Enjoying a spacious backyard is one of the many blessings in life. However, this is not possible when the sun is emanating tremendous heat. You can tackle this issue in many ways, but the most straightforward solutions are often the best.
And no other solution is better at shading a backyard than installing backyard shade sails. But buying the ideal shade sail can be challenging. There are countless options in the market, and almost all of them are good.
Nonetheless, we did the work, so you don’t have to. This article will find a collection of shade sails that effectively block UV rays, allow breezes, and repel rain. Learn which one is the best one for you next!
A Comparison Among All of Our Recommendations
| Size (feet) | Shape | Water Resistance | Hardware Included | |
| Shade & Beyond 2-Piece Shade Sail | 12 x 12 x 12 | Triangular | High | No |
| Kanagawa Shade Sail | 7 x 13 | Rectangular | High | No |
| Artpuch Rectangle Shade Sail | 10 x 13 | Rectangular | Low | No |
| MTN SHADESMITH Triangle Sail Shade | 20 x 20 x 20 | Triangular | High | No |
| Love Story Triangle Shade Sail | 12 x 16 | Triangular | Low | No |
| ColourTree Triangle Shade Sail | 12 x 12 x 17 | Triangular | High | No |
| Sunny Guard Shade Sail | 16.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 | Triangular | High | No |
| Eden’s Décor Rectangular Shade Sail | 5 x 8 | Rectangular | High | Yes |
Top 8 Best Backyard Shade Sails in 2023
Find the ideal shade sail for backyards by looking closely at this list, which features only the best ones.
1. Shade & Beyond 2-Piece Shade Sail
Let’s start with a shade sail that is low in price but high in quality. This two-piece product is 12 x 12 x 12 feet per sail, casting a broad shade over spacious backyard areas. If the space is small, each piece is easily adjustable to cover fewer or more surfaces as necessary.
The sail fabric is HDPE quality, which blocks nearly 100% UV rays to ensure pleasant afternoons outdoors with the family. The stainless steel D-rings and stitched seams secure the shade sail even on windy days. If it rains, the hardware keeps the sail tensioned to prevent pooling water.
Maintenance is also a breeze. Debris and dirt come off the fabric quickly with just a soaked washcloth and mild soap. Just keep it off the washing machine, which could last for years.
One downside is that the purchase does not include a hanging kit. Therefore, installing the shade takes time unless the tools are readily available. Other than that, this item is a highly functional and stylish addition to any backyard.
Pros
- Stylish triangular shape
- Adjustable 2-piece build
- Suitable for small and large backyards
- Breathable fabric allows airflow
Cons
- Not suitable for machine washing
2. 7’x13′ HDPE Shade Sail
This shade sail comes in many sizes, but the 7 x 13-foot version suits most backyards perfectly. It’s the perfect dimension to shade small areas like the dining table or barbecue for those special outdoor events. The smaller size also makes the sail portable and easier to adjust when the sun moves.
The primary material is HDPE fabric. In this case, the density and thickness of the double-layer webbing are other valuable additions. Once installed, the shade feels intense and reduces solar heat. This product becomes the alternative when other shade sails feel too thin and fragile.
This sunshade comes in many colors, but the neutral ones are arguably the better option. The colors and rectangle shapes come together seamlessly, providing a stylish and modern look to the backyard.
Like most sails, this one does not come with a hardware kit. Nonetheless, the price is relatively low and compensates for the money spent on extra mounting pieces.
Pros
- Classic rectangular shape adds more style to backyards
- Small, compact, and lightweight construction
- Easy to adjust following the sun’s movement
- The thick and dense fabric reduces heat significantly
Cons
- The product does not come with the hardware kit
3. 10’x13′ 185GSM Shade Sails in Garden
Here’s a shade sail that blends with any area and decoration, including backyards. Everything from the rectangle shape to the 10 x 13 feet size makes it a viable alternative for most outdoor spaces.
The shade coverage is large, and the stitched seams provide extra reinforcement to put up with winds.
The stainless steel rings on each corner maintain the sail tensioned, and the HDPE fabric blocks up to 95% of UV rays. While there’s no hardware or ropes, installing this shade is relatively easy.
Homeowners and decorators can position the sail at multiple angles, and the fabric won’t rip or stretch thin.
Moreover, this sail also shows decent resistance to water. Under mild rain, the fabric avoids pooling water. Still, this product is not waterproof and will budge under storms or heavy rain. Fortunately, the pieces are equally easy to break down for storage during transportation or relocation.
Pros
- Quality design that blends with most decorations
- Added reinforcement to put up with windy conditions
- The fabric is durable and can adapt to different weather
- Easily adjustable at different angles
Cons
- The water resistance of this product is not the best one.
4. Oversized Triangle Garden Sun Sail Shade
Large backyards would be harder to shade if products like this did not exist. Measuring 20 feet, this shade sail is an oversized item that covers spacious areas with an overwhelming amount of shade. The price is also affordable, which is uncommon considering the product’s dimensions.
