6 Best Patio Shade Sails to Take Cover From the Sun’s Heat in 2024
Updated: Apr. 15, 2024
Shield from UV rays? Check! Stylish backyard addition? Also check!
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If you have a patio or deck, you know there’s nothing quite like relaxing in the fresh air—except when the sun gets a little too intense. If you need to make your space more comfortable and block some of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, patio shade sails and outdoor shades can help. They not only block sunlight, but they also add a modern and beautiful design element to your yard.
Whether your deck furniture or lounge chairs need a bit of shade, you’re upgrading your space with an outdoor rug to make it more homey or you’re ready to ditch that patio umbrella for something a bit larger, a patio shade sail is for you.
Best Overall Patio Shade Sail
ColourTree Reinforced Sun Shade
Pros:
- Made of thick, long-lasting material
- Features heavy-duty mounting rings
- Available in multiple colors, shapes and sizes
Cons:
- Pricey
The ColourTree reinforced sun shade is a fantastic covered patio idea that’s sturdy, long-lasting and comes in various colors. We love its high quality and strength—come sun, rain or wind, it’s not going anywhere! It features thick, high-density polyethylene fabric that doesn’t fade, and has strengthening cable wires built into the edges. The corners are equipped with heavy-duty stainless steel mounting rings. This particular version measures 20 feet by 24 feet, but there are larger and smaller sizes available, as well as different shapes to perfectly fit into your outdoor space.
Best Budget Patio Shade Sail
Artpuch Shade Sail
Pros:
- Affordable
- Blocks up to 95% of UV rays
- Available in 11 colors and 63 sizes
Cons:
- Material may not be as durable as other options
For an affordable price, you can snatch up this highly rated Artpuch patio shade sail. Don’t be fooled by its bargain price, though. Amazon reviewers are just as happy with the quality as the price tag. Use the durable stainless steel D-rings to easily attach the corners to any sturdy connection point to add plenty of sun protection to your patio or rooftop deck. Available in several sizes and colors, you’ll certainly find one that matches your outdoor aesthetic.
“I had one side of my house with zero shade, so not comfortable to sit outside when the was sun is blazing down. Now I have a huge area to sit in whenever I want and can get out of the wind and rain,” writes Joseph Arbon, a five-star reviewer.
Best Portable Patio Shade Sail
Coolaroo Triangle Ready-to-Hang Shade Sail
Pros:
- Includes ropes for quick hanging
- Wallet-friendly price
- Blocks up to 90% of UV rays
Cons:
- Material may not be as durable as other options
If you’re looking to hang a temporary shade sail for a backyard barbecue, we love this triangle shade sail. Available in five sizes and 10 color options, it protects against 90% of UV rays. With the included ropes, you can hang it up easily from a wall, post or even a tree—no tools required! Then, simply untie and fold it up when you’re done.
Best Waterproof Patio Shade Sail
ColourTree Waterproof Shade Sail
Pros:
- Manufacturer guarantees waterproof feature
- Blocks up to 95% of UV rays
- Available in seven colors
Cons:
- Installation kit sold separately
The majority of shade sails on the market allow rain to filter through to avoid pooling of water on top. But what if you want to be protected from the sun and the rain? This 12-foot waterproof shade sail from ColourTree handles both. The manufacturer guarantees no water will come through their shades and includes a three-year warranty. Just be sure to install your patio shade at an angle so the rain can run off the side.
One verified buyer, Jordan, writes, “It’s definitely waterproof… to the point that it held all the water from the rain! We dumped the water out in a few minutes, and the canopy still looks good as new! We love it!”
Best Patio Shade Sail for a Small Space
Patio Paradise Triangle Shade Sail
Pros:
- Available in 42 size options, including small ones
- Had double-layer webbing to prevent tearing
- Comes in 11 colors and patterns
Cons:
- Installation kit sold separately
For those looking to add some shade to a small patio or that awkward corner of their deck, the triangle shade sail is a solid option. It can also provide shade for a kid’s sandbox area. The triangle shape allows for versatile placement, and the petite size (available as small as 2 feet by 2 feet) makes it easy to hang up on your own. Available in several colors and patterns, it’s made of high-density polyethylene, which is knitted instead of woven, allowing heat and humidity to rise through the fabric and reducing ambient air temperatures below.
Best Patio Shade Sail for a Large Space
Quictent Oversized Square Sun Shade Sail
Pros:
- Various size options, including 24 by 24 feet
- Blocks up to 98% of UV rays
- Includes heavy-duty hardware kit
Cons:
- Some buyers had trouble getting the shade sail taut
Looking to add shade to a large area, such as a pool or backyard basketball court? This oversized square shade sail has you covered—literally. This option blocks up to 98% of the sun’s UV rays, and is sturdy enough to hold up to wind and rain. It comes with a heavy-duty stainless steel hardware kit for you to attach the shade sail to a porch, tree, pole, roof or wall.
“We ordered this to use over our cars as a carport. This has been up for a bit now and works great. With our triple digit temps here in the South and no shade, the cars get extremely hot. With this shade over them, it has made a huge difference,” shares five-star reviewer, SW.
What to Consider When Buying a Patio Shade Sail
When shopping for a patio shade sail, consider the size and shape you may need. You’ll also want to consider how to mount it (you may have to purchase mounting hardware separately). In addition, depending on the material, many shade sails block harmful UV rays while some are waterproof. And, of course, budget is always something to think about.
Why You Should Trust Us
Erica and Rachel are both seasoned freelance writers. Erica has covered a number of outdoor-focused pieces including outdoor fireplace designs, outdoor kitchen island ideas, deck paint and stain colors and more. Rachel has written various product pieces for Family Handyman including unique gift ideas, propane fire pits, gazebo kits and more. Their combined expertise helped them create a focused guide on patio shade sails.
How We Found the Best Patio Shade Sails
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. To find the best patio shade sails, we started with the research and reporting basics—what the sails are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the shade sale’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we comb through user reviews to see how real people interact with the patio shade sails, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How do you install patio shade sails?
To install your patio shade sail, you must attach the corners to a stable structure, such as a tree, post or wall. Unless your shade sail is temporary, you’ll likely want some mounting hardware, which makes it easier to pull the shade sail taut.
Do shade sails hold up in wind?
Shade sails can withstand most winds if they are installed correctly. However, if there are strong storms, extremely heavy rains or a hurricane is predicted, shade sails should be taken down as a precaution.
Does rain come through a shade sail?
Most shade sails will not prevent all water from coming through. Plus, heavy rain can make a water pool on top of it, which must be cleaned.
