Shade Structure

If you’re not familiar with the world of outdoor shade constructions, you may think that a shade sail and shade structure are one and the same. Don’t worry; it’s a common misconception. The terminology in our industry can be confusing, and these aren’t the only two names out there. While shade sails and shade structures are similar in what they do, there are some distinct differences that are important to know if you’re planning on investing in one for your home, workplace or construction project. Shade sails What is a shade sail? A shade sail is an outdoor structure designed to offer shade from the sun – and the rain. Their design is based on the same principles as a ship’s sail. A shade sail is made up of two parts: a flexible fabric or PVC membrane, which is free-spanned and tensioned between several anchor points. This tension is designed to make it more efficient at shedding water and help it stand up to strong winds.   The anchor points can take the form of vertical columns, posts or building brackets. After the posts are inserted into the ground, the shade sail fabric or membrane is attached to each post using special connections built into its corners. What is a shade sail best used for? Shade sails are recommended for use in playgrounds, council parks, child care centres, commercial applications, domestic applications and sporting clubs. Benefits of shade sails Come in a wide range of colours, sizes and materials Protect from both sun and rain Affordable option for many homes and businesses Low maintenance and require little cleaning A good quality shade sail will have a 10-15 lifespan Shade structures What is a shade structure? A shade structure is also an outdoor structure designed to offer protection from the sun and rain. However, it’s built differently from a shade sail. Unlike a shade sail, which comprises posts and a free-spanned fabric, a shade structure is an architecturally designed frame with structural steel members and a shade fabric attached. Because it’s architecturally designed, it gives the fabric a more specific shape, such as the central post curved rafter car park shade structure below. The materials used and design process make shade structures costlier than shade sails.  What is a shade structure used for? Shade structures are best recommended for commercial construction projects, corporate office parking, shopping centre car parks, sporting club grandstands and industrial spaces. Benefits of shade structures Custom designed to your exact specifications Engineered to site-specific conditions Steel coated for durability Wind ratings up to cyclone level A good quality shade structure will have a 10-30 year lifespan What about sun sail, sun shade sails and sunshades? As well as shade sails and shade structures, you may also have heard other terms being used, including sun sails, sun shade sails and sunshades. So what are they? Sun sails and sun shade sails Sun sails and sun shade sails are exactly the same as a shade sail. They’re material free-spanned and tensioned between posts or brackets. They can be waterproof or made from a standard fabric. Sunshades Sunshades are often used generically to apply to any device used as protection from the sun rays. They’re also an architectural feature used to reduce heat in a building by deflecting the sun. Types of sunshades include: Residential sun umbrellas Commercial umbrellas External awnings and blinds Aluminium screens and sun hoods All types fall under the shade system umbrella Whatever their exact design are features, shade sails, shade structures and every other type of sunshade are installed to provide shade and offer protection from harmful UV rays. Waterproof shade sails and sunshades, and shade structures, also have the added benefit of rain protection, and many stand up to strong winds. Some also include additional features such as lighting and sound. Ultimately, they all fall under the same type of product, or product umbrella (!) often referred to as shade systems. Which shade system should you choose? So, now you know the difference, which should you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to what you intend to use it for, where it will be used, and your budget. Whichever option you go for, make sure you select a reputable shade system supplier to ensure you get the most from your investment and a product that performs as it should. Also, check what council permissions you may need. [CTA] If you’re looking for a quality residential or commercial shade sail, shade structure or sunshade supplier, get in touch with our team today. We can help you select the best shade system option for your project.

Are you considering custom shade sails for your commercial operation? Versatile Structures provide the perfect solution. Custom Shade Sails are an investment Cheaper, second-tier fabrics are proven ineffective against the harsh Australian weather conditions. Thanks to the advancements in fabric manufacturing, our fabric structures are custom-built using high spec International, European, and Australian materials that offer long-lasting durability and performance. A regular maintenance program including visual inspections, annual re-tensioning, and repairs caught early adds to the maximum lifespan of your investment. With application across sport, leisure, retail, residential, industrial, and commercial sectors, here is how to ensure you get the most out of our custom fabric structures.   Why Would You Choose Custom Fabric Structures?   We highly recommend that you invest in custom fabric structures not to keep us in business, but because it is a return on your investment. Therefore, understanding why you are investing in a custom shade solution is the critical first step in this process. Custom fabric structures require advanced design development, engineering and early collaboration between the client, contractor, subcontractors, and the design team. The goal is to create a form with sufficient tension, cast cover in the right areas and utilise substrates that withstand the harsh Australian climate. While pre-engineered generic fabric structures bought off the shelf offer convenience, they provide little to no creative flexibility and freedom and cannot be adapted to suit any situation.   Maybe you are looking to create a sheltered outside space for your sporting practice? Or perhaps you require efficient protection from harsh weather conditions affecting your industrial operation? Knowing what you plan to use the space for can assist you in making an informed decision in terms of which of our custom fabric structures is most suited to your requirements. Regardless of the need, all our shade solutions are custom-built and installed on-site, tailored to your specific project requirements.   Which Custom Fabric Structure are Right for You? We have a few different shade solutions to choose from, each suited for a particular application. Your requirements and a detailed site inspection will determine the best option for you Some of our custom fabric structures include: External Awnings & Blinds Commercial Umbrellas Shade Sails All our shade solutions are manufactured and designed in-house with the finest quality architectural fabric materials and have highly durable steel at their core. We select coatings based on what is best suited for your site-specific requirements. Custom fabric structures for project sites that experience high humidity and regular exposure to moisture, for example, will require a different coating than a custom fabric structure designed for shade and sun protection. Our shade solutions come with warranties ranging from ten to 20 years, ensuring your investment has long-term protection. We maintain all the necessary checks and insurance policies to deliver an efficient build designed for maximum safety.   Does Your Custom Fabric Structure Require Council Permission? Do you require council approval or planning permission before commencing with your installation? In Brisbane, this depends on various factors, such as the design, size, and placement of your custom fabric structure. You may need planning permission if: If your shade solution is waterproof/made from any non-permeable material If your building is a listed local or state heritage site. If your shade solution is going to cover more than 10m2. If any part of your shade solution reaches within 1.8m of the building fence line in front of your home or perimeter   Other considerations: If you propose to remove or prune any existing trees or vegetation when installing your custom fabrics structure, you should contact your council first to make sure you don’t need approval for this. Your custom fabric structure must be structurally adequate, installed following the agreed-upon specifications and comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Non-compliance is a severe offence and gets met with a substantial fine and the immediate forced removal of your shade solution. Planning permission is not the only kind of council approval you might need. Your council might have different local requirements; fortunately, Versatile Structures can acquire all the necessary council permissions for you before your installation.   What To Look For In A Reputable Custom Fabric Structure Provider? Deciding on the right company that manufactures, supplies and installs custom fabric structures is crucial as it ensures consistency in the future, guaranteeing your project is delivered on time, every time. We also own and control the entire process which means direct accountability from the design, fabric, steel work fabrication, through to the installation, which is key, should anything go wrong down the line. Dealing with a one-stop solution also cuts out middleman margins. Choosing a well-known company with a strong brand and an outstanding industry reputation is a step in the right direction.