If you don’t have shade trees and want to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space, consider a shade sail fabric structure or tension structure installation. This versatile and contemporary solution can enhance any backyard or patio while increasing comfort in any climate.
5 Fabrics for Backyard Shade Sails & Residential Tension Structures
From structure-anchored shade sails to free-standing tension structures, residential shading structures can transform any pool, porch, or outdoor area into a cooler, more inviting oasis. Whether you’re prioritizing heat reduction, controlling brightness, or UV protection, consider a variety of shade sail options with features that align with any project goal:
1. SolaMesh®
Tested for performance in the world's harshest environments, SolaMesh shade sail fabric is made from highly stable HDPE monofilament cloth and tape. The performance fabric remains stable when exposed to UV rays and is very easy to clean. Pair your chosen SolaMesh fabric with SolaMesh Shade Sail Hardware for best-in-class strength, value, and longevity.
2. Polytex®+
Made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polytex+ shade sail fabric from Polyfab is highly durable and flexible. The monofilament knitting construction ensures the shade sail fabric will not tear or fray if cut or pierced. With UVA and UVB protection, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent fire rating, Polytex+ is ideal for small-scale shade sails and shade structures.
3. Comtex®+
Comtex+ is a knitted HDPE shade sail fabric, also from Polyfab, has a superior fire rating and is ideal for medium-to-large tension membrane structures and shade sails. Recommended for installations with unsupported spans up to 100 feet, this high-quality fabric is lead and phthalate-free, providing superior UV protection.
4. Commercial NinetyFive 340
Commercial NinetyFive 340 is a premium shade sail fabric from GALE Pacific engineered for mid-sized shade sails and fabric structures. Made from UV-stabilized HDPE, it's perfect for commercial use and larger residential projects, featuring durability, long-lasting UV protection, and tear resistance.
5. Commercial DualShade 350
Commercial DualShade 350 shade sail fabric offers a distinctive two-toned appearance, adding extra character to any shade sail with its patented knit pattern creating a shimmering, iridescent effect. Crafted from high-quality HDPE, it's engineered for superior dimensional stability, reducing the need for frequent re-tensioning and lowering maintenance costs.
Find Your Perfect Shade Structure Fabric at Trivantage
When it comes to outdoor shade structures, you need top quality fabrics, hardware, and expertise — Trivantage has all three, plus a shade sail guide & countless resources.
Our fabrics come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to tailor your shade solutions to fit the specific theme, performance demand, or aesthetic of any outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to fulfill the wildest backyard shade dreams or just to increase the amount of shade available, we’re here to help. At Trivantage, we offer everything you need for your backyard landscaping ideas from fabric to hardware to trim, and more.
