...because home doesn't happen overnight.

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If you’re a longtime reader (thank you!) you know we’ve been planning to add shade sails to the backyard for a while. Even though the back of our house faces north, we’ve discovered that a high summer sun reaches the deck and heats up the space pretty quickly. The Trex composite gets super hot in direct sunlight, and if you’ve learned anything from this blog it’s that I’m barefoot 95% of the time as is the rest of my family. Smokin’ deck + naked feet = no bueno. Not only that, we knew shade would help make the air feel cooler, too. (In fact, up to 15º cooler! Did you know that?) It seemed like a shame to have this great outdoor space but not feel comfortable in it during prime deck season.

We considered a modern pergola (similar to this) or a retractable awning (similar to this) or even a combination of the two (something like this) but ultimately settled on shade sails because we thought they’d look better on our squatty ranch, cost less and require less maintenance. Plus, we’ve always liked them everywhere we’ve seen them. They feel a little less rigid and have more of a playful design.

A few friends and readers suggested checking out Costco’s shade sails and we did (along with other ready-to-hang versions from other retailers). But after considering our needs and what we were hoping to accomplish, we decided larger, custom sails with robust hardware would be the best option for us. We had a local company (Miami Valley Shade Sales if you’re local) come out last year to give us a free estimate. We had sticker shock over the $4,130 price that was quoted to us for two sails plus installation. (!) That’s when we started researching a full or partial DIY installation. Still, the estimate proved to be extremely beneficial. The company took measurements and gave us recommendations for the overall design, post placement and sail shape/height.

Steve gets all the credit for this project. My only input was on the sail design and lending an extra pair of hands to set the posts. He researched the hardware, posts and sails. He’s an engineer, so this project was right in his wheelhouse. Stuff like this is fun for him. Being married to an engineer has its perks.

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We ended up with a large rectangular sail above the deck and a smaller triangular sail above the dining patio. In the early stages of planning, we thought we’d do three sails (a large rectangle and two smaller triangles overlapping the patio) but when we started mapping things out three sails felt a little crowded in our modest yard. We figured we could always add a sail, so we decided to do two sails and see how we liked them before investing in a third.

Our setup posed a few challenges because we were pretty much forced to tie in all the sails to the fascia of the house. You can add a mounting post to the roof that sits higher, but since we have a vaulted ceiling inside it would’ve involved tearing into that which sounded like a terrible idea to us. Instead, we installed two adjacent corners of the rectangle sail at the same height off the eave and slanted the sail upwards toward the backyard/north. We weren’t able to twist it into a parabola as is most commonly done.

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The deck sail is anchored to the eave by two heavy duty rings. We purchased the hardware for the house (eye bolts, eye nuts, rafter brackets) from Shazeebo and actually installed it last year. (See more here and how awesome is that company name, Shazeebo?! It’s my new favorite word.) This required pulling down sections of soffit, drilling holes through the fascia and then bolting the rafter brackets to the rafters. There wasn’t a ton of room to work with at the end of the rafters, so Steve used a 90º drill and ratchet set to tighten everything down.

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The posts are actually three 4″ x 4″ steel square tubes with .313 thickness. The two nearest the deck are 14′ long and the one off the corner of the dining patio is 12′ long. Steve bought them locally from Industrial Tube & Steel in West Chester, Ohio, the cheapest source he could find. We had to borrow my dad’s trailer to pick them up. They were HEAVY! Steve laid the posts up on sawhorses in the garage (who are these people who actually park cars in their garage?!) over the winter last year and gave them three coats of paint. He used paint leftover from painting all the exterior doors. It’s ‘evening hush’ mixed in the Behr ultra premium plus exterior enamel line in a satin finish.

Earlier this summer we rented a one-man auger to dig the holes and Steve’s quote, not mine, “It was a pain in the ass.” It was obvious it was an older model. A newer one probably would have worked better, but the one we rented was tired. Steve ended up hand digging most of the holes. The powers that be suggested burying the post 1′ for every 2′ above ground. We didn’t get quite that deep, but it’s close and the posts are well below the freeze line. It was also recommended to set the posts a half bubble off vertically due to tension, even for steel tubing. The posts will bow a bit once sails are hung.

We worked together to carry and set the posts. They were super HEAVY!! We probably could/should have had more hands on deck, but once we start something we’ll do just about anything to finish it ourselves…including break our backs. There was a lot of shimmying and tweaking and checking the level to get the posts set just right. Once we had a post where we wanted it, I made like a statue holding it in place while Steve hooked ratchet straps to the top of the post and secured them to stakes in the ground. When all three posts were up, Steve poured the concrete and let it set. Then he drilled holes at the tops of the posts at pre-determined heights and added the eye bolts and eye nuts. Lastly, he installed square snap-in caps to the tops of the posts to prevent them from filling with rain.

