When the sun does finally shine in the UK, you'll need adequate shade to safely enjoy UV rays. In the past, this meant bulky, awkward sun parasols, that you were forever having to adjust. Nowadays, there are garden shade sails! These are large pieces of material that can be attached to nearby walls and poles to provide shelter from the sun.
Made to fit any garden, in this article we'll show you how to find the perfect one. Sharing the 10 best garden shade sails in the UK on Amazon, read on for tips and advice on how to choose the right size, fabric and fixing for your garden, patio or deck.
Quick List - Top Garden Shade Sails
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A garden shade sail is both practical and elegant, providing shade without an awkward sun parasol getting in the way. However, it's important to make sure it's the correct size for your space. First consider how much shade you require.
If you only have a small garden, you may not wish to block the sun from the whole area, meaning a smaller 2 x 3 m sail should suffice. On the other hand, a large garden will be able to withstand a much bigger sail around 4 x 5 m.
Likewise, shape is another key factor to consider. If your garden is awkwardly shaped, a triangular sail can be fit into a corner. If you need a larger area of shade, opt for a rectangular sail. Rectangular sails can always be folded in half or into a triangular shape on occasions when you want less shade.
When choosing a garden shade sail you'll want one that will stand the test of time, particularly if you plan to keep the shade up throughout the warmer months.
The thickness of the material will play a key part in your sail's longevity, as fabric that's too thin may be prone to tears. We recommend looking for a fabric with a thickness of at least 160 gsm to withstand general wear and tear.
It may also be a good idea to choose a water resistant fabric. This will allow you to keep your sail up throughout the temperamental British summertime, providing shelter and removing the constant need to put it away as soon as a shower hits. Waterproof material will also help prevent mould build-up when in storage.
Need extra space to store your sail over the winter? we've ranked the 10 Best Storage Boxes!
Shade is always an important factor when those rare super-hot days finally hit the UK. While garden sails do help provide shelter, they can't always guarantee protection against sunburn.
If the fabric is flimsy, UV rays will still penetrate through and can cause harmful sun damage. Thicker material will help prevent this, but for extra security look for fabrics that have been UV treated to provide maximum protection.
Why not invest in a new Garden Furniture Set to help you relax under the shade?
To ensure the rain will run off your sail, it's advised you angle your sail at a 20 – 40° angle. Unfortunately, this means that your sail may catch the wind on occasion. To ensure your installation can withstand a sudden gust without blowing away, we recommend using D-rings to secure your sail to a sturdy structure or wall.
Most sails should also come with ropes to help tie them securely to your fixings. Depending on the length of rope provided, you may even be able to attach your sail to trees, fences or posts. The best way to avoid disappointment is to check what fittings come with your sail, before buying.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ankuka 3m x 4m Sun Shade Sail | ![]() | An Extra Large Waterproof Sail Ideal for Families | |
2 | Kookaburra Waterproof Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy | ![]() | Stylish Triangle Sail for Patios and Decking | |
3 | Cymax Sun Shade Sail 2x3m Rectangle | ![]() | UV Protective Garden Shade Sail for Those on a Budget | |
4 | JNCH Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy | ![]() | Contemporary Garden Shade That Can Be Used to Shelter Cars | |
5 | HAIKUS Breathable Triangle Sun Shade | ![]() | Breathable Fabric for Air Flow on Very Hot Days | |
6 | OldPAPA Sun Shade Sail | ![]() | A Mesh Type Material for Breathability and Waterproofing | |
7 | OldPAPA Sun Shade Sail Waterproof Triangle | ![]() | A Lightweight Shade Sail for Travelling | |
8 | Kookaburra Pyramid Ivory Sail Shade Kit | ![]() | An Elegant Sun Shade Kit for Parties | |
9 | Jneaicn Shade Sails | ![]() | A Great All-Rounder for Larger Gardens | |
10 | Kookaburra Triangle Water Resistant Garden Patio Sun Shade Sail | ![]() | An Easy-To-Install Shade for Small Gardens and Patios |
With thousands of positive reviews, we simply had to check this garden sail out - and we can definitely confirm, it won't disappoint! The fabric is the thickest we have found and with firm stitching on the seams, this sail really will stand the test of time.
