Which Shade Structure Is Right for You?

October 16th, 2019 · Published to Shade Solutions by Steve Lewis

Given that we, Australians, love getting out in the sun, paired with the fact that we have the highest skin cancer rates in the world, you could say we have a love-hate relationship with the sun.

While our warm sunny weather offers many great opportunities to get out and about the great outdoors, we are failing to protect ourselves in the process. Many people don’t recall, but the original “Slip! Slop! Slap!” campaign also included ‘Seek and Slide’; “seek shade and slide on sunnies” – and while I can’t help you out with sunnies, I can certainly help you out with shade, particularly around your house or business establishment

When it comes to creating shade, one of the most reliable options is to install or construct a shade structure, and there are many.  Each shade structure offers something unique or different from another.

So, how do you know which shade structure is right for you?

Well, continue reading to find out.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are one of the most versatile shade structures, as they are suitable for various industries and multiple applications.

In a residential setting, they shade:

• driveways
• decks and patios
• pools and poolside areas
• sandpits and backyard playsets

In a commercial environment, they shade:

• shopping centre carparks
• restaurant/café/bar outdoor dining areas
• school/kindergarten playgrounds
• parks and council areas

If you are after the most affordable shade structure to provide shade for any one of these areas, then shade sails are the best option.

Canopies & Tension Membranes

Canopies and tension membranes are also very adaptable as they too are suited to several environments. However, unlike shade sails, they have a more advanced (engineered) design and are much robust in nature. Moreover, they are made from waterproof fabrics to offer all-weather protection.

In a residential setting, they offer rain and shade protection over:

• driveways
• decks and patios

In a commercial environment, they offer rain and shade protection over:

• shopping centre carparks
• restaurant/café/bar outdoor dining areas
• school/kindergarten playgrounds
• parks and council areas

For rain and sun protection over larger areas in a commercial or domestic setting, an engineered canopy or tension membrane is the best option.

Awnings

Awnings are attached to an existing dwelling or building and offer great shade and rain protection over doorways and windows.

In a residential setting, awnings offer rain and shade protection over:

• doorways
• widows

In a commercial environment, they offer rain and shade protection over:

• business entrances
• service windows

Awnings are the right shade structure to provide rain and shade protection over a window or doorway.

Conclusion

Skin cancer is no joke in Australia. We have the highest rate in the world, and we need to start taking it more seriously to protect not only ourselves but our family, loved ones and employees.

Shade structures offer the most flexible and reliable form of shade for a home or business establishment. However, knowing which solution is right can be tricky. Shade sails and canopies and tension membranes can be used in similar applications to cover large areas; however, the latter is more robust and is also waterproof. Whereas, awnings offer more localised protection over only doorways and entrances.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to add shade to your house or business establishment, Global Shade can help you out. As a shade structure manufacture, we supply custom shade solutions direct to our customers. Doing so eliminates any retail markup and keeps our prices at rock-bottom.

Give me a call on 1800 724 407 to discuss your needs today. We can have a custom shade structure manufactured and delivered to you in as little as 10-12 days.