Versatile Structures

Commercial Shade Structures

Commercial shade structure installed for Bunnings by Versatile Structures

Commercial Shade Structures: How They Can Benefit Your Business

If you own a business that operates outdoors, then you know how important it is to have reliable shade structures in place. Whether it’s a restaurant patio, an outdoor seating area for a coffee shop, or a car dealership’s lot, commercial shade structures can provide numerous benefits for your business. At Versatile Structures, we specialize in manufacturing and installing commercial shade structures in Brisbane and beyond. With our expertise and attention to detail, we can create custom shade solutions that perfectly fit your business’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of commercial shade structures and how they can help your business thrive. Improved Comfort for Customers One of the most obvious benefits of commercial shade structures is that they improve the comfort level of your customers. By providing a shaded area, you can shield them from the sun’s harmful UV rays and keep them cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. This, in turn, can increase the amount of time customers spend at your business, leading to increased sales and profits. Increased Usable Space A well-designed shade structure can also increase the amount of usable space at your business. For example, if you have an outdoor seating area, a cantilever shade structure can provide shade without obstructing views or taking up valuable floor space. This can increase the number of customers you can serve at once and provide a more pleasant environment overall. Protection from the Elements Commercial shade structures can also protect your business from the elements. For example, a waterproof shade structure can keep your outdoor seating area dry during rainstorms, allowing you to continue serving customers even in inclement weather. This can be a huge advantage over competitors who do not have such protection. Enhanced Aesthetics Commercial shade structures can also enhance the aesthetics of your business. At Versatile Structures, we offer a range of shade structure designs to choose from, including modern, sleek options like cantilever shade structures. By choosing a shade structure that complements your business’s architecture and design, you can create an inviting, cohesive look that draws customers in. Increased Brand Awareness Finally, commercial shade structures can also help increase brand awareness for your business. By adding your business’s logo or branding to your shade structure, you can create a highly visible, memorable presence that reinforces your brand’s identity. This can be especially effective if your business is located in a high-traffic area or if you frequently host events or promotions outdoors. In conclusion, commercial shade structures can provide numerous benefits for your business, from improved comfort for customers to increased brand awareness. At Versatile Structures, we have years of experience creating custom shade solutions for businesses of all sizes and types. If you’re interested in learning more about our commercial shade structures in Brisbane, please contact us today.

Waterproof café umbrella installed for KFC by Versatile Structures

Enhancing Gold Coast Cafes with Stylish Cafe Umbrellas

The Gold Coast is a hub of bustling cafes, attracting locals and tourists alike to its beautiful outdoor spaces. With warm sunshine and stunning views, there’s no better place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal than under the shade of a stylish cafe umbrella. That’s where Versatile Structures, a shade structure manufacturer and installer based in Brisbane, comes in to offer its innovative shade solutions to enhance the outdoor spaces of Gold Coast cafes. At Versatile Structures, we believe that every outdoor space has the potential to be transformed into a comfortable and functional area with the right shade structure. Our range of shade solutions includes everything from retractable roof systems to shade sails, but we know that when it comes to cafes, a stylish and functional cafe umbrella is the perfect choice. Our cafe umbrellas are designed to not only provide ample shade but also to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space. We understand that every cafe is different, so we offer a range of styles, sizes, and colours to choose from, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your outdoor area. As a Gold Coast cafe owner, you know the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable space for your customers. With Versatile Structures’ Cafe umbrellas, you can create an outdoor area that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Our umbrellas are made with the highest quality materials to ensure durability and resistance to the harsh Australian climate. We understand that every cafe has different needs, so we offer a range of mounting options for our umbrellas. This means that no matter the size or shape of your outdoor space, we can find the perfect solution for you. One of the key benefits of our cafe umbrellas is their flexibility. Our umbrellas can be easily repositioned to provide shade where it’s needed most, ensuring that your customers stay comfortable no matter the time of day. This is especially important on the Gold Coast, where the sun can be intense, and the weather can change quickly. At Versatile Structures, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and exceptional customer service. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their shade solutions not only meet but exceed their expectations. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we ensure that every step of the process is smooth and stress-free. In conclusion, if you’re a Gold Coast cafe owner looking to enhance your outdoor space, Versatile Structures’ cafe umbrellas are the perfect solution. With their stylish design, flexible positioning, and high-quality materials, our umbrellas will provide your customers with a comfortable and welcoming space to enjoy their coffee and meals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you create the perfect outdoor space for your cafe.