Our backyard was wide and shallow to begin with, so we don’t feel like we sacrificed all that much yard space by setting the posts. Other than jumping on the trampoline, the kids mostly play and run in the front yard which is much larger.

FYI – During our post-setting efforts I failed to snap a pic of the tops of the posts, but here’s a shot I took just this (rainy) morning.

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Once the posts were set, we measured for and ordered the custom sails from Sail Shade World (totally unsolicited) based on cost, quality and customer reviews. If shade sails are something you’re considering, keep in mind you cannot order custom sails until after your posts and anchor points are set. It’s critical to get accurate measurements with the posts and anchors in place. Otherwise, you could end up with sagging sails or sails that are too taut. Both scenarios compromise the stability of the sail. Sail Shade World has extremely thorough instructions on how to take proper measurements. We measured everything probably five times to make sure we were doing it correctly.

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The sails are top of the line as far as quality goes. We selected premium commercial grade 340 g/m² fabric in the natural color for each sail. The heavy duty, maintenance-free fabric has a 10-year warranty against UV-degradation, provides up to 98.8% UV protection and doesn’t hold water. Thick, double-stitched seatbelt webbing along the perimeter and at seams prevents fraying. Marine grade stainless steel rings are stitched into the corners of each sail. The superior fabric and corner rings are what sold us. A few of our neighbors have store bought shade sails less than a year old that are already faded, fraying and sagging. We wanted our shades to last more than one season. Steve even contacted the fabric manufacturer to ask more questions about the hardiness of the sails before we justified the extra cost.

Installation was fairly simple. The sails come with tags so you can correlate them with your measurements. We did have a thread galling issue with the provided turnbuckles. Basically, they quit turning before the proper tension was achieved. Steve contacted Shade Sail World and explained the problem. They were empathetic and reimbursed us for the hardware which allowed us to order heavier gauge turnbuckles from Amazon. The 5/16″ turnbuckles worked great. We’d highly recommend them for a larger sail, especially if the sail will be removed each winter (as ours will).

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Even though this project spanned a few years from conception to execution, we’re super happy with the results. So far, the sails have held up beautifully. We’ve had several severe storms blow through already and the sails still look brand-new. No fraying, no fading. The outdoor furniture under the sails does get wet when it rains. The sails are purely for shade cover. We’ve been removing the cushions before wet weather strikes for years, so this is nothing new for us. We aren’t sold on a third sail, so we’ll probably live happily ever after with two sails.

We’ve spent more time on the deck in the last two months than we have over the last two or three years combined. If the weather allows, we’re out there. (In fact, Everett has been choosing to do his homework and eat his afterschool snack on the deck.) It feels like an extension of our home and the sails provide a cozy ceiling effect that we weren’t expecting but love so much. For several months out of the year, we gain another room! #sonotreadyforwinter

I wasn’t sure how I would like the slanted vs. twisted rectangular sail, but it’s not as terrible as I thought it might be. It kind of reminds me of a mini amphitheater the way it opens up to the backyard. It keeps the sight lines from the kitchen window nice and open, so I like that. The triangular sail twists down at the western most corner. This is by design. We mostly use the dining patio for al fresco dinners, and the setting sun used to blind us. Now, the slightest dip in the shade sail makes for a squint-free dining experience.

If you promise not to judge, I’ll show you a view from the opposite angle…

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I wish I could snap my fingers and make the hose reel, bulky grill, AC unit and giant purple trampoline (affectionately referred to as Prince Dos) disappear for this shot, but the truth is they’re all things we use on a regular basis so I’d never want to live without them – even though our backyard would look way less cluttered without them. Maybe an AC enclosure is in our future? Or a built-in grill? As long as Prince Dos wears out my kids, he stays. I still wish the neighbor’s fence was charcoal or black. I haven’t had the guts to ask them if I can repaint the side facing our yard like many of you suggested. Oh, can you spy the store bought sail next door?

Now for a cost breakdown:

house hardware – $295
steel posts – $483
post caps – $30
auger rental – $0 (our rental fee was refunded since the auger didn’t work properly)
250″ x 185″ rectangular shade sail – $840
140″ x 195″ x 260″ triangular shade sail – $440
turnbuckles – $100
concrete – $150

TOTAL: $2,338

While definitely not a drop in the bucket, we saved nearly 2K by doing it ourselves. It helps that we broke up our purchases over a two-year period. We like to think of it as the cheapest two-room addition ;)

You may have noticed a few changes to the deck area. I’ll be addressing those in my next post! Stay tuned.

P.S. – Read about how the outdoor furniture is holding up and other backyard adventures here. See our DIY electric meter screen here. Still lovin’ those Woolly Pocket planters.

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

40 Comments

20.October.2016

Wow! Thank you for such an informative & detailed post!!!! You guys are truly magicians. You guys are an inspiration and yet approachable in everything you do. Thanks for showing the otherside of the yard. That was a blessing in showing that you guys actually live in your space too and not just take pics of it.

