what is the best shade sails?

 A shade sail is an affordable and decorative way to keep your porch, patio, or yard out of the sun so you can enjoy the summer weather without getting burned. Installing a shade sail is fairly straightforward, and you can use any sturdy anchor to attach the corners of the sail to position it however you like.

Shade sails come in rectangular, square, and triangular shapes and vary in size and color. In addition, the amount of UV rays they are capable of blocking can vary. One large shade sail may be sufficient to cover your porch or patio, but multiple smaller sails can work just as well and look quite charming. Our top pick is the Shade&Beyond Sun Shade Sail Triangle, which is made of durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that blocks 98% of UV rays. To learn more about the types of shade sails available and their features, continue reading.

Considerations when choosing shade sails

When shopping for a shade sail, you should carefully measure the area you plan to cover and look for a sail (or sails) that are a sufficient size and shape to provide shade to the area. While all shapes provide shade well, triangles only have three anchor points, making them easier to set up but no less stable. Shade sails vary in size from those big enough to cover only a couple of chairs to larger sails that can shade your whole patio.

The material of the sail determines its capability of blocking UV rays and its waterproofing. HDPE is a fabric that stretches easily and is breathable to allow a slight breeze. Meanwhile, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will block wind and rain as well.

Take note of the percentage of UV rays a shade sail is capable of blocking. More is more, especially if you don't want to have to wear sunscreen under your shade sail — which can defeat the purpose.

Features

Shade sails vary in their color, washability, and installation method.

Many manufacturers offer a variety of shade sail colors so you can easily find one that suits your preferences.

You will likely need to wash your shade sail at least once a year, and not all shade sails are machine washable.

Though installing a shade sail is straightforward, you may not get all of the equipment you need out of the box. Many sails include hardware and ropes for installation, but some do not. Keep this in mind when weighing the cost of different sails.