Adding shade to your garden is easy with a sun shade or sail.They come in a variety of sizes and just need a few attachment points.Start by figuring out where you want your shade to go, then secure any posts you need with concrete.Attach the shade's hardware to the posts or other attachment points, and then clip it into place.
Step 1: In the designated area, spread the sun shade.
Spreading the fabric out will give you a better idea of what it will look like when it is installed.You can change where you want it to go.It is possible to install sun shades at an angle from the ground, which will reduce some of the width or length, depending on how you angle it.
Step 2: Where will you attach the shade?
Attach your shade to a standing structure such as a house, a shed, or a tree branch.You will need posts to attach the shade if you don't have these options.Make sure they fit where you want them to go by laying them out.There are pressure-treated wood posts that are 6 by 6 inches.5 by 5 inches (13 by 13 cm) steel posts can be used.Steel costs more.The area you need for the shade will be larger than the fabric looks.Tension will be created when attaching the shade.Adding more space on the ends will allow you to attach the shade to the posts.A space that's 10% bigger than the shade is what you'll need.The gap between the corners of your shade should be about 0.6 feet if one side is 6 feet.
Step 3: You should mark the points where you want to post.
The area can be marked with spray paint.You can use a small spade to make an "X" in the ground.You can set rocks where you are going to put the posts.
Step 4: Determine how high each corner of the shade should be.
If you prefer, you can stretch the shade so it's the same height across the yard.You can go from higher at one end to lower at the other.It all depends on what you like.Some wind protection can be provided by angling the shade.To get posts that are the correct size, you need to decide on heights.
Step 5: Before you dig, call your city officials.
You need to mark the area when you dig in your yard.City officials will mark gas, water, and power lines that are buried beneath the ground so you don't hit them.Once the lines are marked, adjust the area as needed.
Step 6: There are holes for the posts.
The easiest way to dig a hole is with a post hole digger.Some are manual and some are automated.You should pick one that is larger in diameter than your posts.Post hole diggers can be rented or purchased at your local home improvement store.It is very difficult to dig a post hole with a shovel, as you will have trouble getting to the depth you need, while keeping the hole relatively narrow.It is better to make the holes 1/3 of the pole's length than it is to dig them at least 3 feet deep.You should dig down about 4 feet if you have posts that are 12 feet tall.If you're having trouble getting the soil out, wet it down and come back the next day.The soil will be easier to dig out.
Step 7: The base should be made of gravel and concrete.
When it reaches about 10 cm, pour gravel into the hole.On top of the gravel, fill in another 4 inches (10 cm) with concrete.It is easier to balance the posts when you add this mixture first.
Step 8: There are bolts near the bottom of the posts.
The drill bit is the same size as the coach bolt.Attach the coach bolts by drilling into the metal or wood.Attach the bolts with a washer as needed.If you're using metal posts, you will need washers.As the concrete is forming a solid base for the posts, it's okay to let it dry a bit.The bolts help keep the posts in place.You can use a drill bit that's made for drilling.When drilling, go slow and steady.The wood can be cracked if you push down too hard.
Step 9: Put the posts in the holes.
The posts should be pushed into the holes.To make them stand up straight, use wood to prop them up.The posts should be standing up straight by using a level.The coach bolts should go down in the hole.
Step 10: Put the concrete in the post holes.
The concrete should be poured into the hole using a shovel.If it's easier for you, you can pour it from a bucket.It's best to pour it evenly around the post.Stab the concrete in the hole with your shovel to make sure it's packed down without air holes.If you run into dry concrete, don't put it in the post hole.Weak spots will be created.
Step 11: Use a spatula or trowel to level the concrete.
The concrete will be visible.Take off the excess and smooth it out.To create a smooth surface, run a concrete spatula over the area.Put the braces back in place if you moved them to pour the cement.It will take at least a day for the concrete to dry.Leaving it for two days is even better.
Step 12: You can hang the sails with an eye lag screw or eye bolt.
Eye lag screws can be used for wood or metal.Start by using the same drill bit as your eye bolts or lag screws.The eye should be screwed into place.You'll need a ladder to get to where you want to install the hardware.If you're using eye bolts, put a washer on the back.
Step 13: If you're using other attachment points, install the hardware on them.
If you're attaching it to the house, you need to add a support.The band runs under your roof.The shade doesn't put too much pressure on the fascia, so a bracket helps reinforce the area.The rafters are behind the house and the fascia.The piece that goes through the fascia is where you'll find the eye hook.The drill bit is used to guide the drill from the back of the fascia.Use a larger drill bit to drill from the front.The mechanism will come out of the front.The rafter is on the other side.You can drill through the rafter with a drill bit in 2 places.Attach the holes with bolts through them, and secure them with washers on the other side.The front of the body has an eye hook.
Step 14: Attach the turnbuckles and snap hooks to the sail.
A turnbuckle is used to adjust tension.Attach it to the corners of the sail with snap hooks or carbines.There should be steel rings on the corners of the shade.Attach the hook to the turnbuckle and slide it into place over the shade.It's better to use a tension strap on one corner.The last corner you put on will be this one.You can use a tension strap instead of the turnbuckle.You can find them at hardware stores, but they may also be in your shade hardware kit.
Step 15: The corners should be on the posts.
Attach the hooks on the other side of the turnbuckle to the posts or your house.While you adjust the tension on the others, leave one corner unhooked.The turnbuckle should be turned to increase tension on the corners.If you're having trouble attaching a corner because it's not long enough, you can add a couple of carabiner hooks.
Step 16: The tension strap needs to be stretched out to secure the last corner.
The last corner should have a tension strap.It will be harder to put it in place than other corners because of the tension you have created.Attach the shade to the last eye attachment.