How to choose and install a shade sail?

[Bob9]

Hi,

Ive a 3x5m space Id like to install a shade sail on but am unsure about ones that Bunnings has like this one:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-3-x-5m-beige-rectangular-shade-sail-beige_p3300367

It is meant to be 3x5m but is that the whole shade and not including the length of cord for the 4 corners ? In this case, this one would be too big for my area ?

How about this 3x4m one ? Would that be 3x4m of actual shade with the cord in all corners being extra beyond the 4m length ? : https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-3-x-4m-monument-solar-led-shade-sail_p0497150

Lastly, do these include cord and any fittings, and if not, which kits would Bunnings have to tie the corners to beams/fasteners in the walls ? (Ive some wooden battons on one side, that Id prob want to screw something like a large eye screw into, to attach the shade sail rope to. If Bunnings recommends any ?)

Thanks !

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bob9,

Thank you for your questions about installing a shade sail at your home.

The size mentioned on shade sails is the size of the shade sail, not the size of the area it should be installed. For this reason, you'll have to select a size down from this to fit in your desired space.

Shade sails like the Pillar 3 x 4m Monument Solar LED Shade Sail do not contain mounting accessories. You'll have to grab them separately. This Shade Sail Accessory Marquee 11pc Fastener Kit contains most things you'll need for mounting your shade sail and getting it good and tight. Depending on your circumstances there are other accessories that can be used such as the Coolaroo Shade Sail Eye Bolts. Have a look through Shade Cloth Accessories | Clips, Clamps & More to see what else is out there.

You might also like to have a look at How To Install a Shade Sail and Backyard Shade Ideas For Every Space for some further guidance and inspiration.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Bob9]

Thanks for the info !

Im wondering where to connect these eye bolts/screws. Ive got a wooden carport roof section. Reckon its ok to drill into this wood ?

Also have wooden slats connecting overhanging roof. Reckon I can loop the rope around the wood or should drilling into the brick walls would be better ?

Cheers !

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Bob9 

It's great that you've decided to put in shade sails. Please note that shade sails pretty much behave the same way as sails on a boat. They are capable of generating a great deal of force and putting it on unsecured points will simply tear the anchor points out. I recommend using 90x90 timber posts concreted into the ground. 

I recommend engaging the services of a builder as they will know how deep the post needs to be buried and how big the footing should be.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jason]

Hi @Bob9,

Just wanted to reiterate Eric's advice that a carport or a house is typically not an appropriate fixing for a shade sale given the forces that can be applied. 

Bunnings has produced a step-by-step guide how to install a shade sail that you might find useful. Please seek professional advice on what posts to use and how they are installed as the force on a shade sail can be significant. In the Bunnings guide, the installation of the three steel posts was overseen by a qualified builder to ensure they were structurally sound.

Thanks,

Jason