Download bespoke measurement forms
When planning to install a shade sail the measurements required for the design will vary, depending on whether you are choosing to purchase a bespoke Shade Sail or one of our pre-designed Shades.
Standard Shades
Click here for detailed dimensions of Standard Shades
The standard shades are pre designed and stored on file ready to cut to order in house on our robotic cutting table. We do not hold stock items given the large selection of shapes and sizes, not to mention fabric type and the vast colour selection available. The Standard shades are all are all custom made to order to your fabric and colour specification.
Our standard shade designs are predominantly 2D sails (designed on one plane). Two dimensional shades can be installed either flat or at a sloping angle.
In the case of four sided shades these can also be set with a small twist, eg. 2 opposing fixing points at slightly different heights, for a 3 dimensional appearance. Maximum height differential for this effect should not exceed 250mm – 300mm max. More than this will distort the fabric, encouraging unsightly creases. This method is only recommended for use with the water permeable fabrics.
We have a range of standard 3D hyperbolic shade designs (Three dimensional with more exaggerated, staggered fixing heights). The hyperbolic shades are designed on 3D software with curved seams to give the contemporary saddle or skate wing shape with opposing diagonal height differences of 1m – 1.5m. Please contact us for Hyperbolic sizes outside of this range for a bespoke design.
Standard Shade Sails can be installed in many outdoor & indoor environments sometimes using pre-existing structures, posts, or a combination.
The type of fixings you are using will have an effect on the size of the sail, see fixing page for dimensions of each fitting /kit. Generally we recommend using an allowance of 240mm bisecting each corner as this covers most of the fixings we supply.
If you are considering using wire strops or our larger M10 turnbuckles for example, then these require more link allowance – please pay special attention at the measuring stage to ensure a good fit further down the line.
* Our recommended 240mm allowance assumes use of the M8 Turnbuckle and Eyebolt combination and is the dimension shown in the diagrams above and below.
Whether you are installing post / poles prior to the arrival of your Shade Sail or measuring from posts we recommend that you clearly label each fixing point from A through to C or D in a clockwise direction to maintain the same orientation.
If you have got pre-existing anchorage points, or an area where fixing points can be variable, such as along a wall, take measurements to check if a Standard sized Shade will suit.
(Work in a clockwise direction from point A)
Bespoke Shades
If you cannot accommodate a suitable standard design then we offer a fully bespoke service, offering the best technical advice we can from concept to installation. We will design and manufacture a bespoke shade sail to enhance your outdoor (or indoor) space.
Please use one of our measurement forms to provide accurate dimensions of your site. We recommend that your anchorage points / posts are installed prior to filling out the forms for increased accuracy, though approximate dimensions are suitable for a quote.
Please measure as accurately as possible:
- Work in a clockwise direction
- Use a non-stretch tape to take dimensions.
- Mark fixing points at time of measurement to refer to when installing (A-D).