The Best Shade Sails Review (10 Amazing Choices!)

The best shade sails are practical in decorating your lovely home or bringing a touch of comfort to that outdoor gathering you’ve been planning. These ready-to-install covers can be put up and taken down with ease. When no longer in use, they’re also easy to store because they’re lightweight and foldable.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the best shade sails you can find on the market and how to pick one that suits your needs.

Shade Sail Benefits 

Having a shade sail has a number of benefits. First, it keeps you safe and comfy outdoors. Second, it adds coolness without having to buy an air conditioner. When positioned in areas where sunlight hits, it can significantly reduce the temperature inside your home. Then there’s the aesthetic benefit it offers. There are even shade sails that feature distinct designs meant to complement the theme of your home.

Things to Consider When Buying Shade Sails 

Now that you’re aware of your options and the benefits shade sails can give you, you can now start looking for the shade sail you need. But before you do, let me give you some tips on how to choose one.

1.  Make a plan

The first step is to “know” the area the shade sail is meant for. For example, you have to measure the space’s parameters, so you can determine what size and shape the sail should be, and decide to which you’ll anchor it to identify what hardware you’ll need).

2.  Budget

Next, know how much you’re willing to spend on it. Shade sails of higher quality are considerably more expensive, but the protection and comfort they provide are worth it.

3.  Style

As mentioned, functionality and style can go hand-in-hand. The touch of beauty well-designed shade sails can provide is worth considering, especially if it’ll cover a space for parties and other gatherings. Remember, you can combine sails of different colors and shapes to achieve a fancy vibe.

4.  Material/Fabric

The material you choose depends on your purpose of buying a shade sail. There are materials that are waterproof for outdoor activities that have to carry on regardless of the weather. There are also those meant only to provide UV protection whenever you want to enjoy the warmth of the sun without the risk of damaging your skin.

Also, never forget durability. Always find the product the gives the best value for your money.

Installation

Once you’ve bought a shade sail, you’ll need to know how to use/install and take care of it. Here are some tips:

1.  Identify the layout

Shade sails can be positioned horizontally flat (all corners are of the same height), horizontal with corners that vary in height (which is the most visually pleasing), vertically (like a shield), or in a slant position (occurs with overlapping sails).

2.  Placement

Before you begin the installation, know first what the area is intended for, then consider the direction of sunlight and wind speeds. Next, consider the size of your sail, the strength of the structures to be used as anchor points, and if the area can be inserted with those structures/posts (in case there are no existing ones). Make sure to talk to the proper authorities regarding the installation when necessary.

The next step is to identify where in the structures you should put the mounting points, except when they’re already available. Remember to leave a space between the corners of the shade sail and their anchor points for the hardware you need to create the correct tension that’ll stretch out the sail perfectly.  This step is critical. If you feel like you need to consult with an engineer, do so.

3.  Hardware needed

The last step is to know the hardware you’ll be using. Make sure to get the right screws, hooks, chains, and other extensions, turnbuckles, etc.

Once you cover these steps, you can start inserting your posts and installing your shade sail. Note, though, that this is only meant as a guide. Be mindful of the instructions that come along with the product.

10 of the Best Shade Sails on the Market

1.  Coolaroo Triangle Shade Sail

This shade sail’s weight (around 2 lbs.) and dimension make it easy to carry around, making it ideal for outdoor spaces and activities like camping or picnicking. It has eyelets and comes with ropes to make it easy to secure to anything. It’s a playful way to block UV rays, and it even comes in different colors. It can be easily washed by soap and water and is resistant to tearing and fading.

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2.  Colourtree Waterproof Rectangle Shade Sail

This Colourtreeshade sail is perfect for outdoor gatherings and spaces. Since it’s waterproof, it’s usable under any weather condition. While meant to be set up permanently, it’s inexpensive and easy to install.

It’s ideal for activities and areas where there’s prolonged exposure to the sun. It can provide the best sun shade to help avoid the harmful effects of sunlight like sunburn and the risk of skin cancer. It’s made from sturdy polyethylene fabric as well for further durability.

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3.  Love Story Triangle Sun Shade Sail

Add coolness, comfort, and shade to your patio, garden, and poolside during hot summer days using this fun shade sail from Love Story. It’s breathable and easy to wash with soap and water. It has stainless steel rings at every corner and comes with ropes so it’seasy to install and detach.

You can add playfulness to your space with the various colors available. You’ll surely find the one that compliments your existing color palette.

