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| | Wether you plan on installing the shade sails your self or are having it done, a basic understanding of the procedure will help. That is the intent of this information. It should also be noted that a check of the local building codes is in order.
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Designing and installing a shade sail is simple. There are 3 steps, First decide what shapes you want the shades to be. Second is installing the attachment points and measuring. Third is installing the sails.
First, you have an idea of the area you want to cover. A simple way to envision this to use a light string to simulate where the shade will be, this will allow you to see where the shade will fall as the sun moves during the day. It also allows you to see where the attachment points need to located.
Second, installing attachment points. Most of the hardware for this  is usually available at the local hardware store. For concrete a simple and secure attachment is a Lag Shield and Lag Bolt. A 3/8" shield and 3/8" lag bolt is a size for average shades. For mounting into wood, the first choice is to thru bolt with washers, but if you cant get to backside to install the nut, a lag bolt or a 4 holed pad eye will work. With either one be sure that your screwing into a beam or rafter for strength. For attaching to trees we can supply you with  a tree strap. This ensures a secure attachment without the worry of harming the tree. Usually there will be at least one pole involved in the installation. We have used everything from 6"x6" PT Wood poles to Powder Coated Aluminum.It all depends on what type of look you want the finished installation to have, How much strength is required and what the budget is. Wooden post are very economical and provide good strength for small and medium sized sails. A 6"x6" 12' long works good with 3.5' concreted into the ground but should be avoided if a taller pole is desired. The next choice is a 3.5" schedule 40 Galvanized pipe, this will provide a stout attachment point for  most applications. This pipe is usually locally available. A very simple way to make an attachment point is to drill a hole an thru bolt a 6" cast galvanized eye bolt. The pipe can be left natural, painted or powder coated to match the surroundings. Angling the poles out also helps to strengthen them and creates a pleasant look.
After you have the points installed the next step is to measure between the points with a tape measure and record the data on the measurement sheet. Don't use a piece of line and then measure it while its laying on the ground, it doesn't work there is to much stretch in the rope. The measurements need to be taken from point to point. We will make the necessary reductions for attachment hardware. All of this hardware is supplied with the sail.
The last step is to install the sail. its very easy until you get to the last corner. A small piece of line or a ratchet tie down strap helps to get the corner in position. once you have all the corners attached just wind the turn buckles until you get the sail nice and taught. Then sit down with a cool drink and enjoy the shade.
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