Shades & Sails – What’s the difference?

July 26th, 2017 · Published to Shade Solutions by Steve Lewis

Shade structures are an excellent option when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones from the sun. If you have considered investing in a shade solution, then you’ve certainly made a great choice. However, there are many types of shade solutions available in the market these days. You’ll need to choose the best one for your needs.

Of all types of shade solutions, shades & sails are arguably the most popular. If you don’t know the difference between the two, don’t worry. Today I will outline what makes shades different from sails to help you make a more informed decision about which will best suit your needs and space.

Shades

When it comes to shade structures, the term shade is generally used for shade canopies and tension membranes. Typically, shade canopies and tension membranes are used to cover larger areas as compared to shade sails. As such, you’ll often see tension membranes and shade canopies being used in commercial spaces more so than in residential spaces.

Another major point of difference between shades & sails is the cost. Given that shade canopies and tension membranes cover large areas, they usually need to be supported by steel frames. Moreover, the fabric used in shades is different from that of sails. Shades are usually made of a waterproof, high-strength PVC fabric.

Shade canopies and tension membranes are permanent structures as compared to shade sails, which are semi-permanent. Shades are often customised to include lighting, heating, drainage or even PVC blinds. Shades are usually the preferred choice for cafes, restaurants and walkways.

Sails

Sails are used to refer to shade sails – both normal and waterproof. While shade sails provide excellent protection from the sun, they usually cover a much smaller area than shade canopies and tension membranes. Shade sails are easier to customise and they can be manufactured in a range of pre-engineered designs.

Shade sails are also far more affordable as compared to shade canopies and tension membranes. They can be installed without any additional structural frame as long as attachment points are present. Shade sails are semi-permanent structures and you can install or remove them with ease. Shade sails are usually the preferred choice for residential installations.

Superior Shades & Sails at Global Shade

By now, you should have a fair idea of which type of shade solution is suitable for your needs. Regardless of whether you’re looking for shades or sails, you’ll find the best quality products here at Global Shade.

We’ve been providing premier shade solutions to customers across Australia for over 25 years now. We use high quality fabrics in all our shade solutions that block up to 99% of the sun’s UVR. Unlike the cheap shade solutions that you’ll find at the likes of Bunnings, our products last much longer. Moreover, we custom manufacture our products to suit your specific needs and requirements. We also have a range of designs, styles and colours for you to choose from.

Conclusion:

Shades & sails are the most popular types of shade solutions. While both of them work great in blocking out the sun, shades are usually used to cover larger areas. Moreover, shades can be customised to include various accessories and fittings as well. Shades are comparatively more expensive than sails. While sails are suitable for residential use, shades are more popular in commercial installations.

And, for the best shades & sails in Australia, look no further than us at Global Shade. Give us a call at 1800 724 407 to get a free quote on our shades & sails today!