Shade structure installed for Ipswich Hospital by Versatile Structures

Commercial waterproof shade structure for business

A commercial waterproof shade structure is an essential addition to any business or public space. These structures provide protection from the sun and rain, allowing customers and employees to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area and can be customized to match the design of the surrounding buildings. When it comes to selecting a commercial waterproof shade structure, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the size and location of the structure. It should be large enough to provide ample coverage for the intended area and should be placed in a strategic location that maximizes its effectiveness. The second is the type of material used for the structure. Aluminium and steel are popular choices for their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition to commercial waterproof shade structures, there is also the option of custom waterproof shade structures. These structures are designed and built to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client. This can include choosing the size and location of the structure, as well as the type of material and design. Custom structures also offer the ability to incorporate branding or other design elements to make the structure a unique addition to the business or public space. Another option to consider is a custom industrial shade structure. These structures are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial settings and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the facility. They are typically made from heavy-duty materials such as steel or aluminium and are built to withstand high winds and other extreme weather conditions. They also often feature a durable, waterproof coating to protect against rust and corrosion. In conclusion, a commercial waterproof shade structure is a valuable addition to any business or public space, providing protection from the sun and rain while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area. Custom waterproof shade structures and custom industrial shade structures can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client, and are built to withstand harsh conditions. Whether you are looking for a basic structure or something more complex, Versatile Structures has the expertise and resources to design and build a structure that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Orion hotel commercial shade sail installed by Versatile Structures

The value of commercial shade structures and retractable roof systems

Shade sails are a popular choice for providing shade in commercial settings such as restaurants, cafés, and other outdoor spaces, as they offer a cost-effective and attractive way to create a comfortable, shaded area for patrons or employees. Besides their aesthetic and functional appeal, commercial shade sails can also be seen as assets that can increase the value of your commercial property. However, the extent to which commercial shade sails can increase your property value will depend on a variety of factors like the overall condition of the property, the local real estate market, the specific needs and preferences of potential buyers or renters, as well as using high-quality materials and professional installation. So, if you are considering installing shade sails to increase the value of your property, it is a good idea to research the local real estate market and speak with a real estate professional to get a better understanding of the potential impact on value. As the value of commercial shade sails will depend on the specific needs and budget of the business, it is advised to choose an option that will give you the best return on your investment based on the careful consideration of the size, material, and location of the shade sail. Commercial shade sails have several key benefits like Cost effectiveness: Shade sails are a cost-effective alternative to traditional fixed structures such as awnings or pergolas, which can be expensive to install and maintain. Versatility: Shade sails can be easily moved or reconfigured to suit changing needs or seasons. Aesthetic appeal: Shade sails can add a modern, stylish touch to any outdoor space. UV protection: Shade sails can provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, making them a popular choice for outdoor seating areas. Durability: Commercial shade sails are typically made from high-quality materials such as PVC or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Weather protection: Commercial waterproof shade structures are ideal options for outdoor seating areas or other spaces where patrons or employees need to be sheltered from the weather and protected from rain. In addition to commercial shade sails, retractable roof systems are also a popular option to use in commercial and residential settings to provide shelter from the elements while also allowing for natural light and ventilation. Retractable roof systems can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and fabric, can be operated manually or automated, and can be customised to fit a wide range of spaces and needs. As with commercial shade sails, it is also important to carefully consider the size, material, and location of the system. Although retractable roof systems can be seen as an expensive investment, the long-term benefits they offer in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, and functionality are valuable. In addition, they also offer Versatility: Retractable roof systems can be opened and closed as needed, providing the flexibility to adjust the amount of shade or sunlight in a space. Energy efficiency: Retractable roofs can help reduce energy costs by allowing natural light and ventilation into a space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Durability: Retractable roof systems are typically made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Aesthetic appeal: Retractable roof systems can add a modern, stylish touch to any outdoor space. Whether you decide on a shade sail or retractable roof system for your commercial property, carefully considering your specific needs, using high-quality materials and professional installation will offer a cost-effective way to create a comfortable, shaded area and increase the value of your property.

Stanford Plaza car park shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Everything you need to know about commercial car park shade structures

