How to Measure

Choosing the right size is the most important step in ordering a shade sail. Measure first, then order. If you are unsure, contact us before you buy and we will help you choose.

Step 1: Plan your shade area

  • Decide which area you want to cover and pick a shape: triangle, square, or rectangle.
  • Choose your mounting points, such as walls, posts, or trees. Each point must be strong enough to hold the sail under tension and wind load.

Step 2: Measure between mounting points

  • Measure the straight-line distance between each pair of mounting points.
  • For a square or rectangle, also measure both diagonals to check that the area is square.
  • Write down every measurement in feet and inches.

Step 3: Leave room for hardware

  • Your sail should be smaller than the distance between mounting points. The gap at each corner is filled by hardware (turnbuckles, snap hooks, or wire rope) and leaves room to tighten the sail.
  • How much room you need depends on the length of your hardware and how much adjustment you want. Lay out your hardware and add its length at each corner.
  • Do not rely on a single fixed percentage. Confirm the finished size of the sail, measured from corner ring to corner ring, before you order.

Step 4: Choose a standard or custom size

  • If a standard size fits your space with room for hardware at each corner, choose that size.
  • If not, order a custom size and enter the finished corner-to-corner dimensions. For a square sail, choose Rectangle and enter equal side lengths.
  • Remember that custom-size items cannot be returned, so please double-check your measurements.

What hardware do I need?

  • One mounting fixture per corner, such as a pad eye or wall mount.
  • One linking accessory per corner, such as a turnbuckle or snap hook.
  • Extension wire rope if a corner needs extra reach.

Installation tips

  1. Attach each sail corner to a turnbuckle with a snap hook, then attach the turnbuckle to the pad eye on your structure.
  2. Repeat for every corner, keeping the sail evenly aligned.
  3. Tighten the turnbuckles until wrinkles and sagging are gone. The sail should be firm but not overstretched.

Need help?

Send us your measurements and a photo of your space and we will help you pick the right size.
Email: support@shademart.zendesk.com
Phone: 888-777-2538