Any business outdoor space would benefit greatly from the addition of permanent shade structures. Installing one is simple and will provide a more contemporary, useful area that is protected from the sun.
However, it can be challenging to choose which permanent shade structure is best for your company or organization given the wide variety available.
To help you choose the best design for your needs, we’re going over the eight different kinds of shade structures and their special advantages.
1. Shade sails, also known as hyper sails, shade cloths, or fabric sails, are outdoor structures made of shade cloth and steel poles. They are commonly used in Australia for outdoor classrooms, playgrounds, and local pools. The classic 4 pole shade sail design features a distinctive twisted shape of fabric, increasing tension and reducing flapping even in high winds. Shade sails are versatile and suitable for small and medium outdoor spaces and can be waterproofed with PVC fabric. They are suitable for schools, councils, and commercial areas, making them suitable for any industry with people on site.
The cost-effective sail is versatile, can be customized for multiple structures, and can block up to 90% UV. However, it’s not waterproof, and it’s limited to smaller spans up to 20 meters, with options for waterproof PVC fabric.
- Umbrella shade or commercial umbrellas, are umbrella-style structures with a single pole in the ground, providing minimal ground-level obstructions. They are ideal for small outdoor spaces, such as sand pits, outdoor seating areas, poolside, small eating areas, and outdoor learning areas. They can have a center post or corner post and extend out over a small area, making them suitable for various industries such as councils, schools, and commercial places like shopping centers or pools. Like shade sails, star structures are versatile and effective
Customize colors, work with shade and waterproof fabrics, and minimize ground obstructions. Square shape with limited customization and maximum 17′ x 17′ size limit.
3. Hip and Ridge Style Structures are triangular frames with either a shade or PVC fabric roof, suitable for larger spans and sports courts. They consist of a triangular frame between posts and are commonly used in multi-
purpose spaces, playgrounds, covered outdoor learning areas, and sports courts. These structures are commonly applied in schools and the sport and recreation industries, offering lower-cost fabric roof coverings for a wide range of applications. The product offers cost-effective sun protection with a low edge, good shade coverage, and customizable fabric and steel colors. However, it has limited shape customization options and can be challenging to collect water.
- Steel shade structures are durable, yet labor-intensive, permanent shade solutions for open-air venues. They feature a traditional-shaped roof with steel posts, providing weather protection. Steel structures are versatile, suitable for small areas like picnic spots, walkways, large sports facilities, and multi-purpose spaces like school quadrangles. Schools are the most common industries for using steel structures in multi-purpose quadrangles and walkways.
Durable materials, customizable roof shapes/designs, and versatile sizing make these roofs ideal for summer use, but they can be hot during summer and noisy if not properly insulated.
- Cantilever shade structures, also known as walkway structures, are versatile structures with posts on one side and curved shade supports that provide overhead shelter. They can be made of tensioned fabric or steel and have various applications, including car parks, walkways, sports seating, and amphitheaters. They are commonly used in commercial industries like retail and entertainment venues.
The pros of this system include minimal posts, unlimited length, and uninterrupted sightlines, but it also has limitations in its span and greater deflection.
6. Multi-panel shade structures, also known as hexagon or octagon shade structures, are architecturally striking shade solutions using multiple fabric sails. They can be multi-level and customized for bold designs in commercial spaces. Common uses include shared community areas, large-scale stadiums, event districts, and government/council and entertainment industries.
The pros of this structure include its eye-catching appearance, creative design possibilities, and ability to shade large spaces using multiple panels and levels, but it is more costly and time-consuming to design and construct than a simple structure.
- Custom shapes are available for shade structures, allowing for bold and artistic designs that suit specific needs. These structures are ideal for businesses, entertainment spaces, and community spaces, offering UV protection and waterproofing options. Commercial shade structures can transform any outdoor space into a more usable area, making businesses or organizations safer for everyone. They come in various designs, including fixed shade sails, awnings, pergolas, solid roof structures, garden shade sails, and canopy shade structures.
Steel is a good material for permanent structures, while shade cloth protects from UV and PVC provides waterproofing and UV protection. High-quality tensile fabric shade structures can last at least 10-15 years with proper maintenance, while steel shade structures can last indefinitely if properly coated and maintained regularly. The diversity of designs available allows for a variety of design choices and can make a significant impact on a business or organization’s outdoor space.