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4.  Aleko Rectangle Sun Shade Sail

Style and functionality can go together in this rectangle shade sail by Aleko. Aside from having a modern design, it’s durable and waterproof so it can withstand high temperatures and various weather conditions. Apart from that, it’s breathable to provide coolness in your garden or poolside.This chicsun protection can be easily anchored to poles and columns. It’s also easy to take down when necessary.

This shade sail is a great alternative to covered porches, play areas, and a canopy tent. It has steel D rings at every anchor point. With proper tension applied, the durable material will not sag, wrinkle, or flap. Lastly, it’s resistant to mold and mildew and can be washed with soap and water.

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5.  KhomoGear Rectangular Sun Shade Sail

Made from breathable, heavy high-density polyethylene (HDPE), KhomoGear’s sun shade sail is meant to provide coolness and comfort to get you through hot days. It can withstand moisture and extreme temperatures. It also provides protection from the sun’s damaging radiation. Aside from your backyard or porch, you can carry this portable sail to other outdoor areas by the pool or driveway. It’s great for picnics and camping.

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6.  Shade&Beyond Triangle Sun Shade Sail

Shade&Beyond makes shade sails in various sizes and colors. Their products are made from high-density polyethylene fabric with UV protection, making them a bit shiny and fabulous. The shade sails are durable and sturdy, thanks to the curved edges and steel D rings in every corner.This shade, in particular, is ideal for outdoor spaces.

The material is designed to be breathable. It allows air and light to pass through for better air circulation which makes the covered space breezy and comfortable. Water also passes through it so it doesn’t puddle on top. You can use soap and water to clean it. However, using the washing machine and dryer is not advisable.

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7.  Royal Shade Square Outdoor Sun Shade Sail

This shade sail has curved edges for better installation to prevent it from sagging at the center. However, you can also opt for ones with straight edges. It’s made from 100% HDPE which blocks up to 95% UV rays. Its fabric is neatly woven to allow the breeze to pass through, making your space cool and comfy.

It also means it doesn’t catch too much wind which reduces its tendency to flap. It also allows water to go through so it doesn’t gather on top. The shade sails come with steel rings attached to all corners, and the seams are well-stitched to keep it in good shape. It’s ideal for providing shade for outdoor activities.

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8.  Outsunny Rectangular Shade Sail

Outsunny’s shade sail is another economical way to provide coolness and shade to certain areas of your home. Made from breathable, woven high-density PE, this shade sail can bring the temperature down by 6 degrees by blocking 95% of UV light. The high-standard fabric doesn’t rot and is resistant to mold, mildew, and rust.

The product comes with steel D rings, ropes, and a carrying bag which makes it portable and easy to secure to existing structures. It’s also light and foldable for easy storage. You can use water and detergent to clean it.

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9.  Shelterlogic Heavyweight Square Shade Sail

Another install-it-yourself shade sail is brought to us by Shelterlogic. This durable shade sail is crafted from knitted PE. Its premium fabric can protect you from 90% of UVA and UVB sunrays. Water can pass through the materials, preventing it from being collected in the middle.

The product has steel rings in every well-stitched corner. It comes with ropes, bolts, and other hardware needed for installation. With the instructions provided, you can put this sail up in minutes. It’s a portable shade you can bring to cover and design any outdoor space and living area.

You can also mix or overlap sails of different shapes to create your own style.

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10.  Amgo Square Sun Shade Sail

The last shade sail review in this article is that of Amgo’s square shade sail. From one corner to another, this sail measures 16×16 feet. The edges are curved a little bit to make sure they don’t sag in the middle, making it appear at its best.

The fabric is penetrable. It allows water and air to pass through to avoid puddles on top and reduce the possibility of flapping when strong winds blow. As a result, it supports air circulation and adds coolness to its covered area. On top of that, it also reduces the risk of UV rays by blocking 95% of it, making this sail perfect for outdoor parties.

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Conclusion

Even after your options are narrowed down to the best shade sails available in the market today, choosing one is still not an easy task. In order to make up your mind, you need to identify the features that matter most to you.

The choice is relatively easy for those who want to push for outdoor affairs regardless of the weather. Clearly, out of the best shade sails featured in this article, only the waterproof ones will qualify. But for those who only care about sun protection, it’s a bit trickier.

Regardless of your choice, I’m sure having your own shade sail will prove beneficial and expense-worthy for you.