If your patio or parts of your yard or pool are drenched in too much sun and you’d like to shade the area with a decorative and functional solution, make a shade sail. If you have a taller home or building next door, shade sails can also provide a little privacy.
You will need a triangular sail available online in a variety of sizes and colors — 12”, 16”, 18” and more. Rectangles are also available. Most popular colors are blue, tan, and green. They are available with or without a fixing kit. Search for “shade sails” that have UV blocking. The nice thing about preparation is that in addition to your shade sail, just about everything can be ordered and delivered from Dolan’s.
Some shade sail websites have helpful tips and HGTV has some good instructions for sail-making. Here’s your link.
Order from Dolan’s. Delivery available.
You may have some of these items already! Call our Concord Home Improvement Center at 925-686-1734 or our Pinole location at 510-724-8753. Both locations can be accessed by calling 800-936-5267. If you prefer to visit us in person, you are welcome.
- 4×4 pressure-treated posts, (3 for triangles and 4 for rectangles. You may be able to connect a corner to your house or a tree.)
- post hole digger
- fast-setting concrete mix
- marking spray paint
- level
- drill
- 3″ wood screws
- 3/8” poly-pro Truck Rope to wrap around your posts
Order From a Boat Supply Company or On-Line
- 3/8″ sisal or Manila rope (if you prefer over truck rope)
- Boat Cleats if needed to secure the rope
This is an easy project. The hardest part is digging the post holes. You can enhance your work by stringing lights from post-to-post, corner-to-corner. You can also paint or stain your posts if you don’t want to wrap them in rope.Use your imagination and enjoy the shade!
