HOW TO

ERECT A STEP 1. CHOOSE YOUR AREA

Your first step is to identify and measure the areas that need protecting
from the sun. It is important to consider the following:

SUN SHADE • the size of the shade sail

• the strength of existing structures intended to be used as anchor points
• the ability to insert fixing posts, and
• the sun’s direction.

STEP 2. LAYOUT YOUR SAIL

Worried about your children playing Once you have chosen a suitable sized shade sail to meet your
requirements, unfold the sail and lay it out in the desired position. Attach
under the harsh Australian summer sun? the fully extended turnbuckles (see Fig 2) to the sail ends and mark out
Feeling uncomfortably hot when hosting a the end points after subtracting 100mm from the turnbuckle end point
to allow for a 10° lean to manage the tension.
BBQ? If yes, simply erect a sun shade to STEP 3. DIG YOUR HOLES
solve your problems. If you’re not using an existing structure as an anchor point, dig three
post holes to about 900mm deep (see Fig 3). Post lengths should be
calculated taking into account the proposed height of your sail plus the
depth of your footings. Most sails sit 2500mm off the ground so you
may want to buy posts 3600mm long. This allows some extra timber
above the eye bolt in case you need it.
STEP 4. CONCRETE POSTS
Position the posts in the holes, allowing for the 10° lean. Half-fill the
holes with water, pour in the rapid-set concrete and mix with crowbar.
As you position each post, make sure you're not leaning the post too
far away from the turnbuckle ends as this will effect the sails tension.
STEP 5. LET YOUR CONCRETE CURE
The concrete should start to set in 15 minutes but should be left overnight
to cure.
STEP 6. ERECT YOUR SAIL
Drill holes to suit your eye bolts in each post taking into account your
height requirements and obstructions. Fasten the eye bolts to the posts,
hook the sail up and tighten the turnbuckles until the sail is taut.

Fig 3
Give posts
a 10° lean

Fig 2
Three sided shade sails are very popular because they look good,
produce plenty of shade and are efficient in releasing the wind.

Depth of
holes Half fill holes
TOOLS 900mm with water and
• Tape measure pour in rapid
• Ladder set concrete
• Drill and bits to match eye bolts and mix.
• Crowbar

MATERIALS
• Shade sail (size depending on chosen area)
• Rapid set concrete
• Water
• Turnbuckles 3
• Eye bolt 3

SAFETY
• Always keep tools and materials away from children.
• Read the instructions before beginning your project.

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice given in
this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.

Fig2
Three sided shade sail fixing kits are available.
These include galvanised/zinc plated turnbuckles
and ‘D’ shackles

For further expert advice consult the qualified team members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.