How to Hang a Shade Sail
Shade sails are available in squares or triangles and are often hung in multiples, providing an effective and affordable shading solution. Shade or sun sails create an inviting outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining. When planning where to hang your sails, remember that the position of the shade will change as the sun moves across the sky. Shade will be directly under the sail only during midday in midsummer. Also consider that two or more sails will look better than just one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Eyestraps
- Lag screws
- Epoxy
- 3/8-inch eyebolts
- 4-inch steel post(s) of desired length
- Bolts
- Spade
- Concrete
- Turnbuckles
Instructions
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1
Select the location for your shade sail. Consider whether you can use a building or concrete wall for one or more attachment points -- make sure any such attachment points are strong enough to hold a sail.
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2
Determine how many 4-inch steel posts you need to install, so you have an attachment point for each corner of each sail you wish to hang.
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3
Decide where and how high you want to hang your shade sail. You may wish to have some corners higher and others lower. An 18-degree slope, for example, enhances the sail's appearance. Plan for a distance of at least 10 percent of the length of the sail between the mounting point and the corner of the shade sail.
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4
Secure an eyestrap with two lag screws at the desired height on a wooden building. For a concrete wall, epoxy a 3/8-inch eyebolt to the wall. Screw a 3/8-inch eyebolt near the top of each post you plan to install.
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5
Dig holes with a spade where you need to place posts. Make the holes about 14 inches round and as deep as needed to bury about a third of the post's length.
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6
Line the bottom of each hole with patio pavers so the pole has a solid pad to sit on.
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7
Put a hold-down bolt through the lower part of the post so it will remain secure.
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8
As you hold the post straight upright, have someone pour concrete to fill the hole. Make sure concrete is packed well and that a slight angle on the poured concrete surface encourages water to drain away from the post. Support the post as the concrete dries.
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9
Wait two days before installing the sail to make sure the concrete is fully set. Attach one corner of the sail at a time to its attachment point with a turnbuckle. Use chain or steel cable if you need added length to reach an attachment point.
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10
After all the corners are up, tighten the turnbuckles so the sail is free of wrinkles and has an even amount of tension across the whole sail.
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