How to Make a Sun Shade Sail

sail image by PeteG from Fotolia.com

A sun shade sail made from used boat sails provides a versatile alternative to an expensive, fixed patio cover. This shade sail serves to protect and shade outdoor areas while also adding style and coziness to a backyard, patio or other outdoor spaces. Also versatile, you can attach it anywhere and it can be just as easily taken down when the season changes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Used boat sail
Water
Mild soap
Towel
Tape measure
Grommets
Grommet tool
Small scissors
Screw hooks
Drill
Nylon rope

Step 1

Clean your used sail with water and mild soap. Ensure that the fabric is still usable and no holes or any tears are present. Wipe with a towel and dry it out thoroughly.

Step 2

Measure the sail using the tape measure and lay flat on the ground.

Step 3

Use the measurements to plan where you can hang the sail. Search for plausible posts and tree branches to attach your sun shade sail.

Step 4

Use the grommet tool to add grommets in all corners of the sail. Place one piece of the grommet on both sides of the corner and press with the tool to attach them together. Cut out the excess fabric inside the grommet.

Step 5

Drill a pilot hole to the spots where you want the sun sail to be suspended. Screw the hooks in securely and slip the grommets over each screw hook.

Step 6

Use the nylon rope for attaching corners to trees. Insert the rope through the grommet holes and tie directly onto tree trunks or branches.

Tips & Warnings

Create enough tension in the sail to keep it tight and to avoid flapping.

Add more than one sun shade sail for more coverage and to create a nice, symmetrical canopy design.

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

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