While sun is one of the best things about summer in a garden, there can be too much of a good thing. Protecting yourself and your loved ones while you are out in the garden is key, especially with UV levels being so strong. If you have an open garden but not enough space for a gazebo, it can be hard to find an affordable, practical solution. Garden sails are a versatile option for providing shade to your garden. They can be affordable, easy to put up and they can look great. Here's our guide to garden sails.
How to put up a shade sail
The answer to this varies according to what you have already set up in your garden. Most sail shades need to be attached to something robust that is in the right area for the shade that you need. You may have the perfect positioning of existing structures (sheds, balconies, trees), with hooks and ledges that you can attach your sail to. But chances are you don't, which means you'll need to put up some freestanding poles, or posts. Whatever you do, you need to make sure that whatever your sail is hooked onto is sturdy, will take the tension of the sail and won't blow away in any wind. Ideally one corner of your sail also needs to be lower than the others, so that water doesn't collect on your sail. We'd recommend some expert help if you are not sure. Here's how Primrose do it.
Don't forget that the length of the four corners will be important for how big you need your shade sail to be. Many of them are curved which makes this a little more complicated.
How high does a shade sail need to be?
Your fixing points should ideally be at least 2.4 metres above ground.
Can you have shade sails up all year round?
The simple answer to this is no. A shade sail is not suitable in extremes of weather, especially wind. It would make sense to make sure your shade sail is easy to take down when you need to.
What to check when you're buying a shade sail
Make sure you know the size you need covering - but be aware that the size you need covering will not correspond with the size of shade sail you need. Make sure you also check whether or not you need to buy fasteners on top of the shade sail itself. Some shade sails don't come with the attachments.
The best shade sails for the garden
OldPapa shade sail
This 95 per cent UV block shade sail measures 3x4 metres and comes in a variety of colours, from grey to pink. It's waterproof (although see earlier notes about leaving up throughout the year) and comes with rope and hooks for installation. This particular option is very lightweight and folds away easily. You might want to consider buying some awning attachments too. Note that this option doesn't have straight edges, but curves, which should be considered when you are working out the size of your space and shade sail.
Ducey Rectangle shade sail
This is a 3m by 2m rectangular shade sail which blocks 98 per cent of UV rays. Each corner has D rings, and the sail comes with 2 metre nylon rope for each corner. This option is definitely of value for money and it can be washed in your washing machine at home. It also comes with a 1 year warranty.
Sun shade sail
There are plenty of size options for this shade sail, which is 100 per cent polyester and comes with carabiners, turnbuckles and screws. The smallest option is 2x2 metres, and it goes up incrementally in price until you get to 5x6 metres, which is £179.15. It should withstand a certain amount of wind, and is 95 per cent UV protection.
Botanical shade sail
- Buy now from Vonhaus (£14.99)
If you're looking for a shade sail that will really add character to your garden seating area, then look no further. Vonhaus' shade sail comes in a charming botanical-style design, measuring at 300 by 200 cm. This one is rectangle, but there's also triangle too. They come with D rings and rope and the polyester is water resistant. It's perfect for a little canopy over a small garden somewhere chic.
- Buy now from Vonhaus (£14.99)
Triangle shade sail
- Buy now from Primrose (£25.99)
Kookaburra's sail shade is a classic triangle design that peters out in two of the corners. It has a two year warranty, is waterproof and offers 98 per cent protection from UV rays. This is simple to clean, as you can pop it in the washing machine, and comes with D rings again, so hopefully getting this up shouldn't be too difficult. There are lots of great colour options for this range and Primrose offer the handy extras - such as poles and clamps - to make it easier to set up.
- Buy now from Primrose (£25.99)
Triangle shade sail
This simple design is light on the wallet, although all the fixings are sold separately. It comes with a two year guarantee and measures 3 metres by 3 metres. You can't pop this one in the washing machine though - it's wipe clean only. It's perfect for over a hot tub or above your decking.
Large shade sail
This is one of the more expensive on the list, and that's mainly to do with the size. The rectangular shade sail measures at 5metres by 4 metres and comes in all sorts of helpful sizes. It includes D rings and rope, although you might need to add to your rope depending on the size of your garden spot, but no poles. It blocks 98 per cent of UV rays. You can machine wash this shade sail.
WOLTU Outdoor Sun Shade Sail
- Buy now from ManoMano (£18.21)
A two year warranty comes with this sun shade, which measures 2.5x2.5x3.5m, although there are a few different sizes in the series - including square, triangles and rectangle. The material is polyester and should dry quickly but also be breathable, which is great for those very hot days.
- Buy now from ManoMano (£18.21)
Here's great plants for shade in the garden
