ArchiPro features only the best shade sails in New Zealand from leading brands and suppliers you can trust. Shade sails are designed to offer shade from the sun, making outdoor spaces safe and comfortable for relaxation and entertainment. You’ll find both small and large sun shades with features like motorised operation, waterproofing and UV protection. The sun shades featured are an important part of a wider range of high-quality shelter and shade systems that you can find on ArchiPro.

Shade sails have become incredibly popular in New Zealand as a cost-effective way to provide shade and protection from the sun. They are versatile, easy to install and can be customised to various outdoor areas. ArchiPro features only the best shade sails in New Zealand from reputable manufacturers and trusted suppliers.

Key features to look out for

When buying shade sails in New Zealand, it’s important to consider a number of key features before making your decision:

UV protection

New Zealand has a particularly strong sun when it comes to UV so you want to be sure that you choose a product that has good UV-blocking capability (90% or higher).

Material quality

Given its exposure to all the elements, you should look for durable, UV-stabilised, and weather-resistant fabrics like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or PVC for longevity and effectiveness. Fabric specifications matter for a sail cloth shade, with shade cloth selected for its UV stability, weave and resistance to stretching.

Wind resistance

If you live in an exposed location that experiences strong winds, you’ll need to ensure sufficient wind resistance which includes proper tensioning and installation.

Mounting hardware

Corrosion-resistant fittings, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, are highly recommended, especially for coastal environments. Shade sail posts should be sized and fixed for the loads created by the sail, its tensioning and the site's wind exposure.

Reinforced edges and stitching

High-quality sun shade sails will have double or triple-stitched reinforced edges to withstand high winds and prevent fraying.

Shape, size and colour

You’ll find options of different shapes, sizes and colours which has practical implications (coverage, heat absorption, light filtering) as well as aesthetic ones where you need to think about how the shade will complement the look of your outdoor living spaces a whole. Clear shade sails can retain daylight while providing overhead cover, subject to the specified fabric and installation.

How to choose a shade sail

When choosing a shade sail in New Zealand, you need to first look at your outdoor space and determine how much of the area you want to cover. Given the strong sun, prioritising UV protection is also important, looking for UV-blocking fabrics and materials. You may also want to think about how waterproof (for rain protection) or breathable (for cooling) you want your shade to be as well. You should look for solutions made from quality materials, including mounting hardware, and robust manufacturing like double or triple stitching. Aesthetics are also vital, carefully considering design and colour and you’ll want to find an experienced outdoor shade professional to ensure safe and compliant installation. Deck sails can be planned around the deck layout, with fixing points coordinated with the structure and circulation. A beach shade sail may suit a temporary setting, while a permanent installation needs a more carefully resolved fixing strategy.

Shade Sails