First published: 17 June 2022 @ 6:00 pm
You’ve probably seen the benefits of installing shade sails in your backyard. They provide an inexpensive way to keep your home cool, reduce energy, and add a unique and relaxing look to your yard.
However, you may wonder how to install one of these outdoor furniture pieces in your yard.
This article will give you the basics of installing a shade sail in your backyard.
What is a Shade Sail?
Shade sails are pieces of outdoor furniture that people install in the backyard for two major purposes:
- provide an area where family members can sit under some shelter while still spending time to enjoy the sunlight and warmth coming from outside, and
- block out any direct sunlight that might come into your home during certain times of the day.
In addition, they can create a relaxing environment inside or outside your home.
They can provide an area where you can read or relax while getting a bit of the sun’s rays, or a place where you can sit back and relax while listening to the sounds of nature.
Photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash.
Shade sails don’t comprise a wide range of parts. They comprise only two parts: the frame and the fabric.
The frame holds the fabric in place and supports it, while also providing a place for people to sit. People usually make the fabric from a cotton or nylon blend material that is easy to clean and has an attractive look.
It also provides shade, which helps keep your home cool during the summer.
There are two different shade sails: freestanding and mounted. Freestanding shade sails are portable, so you can move them around when needed without having to be installed on any surface (i.e., concrete).
You can fix mounted shade sails in place with brackets and screws, so they will stay in one spot once you install them correctly.
There are several types of mounted shade sails that provide different levels of privacy and sun protection depending on how you install them.
Where Should You Place a Shade Sail?
Shade sails come in many sizes and shapes, so it’s best to check out what they look like before you purchase them. Make sure they will fit in your yard.
There are also different shade sails, so you’ll want to make sure the type of shade structure you choose will work for your backyard.
The biggest factors that determine where you should place a shade sail are the amount of sunlight that comes into your outdoor living space during certain times of the day and the amount of privacy you want.
If there is not a lot of sunlight coming into your home, then a freestanding shade sail will be best for you. However, if your hometown’s weather is generally sunny, then a mounted shade sail may be better for you.
How Long Can Shade Sail Stay Up?
It depends on the type of shade sail you choose.
Some shade sails are very durable and can last for years, while people make others out of very lightweight materials and may only last for a few months.
You’ll want to make sure that the shade sail you choose is from strong material and can last for a long time.
Photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash.
Is Shade Sail Strong Enough Against Wind?
Shade sails block out direct sunlight, but not wind or water. Many of them are from waterproof fabric, but their main purpose is not to protect from water.
The problem with this is that some people prefer the wind coming through their backyard to help cool them down during the summer months.
If you have large enough shade options that can block out all the sunlight coming into your space, then they should be able to keep you cool during the summer months.
However, if you live in an area with a lot of wind, then it may provide too much shade against it and may make your outdoor space feel colder than it actually is.
Shade Sail for a Cooler Backyard
There are many types of shade sails you can choose from, so it’s best to make sure that the one you choose will work for your backyard. You can try both custom-made shade sails or a commercial shade sail.
If you live in an area where there is a lot of sunlight during certain times of the day, then a mounted shade sail may be better for you.
If you want to add some personalized color, design, and style to your backyard while also providing some privacy and shelter from the sun, then a freestanding shade sail may be better for you.
We hope this article helped clear up questions about installing a shade sail in your backyard or patio.
If you have questions about them or other outdoor furniture pieces that could benefit your yard, check out our blogs!