The fabric has been treated to ensure it provides adequate sun safety with Ankuka guaranteeing up to 98% UV protection, making this a good choice for families. It 's also waterproof to help withstand summer showers. However, we would still recommend taking the sail down during the cooler months. `
This stylish triangular shade sail is available in both purple and orange to highlight any patio or decked space. It has been designed to fit easily to walls, trees, fences and posts, meaning that you can securely attach it pretty much anywhere.
Another excellent option for families, this sail comes with 98% UV protection and waterproofing so you can still sit out even on overcast days. Plus, the Grade 304 stainless steel D-rings installed at each corner helps provide confidence that your new sun shade will be durable and long lasting.
For under £20 this is a fantastic shade that's lightweight and easy to use. This makes it ideal for those looking for a sail to take camping or for a holiday rental. Whilst it isn't fully waterproof, it will provide enough water resistance to hold up against a light shower and around 98% UV protection.
The rectangular shape with curved edges helps improve tension when looped over the side of a building or post, whilst the D-rings help to fasten the sail securely in place. If you are looking for an inexpensive shade that will live up to the task, this is your best bet.
Perfect for those who prefer modern garden design, we can't help but fall for this dark grey rectangular sail. It has a more contemporary look compared to some of the brighter designs, and would really compliment darker garden furniture and rattan.
This polyester fabric has been treated with a PU coating to improve waterproofing, ensuring rain will run off the sail, rather than seep through. Not only can this sail be used in the garden, it also offers a great shade for cars with dust-proofing that may help keep your vehicle clean.
For when the unexpected heatwave hits, this breathable woven shade will allow for proper air flow, ensuring a comfortable environment that won't feel stifling. Perfect for summer parties, or for protecting young children while they play outside.
Despite not being waterproof, the fact the fabric allows rain to drip through it prevents the accumulation of rainwater that could potentially weight down and damage your sail. It's also pretty strong, so will last many years if stored correctly.
This garden sail has been manufactured using a fabric blend to create a versatile fine mesh shade to keep you cool over the summer. The multi-layered design encourages air flow, and allows for some waterproofing too, which is ideal for protecting any garden furniture beneath it.
Whilst it does offer some protection, customers have found that this sail shouldn't be relied on in very heavy rain. However, it's perfectly suitable for keeping dry during the odd shower - and we hope for nothing more than that during the summer months!
If you are looking for a sunshade for travelling, this is a great option. It's very lightweight and can fold down to fit inside a beach bag. With the easy D-shaped fixings you can easily rope it to a nearby tree when camping or on the beach for added protection - particularly handy if you have little ones in tow!
We love the bright orange colour as it instantly transports us to the far off coasts of Morocco. Do keep in mind, however, that the lightweight fabric won't be as durable as some of the others. That said, if you're looking for practicality when out and about, this is still a top pick.
Garden party planned, or perhaps you're after an outdoor canopy for a large-scale event? This shade sail has a tent-like design with a central pole and ground pegs for stability, meaning you can erect it anywhere, without having to rely on walls or trees.
This is an elegant option that wouldn't look out of place at a wedding. However, it does come with a heftier price tag that's definitely the most expensive on this list. Given its look and the sheer ease of putting it up, we think it is worth splashing out on though.
If you are looking for a good, versatile sunshade and have a big space to fill, then this is a great choice. It comes in so many different colours you're sure to find one that suits your style and garden décor and, measuring a fantastic 3 x 3 metres, you certainly get good value for money here!
The shade is durable, with stainless steel D-rings for secure fixing. Plus, and it guarantees up to 95% UV protection. Just keep in mind that although the sunshade is labeled as waterproof, many customers have found it's only water resistant and may not hold up against heavy rain.
This is the third Kookaburra product on our list, and for good reason! Their sunshades are well made, easy to install and look stylish. The bright orange has certainly caught our eye, but there are plenty of other options available if you prefer something a little subtler. Best of all, this shade is very easy to install, and perfect for smaller spaces at 2 metres.
The only downside is that the fabric is only 140 gsm, so won't be as tough and durable as others on our list. However, it does offer excellent UV protection and is UPF 34+ certified, making it a suitable option for shading kids.
No. 1: Ankuka|3m x 4m Sun Shade Sail
No. 2: Kookaburra|Waterproof Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy
No. 3: Cymax|Sun Shade Sail 2x3m Rectangle
No. 4: JNCH|Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy
No. 5: HAIKUS|Breathable Triangle Sun Shade
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