Even for an extra large shade sail, the installation is surprisingly smooth. The included instructions detail how to handle the sails and what to do for a perfect configuration. A couple more hands may be necessary, but most homeowners will not struggle to set up this shade.
Other highlighted features are the water-resistant HDPE material and the warm yellow color. Both the fabric and color choices fit the backyard’s layout without disrupting the decoration.
Likewise, the overall design makes this product suitable for areas like the pool. If the sail is no longer necessary for the backyard, homeowners can relocate it to other house sections.
Pros
- Super large size to shade spacious backyards
- The sail is lightweight despite its considerable size
- It features a warm yellow color that suits multiple outdoor areas
- High water resistance and UV ray blockage
Cons
- Only one size is available, which is not suitable for small backyard spaces.
5. Triangle Red Sun Shade Sail Canopy UV Block Awning
Curved-side sails often sacrifice some lateral shade coverage, but they look so good that they get a pass. Moreover, the shade coverage lost is minimal because the shade sail is large. Measuring 16.5 feet, this product blocks UV rays in medium and large backyard areas.
The sail material is 185 GSM HDPE, which is durable and breathable. Besides blocking UV rays, the unit allows the cool breeze and warm light to pass through. This design comes in handy to avoid direct sun exposure but still enjoy nice outdoor weather.
Additionally, this item is available in many colors and patterns to blend with different backyard settings. Some color tones are neutral, changing the perception of the outdoor space to make it look more modern. Other colors are brighter and more vibrant, suitable for fun and entertaining activities.
Pros
- Eye-catching design with curved sides
- Breathable fabric allows comfortable breezes
- Comfortable light passes through the fabric
- The material and hardware are highly resistant to water
Cons
- The fabric is not waterproof
6. 12′ x 12′ x 17′ Beige Right Triangle Sun Shade Sail
Most manufacturers promote their sails as waterproof, but that’s not always true. This shade sail is one of the few that manages to resist water fully and come out in excellent condition. This feat is only possible due to the polyester fabric, which is durable and resistant.
The fabric quality goes one step beyond lowering temperatures to create a cool shade. Furthermore, the item is lightweight and easily manageable. These benefits make it super easy to move the sail to another location with minimal effort.
As usual, the hardware kit does not come included. But the instructions are clear and to the point, making the installation go smoothly.
Pros
- The fabric is waterproof and durable.
- Lightweight and compact size allow easier adjustments
- Poppy colors make this item suitable for various applications
- Clear instructions for an easy installation
Cons
- The hardware kit does not come with the purchase
7. 12′ x 12′ x 17′ 190GSM Beige Right Triangle Sun Shade Sail
A sturdy sail makes for an excellent resting spot under the hot summer, and this one excels in that area. Ideally, securing this shade sail with nylon ropes is the most effective method to set it up.
And it’s adjustable to a 20 to 40-degree angle range, which helps manage the shade while allowing water to run off.
The triangle shape is versatile enough to fit multiple backyard settings. Therefore, the sail is equally compatible with small, medium, and large spaces. Since the material is HDPE, expect this item to last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
Speaking of maintenance, the sail requires minimum care to last long. After noticing debris or dirt, use a wet washcloth with soap for thorough cleaning. After cleaning it, the fabric takes a short time to dry off and be ready for use again.
One other thing to keep in mind is that this product is not suitable for winter conditions.
Pros
- Sturdy construction with resistant rings
- Resistant rope to hold the sail in place
- The good-looking triangle shape fits many backyard areas
- The fabric is easy to clean and dries fast
Cons
- Not a good option during winter conditions
8. 5′ x 8′ Brown Sun Shade Sail
Most prefer triangular or curved sails, but there’s beauty in rectangular-shaped models too. For example, this flat-edged, rectangular shade sail brings vintage and classic look to backyard spaces.
The design is simple, but it serves its purpose to perfection. Installing the shade is hassle-free, and the process is highly intuitive.
Plus, the sail comes in many sizes to ensure seamless integration into most backyards. The fabric is HDPE, resistant to water, and capable of blocking up to 95 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Each corner has stainless steel d-rings, which work well with the installation hardware to secure the shade.
This shade features mostly neutral colors. Thus, don’t expect it to be a bright, colored sail for kid parties.
On the other hand, this sail is more fitting for adult social events that often require sophisticated decoration. With all the hardware included, setting up this sail takes only a couple of minutes.
Pros
- The rectangular shape is versatile and works as garden sail shade too
- All hardware included for an easy installation
- Sophisticated design for social events
- Numerous sizes are available to suit the small, medium, and large backyards.
Cons
- Not as good-looking as other sail shapes
What to Consider Before Buying a Shade Sail for Backyard
Many backyard shade sails look promising but perform poorly. Thus, we made it our job to search through countless options to find only the best. The criteria followed considered elements like material, size, and shape, among others.
Consider the following information to custom the right sail, depending on your needs and backyard specifications.
1. Material
HDPE
Most shade sails feature high-density polyethylene fabric, also called HDPE. This material can stretch enough to shade large surfaces while allowing airflow. Another benefit of this material is that it can resist water even if it isn’t waterproof.
