Size guide

Choose the right shade sail

Five simple steps: the shape, your fixing points, your measurements, the size that fits, and the slope. Prefer a quick answer? Every sail page has a shade planner that does the maths for you.

  1. TRIANGLE 3.6 M≈ 5.6 m² of shadeSQUARE 3.6 M≈ 13 m² of shade3 POINTS4 POINTS

    1Pick a shape

    Square or rectangle (4 fixing points): the most shade for the space. Triangle (3 points): stylish, but covers less. A 3.6 m triangle covers about 5.6 m², a 3.6 m square about 13 m².

  2. WALLPOSTBIG TREEGUTTERCONCRETE

    2Find solid fixing points

    Masonry walls, structural beams, posts set in concrete or a large, healthy tree. Never gutters, fascia boards or thin cladding.

  3. ABCDA–BB–CC–DD–A+ 2 DIAGONALS

    3Measure between the points

    Measure every side between your fixing points. For 4 points, also measure both diagonals: if they're equal, your points form a true rectangle.

  4. SAIL SIZE15–30 CMSPACE BETWEEN FIXING POINTS

    4Choose a smaller sail

    The sail must be smaller than the space: leave 15–30 cm at each corner for the fittings. The table below gives the space each size needs.

  5. MORNINGMIDDAYAFTERNOONYOUR PATIOSAILPM SHADEEN

    5Think about the sun

    The midday sun is in the north and the hot afternoon sun comes from the west, so the shade shifts east during the afternoon. Place your sail where you need shade at the time you use the space.

  6. DROP≈ 20 CM DROP PER METREe.g. 3 m long → about 60 cm lowerHIGHLOW

    6Plan the slope

    Corners at different heights let rain run off: about 20 cm of drop per metre. Our sails are water-resistant, not a waterproof roof, so a clear slope matters.

Size table

The space each size needs

Distance between your fixing points for each sail size, with 15 to 30 cm at each corner for the fittings. Pick the largest size whose range includes your measurements.

Shop shade sails
Sail sizeShapeDistance between fixing points
ExampleFixing points 4.5 m and 3.5 m apart? A 4 × 3 m sail needs 4.3–4.6 m by 3.3–3.6 m: it fits, with about 25 cm at each corner.

Before you order

Good to check

Council & strata

Depending on your council, a shade sail's size, height and position can need approval. In NSW, see the NSW Planning Portal.

New posts?

Posts must be set in concrete and sized for the load. If you need new posts, or aren't sure a wall is strong enough, ask a qualified tradesperson.

The right kit

Rectangle on 4 solid points: 1 Wall Mount Kit. A tree or a long gap: 2 × 2-point kits. Triangle: 1 × 3-point kit. See the kit guide.

Still not sure?

Send us a photo of your space and the distances between your fixing points. We reply within 24 hours with the size and kit we recommend.

Get a free shade plan

Our recommendations are based on the measurements and photos you send us and are general information, not an on-site structural assessment.