The 8 Best Shade Sails for Beating the Heat and Enjoying Your Backyard This Summer

Your backyard beckons when the sun is out, but it’s tough to enjoy it during peak heat. If your patio, deck, or backyard doesn’t get much natural shade, there are plenty of ways to keep cool and make the most of the warm weather. A retractable awning will do the trick, and so will a cantilever umbrella. But one of the easiest—and most affordable— solutions is a shade sail.

A shade sail is exactly what it sounds like, except instead of attaching to a boat’s mast, it attaches to a roof or other permanent structure. Unlike other shade options, shade sails can essentially be set up anywhere that you need shade, not just your patio. The easy setup adds to its versatility, serving as great cover for in-ground pools, patio furniture, and even pergolas.

Shopping for one can feel overwhelming, as there are a ton on the market in assorted sizes and shapes—and unless you’re a shade sail expert, it can be difficult to decipher and decide which one best fits your needs. That’s why we narrowed down the crowded field with a selection of top-rated options to suit a wide range of setups and budgets. Read on for our recommendations, plus essentials to consider before you shop.

Best Shade Sails

• Best Overall: AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Rectangle
• Best Value: Love Story Triangle Terra Red Sun Shade Sail Canopy
• Best for Large Spaces: MTN Shadesmith Oversized Triangle Sun Sail Shade
• Best Premium Custom: ColourTree Sun Shade Sail
• Best Waterproof: ColourTree Waterproof Triangle Shade Sail
  

What to Consider

What Size Shade Sail Should I Get?

The most important thing to determine is just how much space you want to cover. A good rule of thumb is to add at least two inches on all sides beyond the area that will be shaded. Keep in mind that the shade sail will expand and contract slightly (likely no more than a half-inch) depending on weather conditions. The majority of shade sails come in several sizes and colors, plus there are custom options available.

Shape

You have a choice of three shapes: triangular, rectangular, or square. While they’re perfectly nice hanging solo, in some spaces—particularly narrow ones—using two or more can create an elegant, upscale look. Triangular shade sails are particularly useful for layering. You can create different shade levels by rigging them up above and below one another, which also looks nice aesthetically, especially if you get a few sails in different colors.

Hardware

The pricier shade sails on our list include all the hardware and rope you’ll need for installation. With some of the budget buys, you’ll have to spend a bit on supplies, though items like mounting brackets, hooks, and carabiners aren’t terribly expensive. There are also complete hardware kits available for as little as $20.

Materials and Durability

The majority of shade sails are water-resistant (but not waterproof) and made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric, which stretches and allows air to pass through. All offer some degree of UV protection (typically up to 95 percent) and are made to hold up to the elements. While not inherently waterproof, the ventilated, mesh style of the HDPE allows for water to pass through and prevents the formation of potentially damaging puddles on the sails.

That said, if you live in a location that gets snow in winter, drops below freezing, or has a rainy season, you may want to store your shade sail inside for part of the year to protect it from wearing out throughout the off season. If the shade sail you buy comes with a hardware kit, ensure the pieces are made of rust-resistant stainless steel—that’s the case for all of our recommendations below. Additionally, most of the grommets used on shade sails also come with rust- and corrosion-resistant exterior coatings.

Installation

It’s best to mount shade sails on a sturdy, permanent structure, whether that’s the roof of your house or posts anchored to the ground with concrete. If you plan on using it to cover your canopy or pergola, make sure to fasten it securely to the sides of the post and that the structure is properly weighed down or grounded.

Positioning one or two corners at varying heights creates what’s known as a hyperbolic or “hypar” canopy. While we’d love to geek on the math and engineering involved, all you really need to know is that it makes your shade sail stronger and looks fancy.

How We Selected

To find the best shade sails out there, we prioritized materials first—durable sails as well as rust- and corrosion-resistant hardware. Then, we vetted for size and ease of setup, making sure each option will stay up for the season. We reviewed hundreds of options, and selected high-performance shade sails crafted from quality fabrics. We also looked for style, and sought out shade sails made by companies with excellent customer service and solid warranties. These recommendations span a variety of sizes, colors, and price points to fit the needs of any yard or budget.