8 Key Considerations When Choosing the Perfect Shade Solution
Creating an inviting and comfortable outdoor space often involves finding the right shade solution. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard or find shade for an outdoor commercial space, selecting the perfect shade involves thoughtful consideration about various factors. In this blog post, we will walk you through the essential things to consider when choosing your shade solution.
1. Purpose & Functionality: Defining Your Needs
Before diving into all of the available shade options, start by clearly defining the purpose of your shade solution. Understanding the primary function or the goal of your outdoor space will guide you towards the most suitable type of shade structure. At Shore Shade Sail, we offer a variety of shade solutions, such as custom shade sails, cantilevers, and awnings. For many of our customers, we use a combination of shade structures depending on the shade challenge.
2. Location: Where Will Your Shade Reside?
Consider the specific location where your shade solution will be installed. Different areas of your outdoor space may have varying sunlight exposure, wind conditions, and aesthetic requirements. Tailor your choice to the unique characteristics of the space to ensure optimal functionality and visual appeal. When you work with Shore Shade Sail, our team will come on-site to help understand your shade challenge and provide recommendations for the appropriate shade solution. We also take things into consideration when designing shade solutions, such as UV coverage and protection, seasonal weather elements, and whether or not the shade solution can be attached to a current building or if additional poles and structures will need to be developed and installed.
3. Size & Scale: Getting the Proportions Right
The size of your shade solution should be proportionate to the space it will cover. Too small, and it may not provide adequate coverage; too large, and it might overwhelm the area. Take precise measurements and envision how the shade will fit into your outdoor layout to achieve the right balance. Once you partner with Shore Shade Sail, before we create your shade solution, our team will come on-site to ensure that we have the appropriate measurements prior to moving forward.
4. Material Matters: Choosing the Right Fabric or Material
The material of your shade plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. Consider the durability, maintenance requirements, and visual appeal of different materials. From weather-resistant fabrics to sturdy metals, each option comes with its own set of advantages. UVR protection is also important to consider. For example, you may choose sail fabrics with stronger UVR protection and a high shade factor for a retirement community or playground. A bonus of working with Shore Shade Sail is that we remove, store, clean, and setup shade sails for our customers from fall to spring. This is a key part of our process because we can help our customers keep their shade sails in great shape and protect them from inclement weather during the winter if needed.
5. Style & Design: Harmonizing with Your Outdoor Aesthetic
Your shade solution should seamlessly integrate with the overall design of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional shade structure, choose a shade solution that complements your existing decor. Shore Shade Sail offers 22 different color options specifically for shade sails. Many of our customers have chosen a combination of colors, shapes, and sizes for their outdoor shade solution.
6. Easy Operation: Convenience in Adjusting Your Shade
Consider the ease of operation when choosing your shade solution. Whether it’s a manual pulley system or a motorized mechanism, the convenience of adjusting your shade should align with your lifestyle and preferences. Shore Shade Sail customizes the shade mechanisms depending on the customer’s needs – we can install both manual and motorized operating systems. Our team always takes ease of use into consideration when designing and building shade solutions for customers.
7. Budget: Balancing Quality and Affordability
Set a realistic budget for your shade solution project. While it’s tempting to focus solely on cost, remember that investing in a quality shade solution pays off in terms of durability and long-term satisfaction. The solutions that we offer are off the highest shade solution quality and durability, and our shade solutions last 10 years or more. We also provide warranty programs that are suitable for customers depending on their needs and requirements. The Shore Shade Sail team will estimate your project cost after you choose a design rendering before moving onto the development/manufacture stage of the project. To learn more about our process, check out this blog post.
8. Installation & Maintenance: Plan for the Long Term
Evaluate the installation requirements and maintenance needs of your chosen shade solution. Additionally, factor in the maintenance routine to ensure your shade solution stays in top condition over the years. The Shore Shade Sail team will handle everything with your shade solution project, including installation, maintenance, and storage. We do not outsource the installation because many of our shade solution projects are so unique and custom designed.
Choosing the right shade solution is a personalized journey that involves careful consideration of your unique needs, preferences, and the characteristics of your outdoor space. By taking the time to think through these key considerations, you’re well on your way to enhancing your outdoor space. And when you work with Shore Shade Sail, we will be with you every step of the way.
Ready to next the next step? Contact our team today to get started on the perfect shade solution for you.