Shade sails have become a staple in outdoor living spaces, offering relief from the sun's rays while adding style and elegance to any area. However, the key to ensuring your shade sail stays put and functions effectively is in its anchoring system. At rest, a properly tensioned shade sail will pull 200 lbs of pressure on each corner. In a storm, this gets up to 2,000 lbs of pressure! The most important parts of your shade sail installation are your anchoring points.
We are not engineers, so the tips included in the blog post are based on general shade sail knowledge. Please consult an engineer for your specific project.
Structural Elements: One of the most common methods of anchoring shade sails is by attaching them to existing structural elements such as buildings, walls, or columns. These provide a stable and reliable anchor point, especially if they are made of robust materials like concrete or steel. When using structural elements, ensure that they are sturdy enough to support the tension exerted by the shade sail and that the attachment points are properly reinforced. You can use items like a wall plate or corner bracket to anchor the sail to the structure. Make sure your bracket has a welded closed loop for the shade sail hardware - no open hooks!
Tip: Look for the strongest area of the house. Corners and rafter beams are great options. There may be some extra framing you can get into around a window or a door frame. Whatever you choose, make sure you hit solid wood with all four of your anchoring screws!
Poles or Posts: Steel poles are frequently used to support shade sails. We recommend a minimum of 4” round, schedule 40 steel for your posts. Ensure it is securely anchored into the ground using concrete footings or anchors for stability. Get creative and choose your favorite color and paint or powder coat your posts!
Tip: Avoid wooden posts! Wooden posts offer a natural aesthetic and are relatively easy to install, but they will bend under the pressure of your shade sail. You might be able to get away with wooden posts if you have a very small sail that is very loosely tensioned (we still don’t recommend wooden posts).
Concrete Footings: For permanent installations, concrete footings provide a solid foundation for anchoring shade sails. These footings are typically buried underground, providing stability and support for the shade sail's anchor points. Concrete footings can be customized to match the size and shape of your shade sail and are suitable for areas with high wind loads or heavy rainfall.
Tip: The rule of thumb for footer size is about ⅓ of the total length of the post should be buried in a concrete footer. For example, a 10’ tall out of the ground post should be 15’ long with 5’ buried in a concrete footer. Footer size may vary depending on your soil and shade sail size. When in doubt, consult an engineer.
Trees: Occasionally, a sturdy tree may be a good anchoring point for your shade sail. The tree should be healthy and strong enough to withstand the pressure from the shade sail. Keep in mind that even sturdy trees may move and sway in the wind and this will cause your shade sail to move as well. Movement on a shade sail adds extra wear and tear on the corner hardware and fabric and may cause damage to your shade sail.
What NOT to Anchor To: Stay away from brick, trees, wooden posts, and anything that looks sketchy. Avoid anything that doesn’t look safe. Sometimes this is just a judgment call, but common sense can bring you a long way.
When selecting anchor points for your shade sail, consider factors such as the size and shape of the sail, local weather conditions, and the surrounding landscape. When in doubt, always consult an engineer! By choosing the right anchoring system and ensuring proper installation, you can enjoy a durable and functional shade sail that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.