{"id":7444,"date":"2023-05-30T01:48:50","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T01:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectoutdoorspaces.com\/?p=7444"},"modified":"2023-06-10T02:47:07","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T02:47:07","slug":"what-size-post-should-i-use-for-shade-sail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/what-size-post-should-i-use-for-shade-sail\/","title":{"rendered":"What Size Post Should I Use For Shade Sail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Adding a shade sail to your home can brighten up the surroundings while at the same time providing valuable shade to plants, furniture, pets, and family. People living in hotter zones like Arizona or Nevada will know the baking power of the sun in mid-summer when even your swimming pool gets too warm.<\/strong> When erecting a shade sail, you\u2019ll want it to stay up, so what size post should you use?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A metal post or pole used for a shade sail should have a diameter of at least three inches and a gauge of 12 or better for rigidity and strength. The owner\u2019s requirements will determine the height. A wooden pole should be three inches or more in diameter for a small sail and six inches for larger sails.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Post Requirements For Mounting Shade Sails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steel posts are most suitable for shade sails and are available from your local hardware store or steel supplier. The benefit of using steel posts is that they are extremely strong and durable if treated correctly (primed and painted well)<\/strong>. Steel poles can be cut to required lengths and painted in the color of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diameter of the hollow post will be in the region of three to five inches for a metal pole with a gauge of 12 or better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The length of the posts will be determined by the size of the shade sail and by the height of the attachment. The footing depth is calculated by the load and height of the extension. Essentially, the higher you go<\/strong>, the deeper you need to sink the footer. Remember to angle posts slightly away from the load\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bear in mind that you want your tallest guest or family member to be able to walk comfortably under the awning, so don\u2019t skimp on height. Anything excessively high will be more expensive and subject to increased wind action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Use Timber For My Sun Shade Post?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can, but bear in mind that the wood used will degrade at some point, and poles should be at least 5\u2033 x 5\u2033 and pressure treated. This wood will be exposed to the sun and rain, so it must be correctly prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Safe To Use PVC Pipes For Sail Shade Posts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PVC is not made to carry excessive weight. Unless your structure is temporary, this is not a recommended option. If you\u2019re popping up a shade sail for a kid\u2019s afternoon party and there is no wind or rain forecast, and if the sail is not large, PVC will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A better workaround might be to use metal or wooden poles of the recommended size, concreted into large drums for a temporary fix. However, this is not safe to use for more than a day or two.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One job I did recently used precisely this method and was on paving where the shade sail protected a bed of valuable plants. This was left in place for the summer, but we only went two yards above the paving, with a 30\u2019 x 5\u2019 shade sail and poles of a four-inch diameter.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How Deep Should Shade Posts Be Erected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dependant on the post height, at least 35\u201d, for shorter setups and set in concrete. Simply stamping on the loose soil in the hole will not work. Even without wind and rain, the weight of the shade sail will cause the erection to fall in time. In most cases<\/strong>, it\u2019s wise to have footings no less than 50\u201d deep and 12\u201d round. Some bases need to be as deep as 80\u201d deep and 24\u201d round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandy soil in Arizona will require a deeper hole than permafrost in Anchorage, where you might be protecting delicate plants from direct sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

if you are thinking of shade sails for your balcony you can check out options here in the best shade balconies article. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have loads of information and articles on shading your outdoor space, while a search will help checking out the articles linked below is also a good way to start. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n