Whether you are spending the day by the pool or lounging in a hammock, It can be hard to stay cool on a hot day with direct sunlight overhead. Adding shade to your backyard, deck, or patio will allow you to enjoy more time outside without the harsh heat and light from the sun. Shade sails are an easy way to create shade while adding a stylish focal point to your yard. If you’ve been searching for the best shade sails, keep reading to find the perfect one for your backyard.

What Is a Shade Sail?

A shade sail is a piece of tightly woven, often UV-resistant fabric that is stretched taut above the area you want to shade. The corners of the shade sail are attached to stable outdoor structures (like a tree or your roof) to form a canopy. A shade sail provides protection from direct sunlight and heat while adding a decorative element to your backyard.

Shade sails have adjustable anchor points, meaning they can be moved and arranged to your liking. Anchor points are the D rings on the corners of the shade sail that will connect your hardware to your support structures. Shade sails typically use hardware like rings, hooks, or rope that can be tied, hung, or attached to support structures. A shade sail’s hardware is easy to attach and take down when putting it away for the season.

Shade Sail Anchor Kits

While most shade sails come with installation hardware (like rope or carabiners), you can also purchase an anchor kit. An anchor kit includes all of the hardware necessary to install your shade sail and is great to have as backup in case you lose, break, or don't have a necessary hardware piece. Choose an anchor kit that matches your shade sail’s shape and corresponds with the amount of anchor points that your shade sail has. This will ensure that your kit includes the right amount of pieces to fit your sail shape. Check your shade sail’s manufacturer’s instructions to find specific hardware and installation information.

What to Consider

When choosing a shade sail for your yard, it’s important to consider a few different factors. Look at the size of the area that you want to cover and the amount of shade you want to cast in that space. When you are looking at areas to place the shade sail, look to see if there are permanent structures (like a roof or tree) close-by to anchor the sail. Depending on the style you choose, you will need at least three to four anchor points. All of these factors will help you determine what the best shade sail is for your backyard.

Best Shade Sails

Shade sails are available in three different shapes: rectangular, triangular, and square.

Rectangular: If you are looking to cover a large area, a rectangular shape is the best shade sail for you! It is able to cast a larger and longer shade but does require four anchor points. If you are looking to hang a shade sail at an angle to cast shade on an existing patio or deck, a rectangular sail is the best shade sail shape for you because the shape casts a longer shade and can block a large amount of sun.

Triangular: Triangular shade sails are great for small areas. The triangular shape makes them a versatile option by allowing you to angle the shape of the sail in a way that a rectangle or square sail would not allow. With only three anchor points, a triangular shade shape is great for yards that do not have many permanent structures to attach the sail to. If you want to use triangular shade sails to cover a large area, try overlapping and layering triangular shade sails. Opt for the same color shade or add more interest by layering different color sails. It not only adds more shade than one sail would but it also creates a fun focal point in your yard.

Square: Square shade sails are great for covering both small and large areas. They work best on square-shaped patios or for creating a shaded area for tables, sandboxes, and other outdoor activity spaces. Keep in mind that the larger a shade sail is, the stronger your anchor points need to be to keep the tension in the sail.

Tip!

If you notice that your shade sail is rising or drooping in the middle, look to see if there is water build-up in the middle or if there is a lack of tension.

Best Shade Sail Placement

Shade sails are versatile and can be placed just about anywhere in your yard. While they are certainly functional, they help add an aesthetic appeal to your backyard. If you are looking for the best shade sail placement ideas, we’ve put together a small list of common ways to use a shade sail.

Angled on Your Deck

When you think of a shade sail, you may think of it being installed overtop a deck. If you find that the sun is hitting your deck at an angle, try installing your sail at an angle. Rectangular or square sails are best for angle installments and need four sturdy attachment areas, like your deck railing or rooftop.

Over Your Pool

Spend more time in your pool and swimming in the shade by installing a shade sail over your pool. If you want to keep part of your pool in the sun, opt for a triangular shade sail or a smaller rectangular shade sail. You’ll be able to swim to the shade when you find yourself overheating.

Above a Table

Enjoy a meal in the shade by adding a shade sail above your outdoor table. To make your outdoor dining area stand out, try layering a few triangular shade sails. Overlapping offers different arrangements and angles to help create the most amount of shade, while the color combinations and different heights create a beautiful visual statement in your outdoor eating area.

Overtop a Sandbox

Create a shaded area for your little ones to play in. For a smaller play area, opt for a square shade sail or triangular shade sail to give the area partial shade. If your little one has multiple play items or stations, like activity tables and a sandbox, opt for a rectangular shade sail to create a larger, shaded area.

Tip!

Check out these 12 Shade Sail Ideas to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Space for more placement ideas.