Shade Cloth

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Shade cloth can protect a garden from harsh sun, add shade around the backyard or cover a larger outdoor area. The Factory Buys range includes shade cloth rolls for cutting and fixing to your own setup, along with ready-made shade sails in different shapes and sizes.

With stock held locally, you can get your shade project underway without a long wait. Orders are sent from our Australian warehouses within 1 to 2 business days. Factory Buys is Australian owned and operated, and you'll have a 12-month warranty plus support from our team seven days a week. 

Understanding the shade percentage

Shade percentage tells you how much sunlight the cloth is designed to block, so it's one of the first things to compare. Different percentages suit different jobs, from protecting plants while still allowing plenty of light. A 50% shade cloth, for example, is commonly used for vegetables and fruit, while a 70% option can suit plants that prefer more shade. Higher-density cloth can also be useful for creating more shaded spaces for outdoor living areas. 

Choosing between shade cloth roll and a ready-made sail

A roll gives you the freedom to cut to your own dimensions, making it useful for greenhouses, garden frames, fences and other areas where you need to work around an existing structure. Check the roll width and length against the area you need to cover before ordering. A ready-made sail comes in a set shape and size with finished edges and fixing points, making it better suited to creating shade over a patio, courtyard or play area. You'll still need suitable anchor points and enough room to tension it correctly. Our gazebos are another option if you'd prefer a freestanding structure.

Sizing and fixing shade cloth

For a shade sail, measure the area between the proposed fixing points and check the installation requirements for the particular sail before choosing a size. You'll generally need space between the sail and its anchor points for the fittings and tensioning hardware. Good tension helps keep a shade sail in position and reduces movement in the wind. Installation requirements vary depending on the sail and where it's being fitted, so follow the instructions supplied with the product. 

Shade cloth and rain protection

Standard knitted shade cloth is generally designed for shade rather than waterproofing, so water can pass through the weave. If keeping rain out matters, check whether the particular product is described as waterproof or weatherproof rather than assuming a higher shade percentage will also make it waterproof. Shade cloth also needs to be secured correctly in exposed areas, as wind places additional load on the fabric and its fixing points. For outdoor spaces where you want adjustable shade, an umbrella or cantilever umbrella gives you an option that can be opened and closed as needed.

Why shop at Factory Buys

Get your outdoor project moving sooner with dispatch from our Australian warehouses within 1 to 2 business days. Factory Buys is Australian owned and operated, with shade cloth, sails and other outdoor products available directly online. A 12-month warranty applies across the range, and Afterpay, Zip and Klarna are available at checkout. 

Shade Cloth FAQ

What shade percentage do I need?

It depends on what you're shading. For gardens, different plants need different amounts of sunlight, so choose the percentage around what you're growing and how exposed the area is. A 50% shade cloth is commonly used for many vegetables and fruits, while higher percentages can suit shade-loving plants or areas where you want greater sun protection.

Is shade cloth waterproof?

Standard knitted shade cloth generally isn't waterproof, as the weave allows water through. Waterproof shade cloth is available, however, and uses an additional coating or membrane to stop rain passing through. Check the individual product specifications if you need both shade and rain protection.

Can shade cloth be cut to size?

Many shade cloth rolls can be cut to suit the area you're covering, but how the cut edge should be finished depends on the particular fabric. Ready-made shade sails shouldn't be altered unless the product instructions say otherwise, as their finished edges and fixing points are part of the design.

What size shade sail should I order?

Start by measuring between the points where you plan to attach the sail. You'll generally need to leave space between the corners of the sail and the fixing points for tensioning hardware, so don't simply order a sail the same size as the full span. Check the installation requirements for the individual product before choosing your size.

Does shade cloth reduce the temperature underneath?

Shade cloth can help reduce heat by limiting the amount of direct sunlight reaching the area underneath. How noticeable the difference is depends on factors such as the shade percentage, coverage, airflow and position of the cloth.