After reading this article on commercial car park shade structures you will have a good understanding of the various kinds of car park shade structures.  The team at Versatile Structures have worked on custom shade structures for a single park as can be seen here,  this article however will focus on commercial applications. Why car park shade structures Before you start designing the structure you are after it is good to first look at why you want to install a car park shade structure. Have your team complained about the damage to their car standing in the sun all day or have you seen a drop in sales on those rainy days. Maybe you need to give the tenants in your building a reason as to why you are increasing their rent. Selecting the right solution will communicate the right message to your intended audience. For example a car shade structure that just covers cars but doesn’t keep a client dry while walking to your store doesn’t solve the challenge of keeping clients dry. A double bay structure with walkway using a waterproof fabric would have been an option for the above example. Once you know your why we can move onto options. Car park shade options Every car park has different needs, different sizes and a different audiences so the below will mention a couple of the most common options however at the end of the day the shade supplier you are working with needs to deliver a custom solution for your needs. Single bay Double bay Double bay with walkway Full cover If you want to read more about the above the list you can see images and a description of the options here. There are also cantilever type structures for space saving or limited space areas, waterproof tension membrane structures providing a complete waterproof solution, shade fabric structures with the highest UV block rating, rolled hoop to compliment design aspects of buildings, Flat top for space and view saving design aspects, V type structures, including many more. Fire rating As a commercial entity you know how important it is that you look after the safety of your clients. Older shade fabrics haven’t had the best reputation when it comes to being flame retardant. Most fabric now must pass a number of tests and be compliant with government regulations. You can read more about the standards and regulations here. Shade or waterproof Deciding between just doing a shade protection or offering shade and rain protection will be determined by your why you are wanting to install in the first place. The main differences you need to know is that waterproof shade structures are a little more expensive this is because wind can’t pass through the fabric which means there is more tension on the structure itself which means deeper foundations and more engineering to create a stronger structure overall. Waterproof fabrics also have fewer colour options. You can have a look at all the various colours here.   Added options Apart from choosing whether or not you’d like your car park shade structure to offer shade or shade and rain protection, you can also include some extra options like adding lighting, security or even optimise the structure to provide electricity to your facility and create a solar top structure and be part of helping to reduce the need for fossil fuels. If you are interested in a solar power car park shade structure have a read through this article. Quality hardware A significant differentiator to look for when selecting your shade structure installer is the quality of hardware they use to hold the fabric in-place. The fittings used need to be rust proof, corrosion resistant and be able to withstand an immense amount of pressure. To read more about what kind of quality fittings to look out for have a read through this article. Conclusion There are numerous elements to consider when selecting a supplier and installer for a commercial car park shade structure. The most important is to start with your why. Then find a supplier and installer that you can ask questions about the fabrics they have available, hardware used and their compliance.

Canterbury waterproof shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Waterproof Shade Structures

Knowing the weather of Brisbane and the surrounding areas like Sunshine and Gold Coast it can be a bit moody and quite extreme. The current Brisbane record for highest temperature sands at 43 degrees, while in March 2022, Brisbane saw 3 days of consecutive rain with 677mm of rain. Extreme weather can significantly impact your business. If your retail store doesn’t have rain cover you may see a dip in foot traffic, if you have an outdoor dining or beer garden you are definitely not seeing any patrons sitting in the rain. You may have already though about putting up a shade structure to accommodate your patrons on those hot days however it may be worth considering upgrading to a waterproof shade structure.    A good commercial grade waterproof shade structure will provide you and your patrons with shade for the bright and sunny days and good waterproofing for those unexpectedly rainy summer days. Waterproof shade sails function in much the same way as outdoor shade sails, but with the added use of PVC materials to improve the weatherproof capabilities of the sail. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a resin coated polyester waterproof fabric that’s designed for use in architectural membranes, fabric structures, and carpark shelters. UV Radiation Australia is currently ranked as the number 2 highest  UV country in the world with a PAF (population attributable fraction) of Melanoma sitting at 96.1% just slightly behind New Zealand at 96.3%.  Waterproof material is treated with specific chemical formulas to protect it against UV radiation, weather degradation, and staining. If you want to read more about ultaraviolet radiation (UVR) and shade sails read this article. The Precontaint 902 S2 range from Serge Ferrari offers a PVDF fabric that is great for mobile or permanent structures as well as being weldable with 0% UV Transmission. Just as important as getting a shade structure that blocks out the UV it is also important that the shade structure be fire resistance. Read more about shade structures and fire performance here. Colours Waterproof shade fabric doesn’t have quite the range of colours that pure shade fabric has however there are still options. Check out the Valmex FR 580 colour range. Valmex FR 580 is a lightweight, strong and versatile PVC that has a PVDF lacquer on the top side combined with fungicide and offers a low-wick finish. Where to use waterproof shade structures Waterproof shade sails are great for use around swimming pools, playgrounds, schools, or even outside your office building to create a great lunch spot or provide some protection to your shoppers as they walk to and from their cars.   Warranty Depending on your fabric selection for your structure you should get around 15 years against UV degradation and could get up to 20 years on the structure itself. It just depends on who your installer is and the combination of materials you choose. Length of install Each project varies and there are some unknown factors like weather and council approvals that can throw out a timeline however on average you can work on 12 weeks. To get a better idea of a project process and time frames read this article. Questions If you have more questions that haven’t been answered in this article. Have a read through our most asked questions article that may have the answer you are looking for.

Scroll to Top