If you can’t afford a covered porch or patio, one of the next best options is to install a shade sail. These are made from durable outdoor cloth, and they are used to cover outdoor living spaces. These sails are often very affordable, portable, and they blend well with many types of architecture and settings. The best part is how easy they are to install compared to many other options for outdoor shade. In just a few easy steps, you can have a shade sail up and ready to use.
First, you need to decide where you want the shade sail to be. Consider where you will spend most of your time when outdoors, and the places that need most protection from the sun. Also keep in mind that the area will need enough room for the whole sail along with a place to attach the sail to.
Once you’ve determined the location of the sail, spread it out in your yard and decide how to angle it. In order for water to run off the sail, it will need to be positioned at an angle where one side is lower than the other. A triangle shaped sail can be positioned with one corner higher than the other two corners. A square sail will need two corners up with two lower.
Next, determine exactly where the sail will attach to an anchor point. If it will just attach to walls, you will just need to install grommets or hooks into the walls at the appropriate places. If you need posts to have your sail the way you like it, you will need to do a little extra work.
To install the posts, dig holes, add gravel, then set your posts. Fill the remainder of the holes with concrete to keep the posts in place.
Once the concrete is dry, add hooks or grommets to the appropriate areas on the poles, and attach the shade sail to the attachments. Now enjoy your new shaded outdoor living space.
