installation will need the appropriate shade sail hardware such as screw tensioners, pad eyes and eye bolts. These accessories are all available in high quality stainless steel from Shade Sails Direct. Don't forget to read our sun shade sail installation guide which covers how to install a shade sail in great detail.

Shade Sails For Sale

This website is operated by Shade Sails Direct and offers Sail Shade World products. If you are searching for shade sails usa or us shade sails, browse through our online store which has all items in stock for next day dispatch. Within the website are many shade sail ideas to help you choose an appropriate layout of your shade sail designs. For large shade sails we offer a made to measure or custom shade sail service to get a sail shade design that exactly matches your requirements.

Shade Sails Delivery, Installation and FAQs

FREE Delivery

For our standard size shade sails we offer FREE delivery to mainland USA and Canada.
US deliveries are sent by FedEx and are normally delivered within 5 business days.
For Canada we ship by US Postal which takes about 10 business days.
Our custom made shade sails are delivered direct from the factory by DHL in 7-10 days.

Installation

Installation of a shade sail can be completed by anyone with a reasonable level of handyman skills and it is not generally necessary to call upon the services of a professional installer. Apart from accurately measuring and marking out the necessary fixing points, the main task is concered with creating secure mounting points for the shade sail.

In a brick or concrete wall this will involve drilling suitable holes with a power tool and using the appropriate fixings to give a secure anchorage. If posts are to be used for one or more of the fixing points, these must be of adequate size and very securely embedded in the ground - usually by digging a hole with a depth of one third of the length of the post and filling it with concrete. Even for a DIY enthusiast a second pair of hands would be very useful to help complete the installation.

See our shade sail installation guide for more information on safely installing your sail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have compiled a list of the questions most often asked by our customers.
Click here to view the frequently asked questions.

Payment

By credit or debit card:
You can pay directly on line with a card using the PayPal secure payment gateway. Note: It is not necessary to have a PayPal account you simply need to select the pay by card option on the PayPal checkout page.

By PayPal:
If you have a PayPal account you can pay using the PayPal system.

Latest Posts From the Shade Sails Direct Blog

Sail Shades - New and Stylish Shade Solution

There is a huge range of outdoor shading options on the market, and among them sail shades are quickly becoming the most popular. The relatively new technology which is used to make the sail shade canopy effectively shelters areas like patios, decks, swimming pools, play areas, and even driveways. Sail shades come with many additional benefits:
Read more --> Sail Shades

Sun Shade With Sails - A New Shade Solution

Sun sails are a new and exciting shading solution that has only recently arrived in the USA and Canada. The sails have quickly grown in popularity in France and Australia where they have been embraced for their superior sun protection and stylish design. They are visually attractive, light weight, easy to erect, low maintenance, and very affordable, which makes them a great alternative to more traditional shading options.
Read more --> Sun Shade With Sails

Patio Sails - Stylish Shade Solution

Patio shades are a great way to keep an area cool in the sun and dry in the rain. There are a wide variety of shading solutions on the market but many of them look unattractive, are difficult to install, and give you very little freedom of design. Patio shade sails are the perfect solution to this problem. The stunning form of a shade sail is protective, lightweight, and quick and simple to erect.
Read more --> Patio Sails

Shade Sail Ideas

Shade sails surpass their function and become a sculptural feature in their own right. Using these shade sail ideas can help you to make your garden a more beautiful and practical space.
Read more --> Shade Sails Ideas

Shade Sails Installation As A DIY Project

A DIY shade sail installation is not as challenging as you might think. Anyone with a reasonable measure of handyman skills and a few essential tools will be able to accomplish the task. As with so many things a successful installation starts at the planning stage and it is vitally important to ensure you have adequate mounting points for the sail in order to withstand wind-induced loads.
Read more --> Shade Sails Project DIY

Square And Triangular Shade Sails

Choosing between a square and triangular shade sail is a key decision. The size you want and the way they are positioned is also important. However, the perfect sail shade for you will depend on what suits your garden, your home, your budget and of course your sense of style.
Read more --> Square And Triangular Shade Sails

Shade Sails For Sale

How Do Shade Sails work their cooling magic? Ruggedly constructed,they block 90% of the Sun’s harmful Ultra Violet rays. But, although they’re dense, Shade Sails are sufficiently porous to let heat escape. This is good news in every sense. Unless you happen to be hit by a monsoon. A light summer shower? – no problem. But, keep in mind, the operative phrase is "water-resistant" not "waterproof.".
Read more --> Shade Sails For Sale

Shade Sails California

Too much Sun on your patio? No worries! Shade Sails California has got you covered. Our shade sails are available in five sizes and four colors. What started down under, Australia to be precise, was soon covering most of France.(Also known to have a fair amount of sunshine.) And Now, Shade Sails are finally available in California.
Read more --> Shade Sails California

Designing Your Own Garden

The concept of garden design is very old and can be found in different cultures. Today we follow trends that have been derived from some of the more popular garden concepts around the world. Chinese gardens for instance incorporate rocks and plants and this style has been adapted into our garden spaces. The style gives the garden an elegant look. A well designed garden must be appealing from all angles. It is important that it looks as beautiful from over the fence as it does from inside the home.
Read more --> Garden Design

Fabric Shade Options For The Grden

Fabric shade covers are becoming one of the most popular solutions. While permanent shade structures may be desirable in some circumstances, the portability and affordability of fabric shade often makes it the better choice. Even if you intend to add a gazebo or arbor to your garden, you may choose the option of fabric shade, such as a shade sail, until such structure can be completed – or to add additional shady seating when you have family and friends over for a back yard BBQ.
Read more --> Fabric Shade For The Garden

Sun Canopy - A Good Choice For Shade?

Smart use of a canopy in a garden can instantly transform the area by increasing its charm and utility. They are much like shade sails and give the garden a new dimension which is appealing and yet functional. With a canopy in place your garden becomes an ideal place for actually spending time and entertaining guests. Children too can use the sheltered area created by the canopy to play during the day and for camping out at night when the weather is good.
Read more --> Canopy In Your Garden

Waterproof Shade Sails - Do They Work?

While it is not possible to have truly waterproof shade cloth that is also breathable, we should consider how well the products from SailShadeWorld can act as a waterproof shade sail. One important factor to consider is the mounting of the sail. If the shade sail is mounted so as to be almost flat, there will be a risk of the rain "puddling" in a patch on the sail and then inevitably the water will drip through the slightly porous shade cloth fabric. By mounting the sail at an angle or with a twist – which is actually more stylish and appealing to the eye – the majority of the rain will simply run off the semi waterproof shade cloth.
Read more --> Waterproof Shade Sails

Contact Shade Sails Direct

Shade Sails Direct
Libertyville, IL 60048
info@shade-sails.org

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Shade Sails Direct is owned by French Vie Ltd
Company registration number 7447842