How much do shade sails cost? Answer: It depends....

The cost of a shade sail installation is determined by a number of factors. Before we answer this question though, let’s be clear on what type of product we are talking about.

Like with most consumer products there is a pricing spectrum, starting at the bottom with a cheap product all the way up to the high-end items. The point at which a product lands on the spectrum is generally influenced by its design and quality. For our purposes, we are talking about a good quality custom-made shade sail installation. Let's say, better than average yet still affordable. Now, back to it…

The main factors that influence the cost of a shade sail installation are:

Size of the Area - this is a no brainer. The larger the area, the more cost involved.

Type of Fabric - not all fabrics are created equal. Some fabrics perform better over time than others, particularly with respect to UV resistance, strength and stretch. Also, where a waterproof solution is sought, the cost of these fabrics is generally more than double that of shade-cloth.

Height of the Sail Structure - the higher the sail is from the ground, the more load is applied to the post and concrete footing. A typical residential example of this is where the owner is wanting a shade solution for a caravan or large boat. To achieve the required clearance, these situations will generally require higher posts. As the height of a post increases, so does its diameter and footing depth, all resulting in more expense.

Site Accessibility and Conditions - properties that have difficult access for plant and equipment or where concrete delivery will need to be pumped will of course add to the cost of the job. Soil conditions can also impact on the price, particularly where rock or high water tables are encountered. Remember, always read the fine print before signing the contract.

As you can see, there are multiple factors that influence the price of a shade sail installation. Keeping in mind that all situations are different, as a approximation, a residential non-waterproof shade sail installation could range from $100 - $150 per square metre. The cost of waterproof shade solutions vary widely, costing from $250 - $400 per square metre.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the team at iConical.