Quick answer: Pick 30% shade cloth for sun-loving vegetables and seedlings, 50% for flowers, fruit and most greenhouses, 70% for patios, carports, pergolas and shade-loving plants, and 90% for dog kennels and animal pens. The higher the number, the more sunlight the knitted mesh blocks.
Shade cloth is a knitted HDPE mesh that cuts heat and glare while air keeps moving through it. The percentage on the label is the share of sunlight it blocks. Choosing the wrong rate is the most common mistake: too little shade and plants still scorch, too much and they stretch and slow down. This guide explains what each rate is for and how to pick the right size.
Shade cloth rates at a glance
| Shade rate | Blocks | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | 30% of sunlight | Tomatoes, peppers, seedlings, sun-loving vegetables, greenhouses and hoop houses | 30% shade cloth |
| 50% | 50% of sunlight | Flowers, fruit, mixed vegetable gardens and most greenhouses | 50% shade cloth |
| 70% | 70% of sunlight | Patios, porches, carports, pergolas, chicken coops and shade-loving plants | 70% shade cloth |
| 90% | 90% of sunlight | Dog kennels, animal pens, barns and anywhere pets or livestock need deep shade | 90% dog shade cloth |
30% shade cloth: light shade for vegetables and seedlings
Vegetables that love sun, like tomatoes, peppers and squash, still need some relief in the hottest part of summer. A 30% cloth takes the edge off midday sun without slowing growth. It is also a good choice for seedlings and transplants that are hardening off.
50% shade cloth: the all-round greenhouse choice
If you are not sure where to start, 50% is the safest middle ground. It suits flowers, fruit, mixed vegetable beds and most greenhouses and hoop structures. Many growers also use 50% cloth as a breathable privacy screen on a fence.
70% shade cloth: shade for people, patios and carports
When the goal is shade for people, cars or shade-loving plants like ferns and hostas, step up to 70%. It is the usual choice for patios, porches, pergolas, carports and chicken coops, and it also works as a privacy screen.
90% shade cloth: deep shade for dogs and animals
For dog kennels, runs and animal pens, 90% gives the deepest shade while the mesh still lets air flow so pets stay cool. Our 90% dog shade cloth comes with grommets and zip ties. For wire crates and playpens, the dog crate shade cover comes in 8 colors and many sizes.
Note: shade cloth is a breathable mesh, not a rain cover. If you need to stay dry, look at a waterproof pergola cover or a waterproof shade sail instead.
How to choose the right size
- Measure the length and width of the area or frame you want to cover, in feet.
- For a frame or hoop house, measure over the top and down the sides you want shaded, not just the footprint.
- Choose the stock size that covers your measurement. Our 30%, 50% and 70% cloth comes in 17 sizes from 8' x 10' to 20' x 30'.
- If no stock size fits, order custom shade cloth in 30%, 50% or 70%, made to your exact size.
What you get with ShadeMart shade cloth
- 150 GSM knitted HDPE with UV stabilizers (30%, 50% and 70%)
- Reinforced bound edges with grommets every 2 ft
- 40 zip ties included for quick hanging
- 3-year limited warranty under normal weather and use
- In-stock sizes ship in 1–3 business days
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher shade percentage mean a cooler space?
More shade means less sunlight reaching the space, so it usually feels cooler. For plants, though, more is not always better: too much shade slows growth. Match the rate to what you are shading.
Is shade cloth waterproof?
No. Knitted shade cloth lets air and rain pass through. That keeps it from pooling water or catching as much wind as a solid tarp.
What color is the shade cloth?
Our 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% shade cloth is black. The dog crate shade cover comes in 8 colors.
Can I use shade cloth as a privacy screen?
Yes. 50% and 70% cloth both work on fences. For a purpose-built option with brass grommets, see our privacy fence screens.
Shop all shade cloth → or call 888-777-2538 for help choosing.