20.October.2016

The perfectionist in me didn’t want to show that side of the yard, but I know if I was a reader, I’d want to see the whole shebang.

20.October.2016

Hi – I am curious how they hold up with the rain? I live in Portland, OR and would love to cover our patio but with all the rain we get not sure if this style would work. I always look forward to your posts and honest reviews. Does the rain come through the fabric or does it run right off? Do you know if mold/mildew resistant?

Thanks!

20.October.2016

I’ve always loved your home, but now I have so much envy it’s not even funny. What a wonderful space you’ve created for your family! It looks so inviting and practical. I especially love the gold-dipped lights…but I will never in a million years be able to afford them, alas.

20.October.2016

Do they bead off rain? Could you sit under them in a light rain? Just wondered if they give you a more sheltered feel even though you’re in the open. Also, would love for you to remind us of the evening look with those on. Lastly, how would you wash them if they got moldy/held water? Beautiful job!

20.October.2016

Rain does bead up but droplets also fall through so precipitation doesn’t puddle up and cause the sail to sag. While they do provide slight rain cover, the sails are meant to be used for shade only – not like a waterproof tent roof that keeps you dry. We’re told the shades are maintenance free so in theory we shouldn’t have to “clean” them, but I did shoot the manufacturer a quick email and will get back to you as soon as I hear back. I will be sure to post night pic soon!

20.October.2016

The sails are designed NOT to retain water or else they would sag. The outdoor furniture under the sails does get wet when it rains. I’ve been pulling off the cushions for years now before wet weather strikes, so this is nothing new for me. The fabric is mold/mildew resistant and meant to be maintenance free.

21.October.2016

THANK YOU SO MUCH! for this post!!! I have been wanting to do this on by deck/porch which is off the second level. do you have suggestions for posts? (second level so cannot dig into ground)

21.October.2016

So happy for yall! I’ve watched the whole process the past couple of years, and I imagine you feel relieved to have it all done. I feel like I’ve just watched the season finale of a really great tv [blog] show ;)

Also, thank you for showing us the other side! As a fellow perfectionist, I realize it’s hard to show the imperfect side of things. But as a reader, it’s a nice reminder that you’re a person with a real life & family, and that’s what sets bloggers apart from magazines and other staged publications. Thank you for your candor!

21.October.2016

Incredible! My partner and I have been toying with the idea of shade sails for our ranch and you have totally inspired me. You mentioned that you store the furniture cushions before rain – where do you keep them?? You always have genius small space storage solutions and I’m dying to know where you keep these during wet weather.

21.October.2016

Looks great! I have been following your blog for about a year but had to go way back to the deck install when I saw you had mentioned Trex in this post. I have been looking to replace my front porch since I bought my house two years ago. I recently placed an order for Trex Enhance in clamshell! They called today to say they were going to start in Mid November. I hope it looks as great as yours does. It’s expensive but if it holds up, I believe it will be worth it.

21.October.2016

great job you guys! what about the deck? i couldn’t find any post related to it. did you build that too?

22.October.2016

Soo cool! We don’t have a need for shade sails – our backyard also faces north, but we have a lot of shade trees to keep things cool – but I love the cozy factor they provide. I remember seeing a much smaller one in a Martha Stewart Living mag years (and years) ago and thought it was the neatest thing. Love seeing them work for you and your space!

23.October.2016
23.October.2016

It’s been sooooo great having a maintenance-free deck! Looks the same as the day we installed it.

23.October.2016

I’m afraid it’s nothing clever. I stack the cushions on a tarp in the garage before wet weather strikes. Over the winter, I store them in the attic.

23.October.2016

You could definitely do wood posts that are incorporated into your deck design. They bow a bit more under tension, and since they wouldn’t be placed beyond the deck (like ours are placed out in the yard) you might not get as much shade coverage, but they’d still be a viable option. Not sure about your layout, but the roof post extension I mentioned at the beginning of the post might be another consideration.

23.October.2016

So I contacted the manufacturer and if/when the shade sails need cleaned, they recommend using a pressure washer with a mild solution of dish soap and water. Hope that helps!

23.October.2016

I love the look of the shade sail and we have been exploring it as an option for our back yard which is directly west facing the hot sun pounds the deck and back yard in the summer months from 2pm – sunset. We fear the shade sails though would have to angle from the top of the house to ground level to provide coverage we would have to put our bolts on the roof line 2 stories up. Is your house directly west facing or is it more at an angle? Thank you!

24.October.2016

Wow, fantastic job! We also have a 1950s ranch with a similar backyard sun issue, and we’ve considered getting shade sails. Now I’m convinced that we need to get them next year. We’d spend waaaay more time on our patio if we had them. Thanks for the inspiration!

