Shade Structure
Top five shade sail fabrics and how to get the perfect cover
Shade cloths, shade fabrics, and also referred to as shade sails, are not just about transforming a sunny spot into a shaded area, they are also great for providing shade over pools (like the Canterbury School pool featured above), car parks and can even be motorized like these awnings. Regrettably not all shade cloths…
Read MoreThe best shade sails under the sun
As with all products not all shade structures are created equal. There are however two distinct factors that makes for an excellent shade sail. The first and the most important is “fit for purpose” – is the quality of the individual elements that make up a shade structure like the fabric, metalwork, and the manufacturing…
Read MoreHow much time to allow for a custom shade project
One of the first questions we get asked when we work on a new shade project is how long will it take from design to install? Unfortunately, rain, council approval, and COVID-19 restrictions are factors outside of our control which can all negatively impact the turnaround time for any shade structure project. The short answer…
Read MoreThe aesthetic and practical value of sunhoods
As more modern, streamline buildings pop up, sunhoods and blades are increasingly more popular as they meet a few key criteria: they enhance the aesthetic appearance of a building, while providing a practical solution for protecting windows and doors from the elements, and in many cases, they also provide privacy. A sunhood and blade combination…
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between shade sails and shade structures?
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…
Read MoreCustom Is The Way to Go
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…
Read MoreEpic Olympic
Canterbury College in Queensland commissioned Versatile Structures to design, manufacture and install a waterproof shade structure for their new Olympic size pool 450m2 grandstand, as well as a pool structure cover of 278m2 for their second smaller pool area. We chose to use Mehler Valmex FR700 Nano for both membranes, as the high fluoride content…
Read MoreFive top tips to identify a quality shade structure
Like so many things, the quality of a shade structure lies in the details. Here are our top five quality indicators: CRAFTMANSHIP A domestic or commercial shade sail consists of 3 key elements: the shade cloth, the edging and the corners. A quality shade cloth can be identified by the fibres of the shade fabric,…
Read MoreWhat to look for in a reputable shade structure operator
Choosing the right domestic or commercial shade structure supplier is vital to ensure your installation is delivered on time, at the agreed price, and in compliance with quality standards. When doing your due diligence, take the following in consideration: How many years’ experience do they have? It takes years to understand the technical properties of…
Read MoreMake sure you get a return on investment on your shade structure
When investing in commercial shade structures, it’s essential to understand the distinction between price and value to ensure a sound return on investment (ROI). As Warren Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Understanding Price and Value The price of a shade structure is the upfront cost, while its…
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