Advice for buying the right NZ shade sail

Buying a shade sail in NZ is an accessible and attractive way to create effective shade for whatever or whomever it is that sits underneath it. But how to choose the right one?

All shade sails are not created equal and it really comes down to what it is you are needing to achieve with it. In this article, our shade sail experts share some of their do’s and don’ts so that you can end up with the right shade sail to protect you and yours from the NZ sun.

Tip #1

Get your shade sail positioning and angles right.

Thinking about where the sun is during all times of the day, and all seasons, will help your shade sail provide the maximum amount of shade when you need it. 

You also want to make sure it doesn’t block the light that you want to let in during winter, and is positioned correctly to ensure sufficient and tidy rain run-off.

This is why we use 3D CAD software to custom design our sails for shade, so that the effect provides a lasting solution for the property. You can learn more about our process here.

Tip #2

Choose a long-lasting shade fabric.

At Sunshade our NZ made shade sails are made of high-quality HDPE (plastics recycling grade ♻️2), using a special woven performance textile weave. This gives it a high tensile strength, durability and means it can span wide spaces. 

The shade sail fabric has a 10-year UV warranty and many customers in high UV areas still have their shade sails after 15-20 years and counting.

Our textile also comes with a coating to repel dust and debris, making care and maintenance a lot easier than some other fabrics.

Tip #3

Don’t settle for low-grade UV protection.

Shade cloths and off-the-shelf products will offer varying degrees of UV ratings, so read up and compare like for like. 

In NZ, we reckon the sun’s rays are a force to be reckoned with. That’s why our shade sails are rated to up to 99% UVR protection, depending on your colour choice. 

As a side note, they also offer a fire retardancy independently tested to AS/NZ 1530.2-1993, so you know you’re buying the good stuff.

Tip #4

If you’re going to DIY, be careful of your fixings and make sure you understand how strong a shade sail caught by the wind really is. 

Even with the best of intentions, if you’re not really going to take it down in strong winds, make sure you don’t attach it to things that might cause damage to buildings or others. 

Also, pay attention to the quality of your fixings – are you choosing marine grade anodised stainless steel fittings, or going for lower quality that are likely to rust out? Are they strong enough to withstand the sail?

As installers we only use high quality componentry because we don’t like comebacks! So we know we can trust them to be safe and work well for our customers.

Tip #5

Have fun and find your style!

Whether it is a stylish cluster of narrow triangle sails, or a set of parallel rectangle shade sails under a pergola, find something that suits the style of your space, and how you’d like it to look and feel. 

Colour choices are key – will you go muted, natural tones, or bring in some subtle or more funky statement colour? 

If you’d like advice, our local experts are happy to guide you through the shade sail design process. 

Our shade sail colour palette extends to 24 designer colours, of which we’ll be happy to show you real-life samples of during a consultation.

Thinking you might like to go for a custom NZ made shade sail? 

We might be a bit biased, but we do know from experience that custom shade sails offer a superior result compared to off-the-shelf counterparts. 

The extra investment in expertise, quality fabrication and design will last you for the long run, providing fantastic protection and adding value to your property. 

And if you’re planning to try DIY, we hope these tips help you either way.

Talk to your local expert, or fire us a quote request today.