(BTW, I like the name Shazeebo, too! It reminds me of our street name: Shewango!)

24.October.2016

Man those look nice. Don’t interrupt the breeze, still let light in but it’s not harsh… it seems like the perfect solution. What about when leaves pile up on top? Can you just hose them off through from the bottom? And P.S. – don’t be so hard on yourself about “forgiving you” for your cluttered back porch – it took me two retakes to see what you were even talking about. If I had what you had I’d be prancing around! We feel like we majorly upgraded our curb appeal my hiding a window A/C unit, so seriously, give yourself a break. It looks great!

http://wanderlustingbydesign.com/2016/10/24/ac-units-and-making-our-curb-appealing/

25.October.2016

Love the sails and you outdoor living space. I am also glad to see every part of your project. Homes should be lived in and comfortable. We buried our trampoline a couple of years ago and my kids just love it. Although we essentially went that route to keep it from blowing away, the added bonus was the sight lines it opened up in the yard!

26.October.2016

I can’t convince Steve to bury it! He’s worried rainwater will collect in the hole. Do you have this problem?

26.October.2016

We use a leaf blower to blow them off from below. Works like a charm when the wind isn’t enough to blow them away!

26.October.2016

The back faces north, the garage side faces west, the dining patio is on the northwest corner of the house. Does that make sense?

06.November.2016

Love your post. Your site is new to me and I found it looking for sail ideas. I love the premise and help you give. Great work! I will be visiting often. Question: when you chose your sail did you choose ready sizes and which fabric? It looks almost white and so I was questioning cream. I love a white tone to not close in w
hile still feeling cozy.

16.November.2016

I mentioned within the post that the shade sails were custom sizes in the natural fabric.

01.December.2016

Great ideas to stay cool in the shade! Especially here in Georgia!

29.April.2017

Looking at having my son and grandsons put up a square sun shade 16 feet each side. I am looking at same provider but the lesser density fabric. We will need four posts because roof line on my 1950s ranch is too low to get into rafters. Will have two shorter poles to provide tension company suggests. They live two or more hours away (plus Atlanta traffic). Can you suggest reasonable time line for project?
Son is good with DIY but I am concerned with distance making project too time comsuming.
Mary B

19.July.2017

Wow this was such a great help on where to get started! I am curious though as to how tall your posts ended up being after they were buried as well as how tall your fascia is from the floor? How did you decide on the height of your posts?

09.August.2017

Realizing I’m 8 months late to the party I’m in the same boat with Trex decking and in same color that you were in with heat…. I also bought a Costco sail – 3 @ 7×12 – deck is 12 x 20 – was the 4×4 post necessary? I bought 2×2 aluminum posts and also 4×4 wood but haven’t dug or poured because of doubts and found this and it’s exactly the same set up scenario – I’m also an engineer and have doubts in my setup but my wife wants to spend the 4K I want to use on a sliding glass door – any insight would be incredibly appreciated

12.August.2017

Your project looks great!!! I was wondering if you keep this permanently up? … we recently bought one (24×24) and the recommendation is to take it down when rain and winds are present. Could you advise? Thanks

25.February.2018

Hello, reading way late but wondered….does the sail drop all the rain right at your back door during wet weather?? It slants down in that direction so I was curious how that was working out.

Thanks!

-Dana

28.February.2018

Hi! How has your shade sail held up? I’m about to purchase one from the same place you guys did, but I’m so nervous! How did you know where to anchor it to your house safely so it was secure?’I keep googling about Shade Sails and so many people say they will rip right out with a little wind so just curious how it’s held up! Also, I cannot find galvanized steel posts as cheap as yours, but now that I look back you didn’t use galvanized did you?

19.March.2018

Hello! Great style. We have a “squatty” ranch too, with a mountain view we don’t want to loose. My husband is concerned about runoff if we slope the sail up from the house as you did. Has that been a issue?

14.September.2018

Did you attach the hooks off the house into rafters through the fascia and if so how did u find the rafters?

02.December.2018

I did this for less than $200.00
10’ x 12’ shade sail – Amazon – $67.00
Sun shade sail hardware kit – Amazon – $17.00
10’ x 10’ shade sail – Amazon – $20.00
(4) 4×4 x 10ft pressure treated beams – Home Depot – $45.00
Rented post hole digger – Home Depot – $9.00
(2) resin Whiskey Barrel Planters – Home Depot – $35.00
(1) Quikrete 80Lb bag – Home Depot – $5.00

03.May.2019

Hi! I’m doing a roundup of shade structures for ourdoor living spaces. Do you mind if I use one photo and link back to your sit? Thanks!

05.April.2020

Sure!

18.April.2020

Just a question…I’m considering installing sail shades. Wondering about high winds. Here in Arizona, we have the summer monsoons which have very strong winds.

Any thoughts on this?

Thx…Tim