Turnkey Project
Our team of experienced professionals takes up every installation challenge, from residential to larger-scale projects. Thanks to our turnkey service, we take care of your project from A to Z in a flash! Our Shade sails are custom-made to adapt to every situation. They can be fixed to already existing installations, posts, or on the wall of a building.
Our sails of great visual elegance create a refreshing place of relaxation on the patio, near the pool or over the children’s playground. Choosing our shade sail means enjoying a cool, comfortable and safe zone blocking up to 98% of UV rays. They are also a great way to embellish municipal parks and meeting locations.
Frequently asked questions
Planning your project
How much does a shade sail cost?
Every project is custom, so pricing depends on the size and number of sails, the fabric, and your site. Residential projects typically start at $10,000, fully turnkey, including posts, footings and installation. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free quote. We’ll assess your space and recommend the right solution for your budget.
Do I need a permit for a shade sail in Ontario?
In most cases, residential shade sails don’t require a permit because they’re removable structures. Requirements can vary by municipality, so it’s worth checking with yours if you’re unsure. Commercial and municipal clients typically manage permits for their own properties, and we’re happy to provide project details to support the process.
How long does installation take?
Most projects, residential, commercial and municipal, are installed in just one to two days. We recommend booking during the winter to make sure your shade sails are ready for spring.
How long do shade sails last?
Our shade sails are built to last for many years with proper installation and seasonal removal, and they’re backed by a warranty of 15 years or more.
Fabrics and performance
Which shapes and fabrics are available?
Our sails are custom-made with three to ten points, so you can create the exact shape, coverage and style you want. We offer five high-performance fabrics: Monotec 370, Extrablock 330, Shadetec 320, Dual Shade 350 and Commercial 95. See our Technical Details page for full fabric specs, colours and shape options.
Are your shade sails wind resistant?
Our shade sails are built to withstand winds up to 100 km/h when properly installed and tensioned. The key is solid, reliable anchor points and a sail stretched as tight as a violin string. A little gentle movement in the centre is normal, but if your sail flaps or jerks in the wind, the installation won’t last. We recommend taking your sail down when severe storms are forecast.
Are shade sails waterproof?
Our Monotec 370, Extrablock 330 and Shadetec 320 fabrics are designed for sun protection, not rain. Their breathable weave lets hot air escape, keeping the space underneath cool. They’ll handle light showers and morning or evening dew, which is why they’re described as “showerproof.”
If you need shelter from heavy rain, a shade sail isn’t the right product. In a real downpour, the wind usually picks up and the rain comes in sideways anyway.
Posts and anchoring
What kind of footings do shade sail posts need?
Because a tensioned shade sail puts a lot of force on its posts, a solid foundation is essential. We use ground screws, large steel anchors installed 4 to 6 feet deep, below the frost line. They hold firmly through Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles, require no concrete or curing time, and cause far less disruption to your yard than traditional footings. Utility locates are included in our turnkey service, so we’ll make sure it’s safe to dig before any work begins.
Can I install a shade sail on a wooden post?
We generally don’t recommend it. A properly tensioned sail puts a lot of force on its anchor points, enough to slightly bend even a 6″ steel pole. If you do use wood, posts should be at least 6×6 and limited to small or medium sails, and they must be set deep and solidly in the ground. Even then, they’ll bend over time. Large posts such as utility poles can work, as can wooden pergolas, as long as the sail is stretched inside the structure rather than anchored to its outside. Every project is different, so we assess each one individually.
Why are the poles installed at an angle?
A tensioned sail pulls every post slightly toward its centre, even large steel ones. A post installed perfectly straight will end up leaning inward and looking crooked. By angling posts slightly away from the sail, they end up looking straight once it’s fully tensioned.
Can I attach my sail to my fence?
Usually not. Most fences aren’t built to handle the sideways force a shade sail creates. It isn’t always impossible, but it requires a case-by-case assessment.
Care and maintenance
Do shade sails require a lot of maintenance?
Very little. The fabric is woven from high-density polyethylene, so it doesn’t absorb water or stains. A rinse with a garden hose is usually enough (avoid pressure washers). For tougher dirt, use soapy water and a soft brush.
Do shade sails need to come down in winter?
Yes. In Ontario, we recommend removing your sail before the first snowfall. Snow and ice add a lot of weight, which can damage the fabric, hardware and posts. Sails take only a few minutes to take down, and the posts and anchors stay in place, so reinstalling in spring is quick. Store your sail clean and dry, indoors and away from frost and moisture.