As a result, sails made with this material are also suitable as deck, garden, and patio shade sails.
UV-protected HDPE fabric blocks UV rays and can resist winds, but the material is not strong enough for rainy or snowy seasons. When that time of year comes, breaking down the shade and storing it away is the correct decision.
Polyester
Shade sails made with polyester are highly resistant to UV and weather conditions. This material is also resistant to tears and easy to clean with warm water and soap. However, some caution is necessary, as polyester sails tend to overheat if installed without enough height.
2. Shape
Typically, shade sails are available in triangle, square, and rectangular shapes. Each one works well for backyards, but some considerations are important before buying. For instance, triangular sails are the most common and popular. These fit small, medium, or large spaces and are easily adjustable.
However, if triangular shade sails are not an option, consider rectangular sails instead.
In any case, it is better to avoid square-shaped sails. These usually bow in the mid-section, often caused by pooling water. Plus, squared shade sails are not as stylish or good-looking as triangular or rectangular alternatives.
3. Size
Determining how much area needs shade is the only method to pick a proper shade sail size. It varies depending on the backyard layout, but one trick always works.
After identifying the area, add two inches on every side. This technique will guarantee complete surface coverage even if the sail expands or contracts under different weather conditions.
Luckily, shade sails come in numerous sizes to fit almost any configuration. If that doesn’t work, custom-made sails are another option to consider. These are for specific spaces, adding more personality and improving the overall decoration of the area.
4. Weather Resistance
Since the most prominent material is HDPE, shade sails can resist diverse weather conditions. Still, the biggest concern is how much UV rays the sail can block.
The vast majority of the products reviewed here offer around 95% UV ray blockage. However, some are even more capable and repel up to 98%.
But not everything is about UV protection. The sail must also resist rain and winds. Otherwise, it would pool water on the top or blow away with the slightest breezes.
One way to prevent these issues is to look for breathable HDPE fabrics. These allow wind and rain to pass through without permanent damage.
5. Color
Multiple color options make it harder to pick a single-shade sail. Nonetheless, every tone can affect the setting significantly. For instance, softer color tones produce a relaxing atmosphere, whereas brighter hues add a modern look to backyards.
Color intensity is another factor worth considering here. Generally, darker colors provide more protection against UV rays and are suitable for sunny spaces. On the other hand, a light shade sail offers less protection and is better for areas without excessive sun exposure.
The backyard’s current decoration also plays a role. Focus on adding shade-sail colors that blend with the existing décor seamlessly. Otherwise, the sail will produce a decent amount of amount of shade but will damage the area’s overall look.
6. Hardware Kits
Ropes, mounting brackets, hooks, and similar accessories are often necessary to set up a shade sail. However, manufacturers tend to sell these items separately. Affordable sails most likely don’t include these accessories and complicate the installation process.
The priciest shade sails are more likely to come with hardware kits for seamless mounting. Alternatively, hardware kits are available for as little as $20 for homeowners to buy them separately. In any case, remember this information to know what to expect once the package arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are backyard shade sails worth it?
Backyard shade sails are worth it for numerous reasons. Primarily, shade sails offer sun protection to avoid health issues. These items let the wind pass through to enjoy the cool weather outside. Other benefits of shade sails are decoration enhancement and home value increase.
2. How to choose the best shade sail for a backyard?
Look for a shade sail made with HDPE fabric and stainless steel D-rings. Additionally, the sail must be rectangular or triangular but not square-shaped. A lightweight one also comes in handy for more accessible transportation. Lastly, consider colorful sail tones to create a more vibrant backyard area.
3. Can shade sails resist high winds?
Yes, a durable shade sail with proper support will withstand high winds. Adequate hardware is necessary to keep the sail from blowing away. Look for sturdy stainless steel rings, and make sure to secure the sail to a stable structure like posts.
4. Are shade sails suitable for winter?
No, shade sails are not suitable for the rough winter weather. Once the snowy season is around the corner, protect the integrity of the sail by uninstalling it. The ideal time of the year to set up a backyard shade sail is during the summer.
5. Will the rain pass through a backyard shade sail?
Usually, shade sail fabrics are water-permeable and will not block all water. Therefore, some water will still come through the fabric while raining. Still, the rain will not damage the sail shade. It’s possible to leave it installed even if it’s raining.
6. How long does a backyard sail shade last?
A high-quality shade sail can last between 5 and 7 years. Naturally, proper care and maintenance of the fabric in good condition will make it last longer. Cleaning these items is easy, requiring only a wet washcloth and mild soap.
Conclusion
Enjoy the beauty of a well-maintained backyard by installing the best shade sails for backyards. These items are a blessing for every homeowner with spacious outdoor areas, including patios and gardens. Besides looking good, an effective sail can block harm from UV rays and sun exposure.
After finding the most suitable manufacturer of shade sails, now is the time to choose the ideal shade sail for your backyard. Consider every factor, from the shape to the stitching, to guarantee the sail will satisfy your demands.
And don’t forget to clean it now and then! If you do, even the most straightforward shade sail can become a permanent addition to a backyard.
