Canvas versus mesh
Commercial Shade Sails offers many grades of fabric (see below), and they are mainly of two types: canvas and mesh.
Canvas sails tend to be superior for UV protection, combined with maximum strength and durability. Canvas is not only sturdy, it won’t absorb moisture and rot, giving you many years of low-maintenance performance. They also allow for breezes and can, therefore, be the cooler of the two options.
Our white mesh fabrics offer protection from the sun through reflection as well as UV protection. While they don’t allow breezes as easily as canvas, they offer superior low-maintenance resistance against nuisance birds and bats.
UV protection factor in Australia
All Commercial Shade Sail fabrics offer high UV protection factor (UPF). The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating on your shade sail shows how effectively the cloth blocks ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is tested in Australia and New Zealand to standard AS/NZS4399 by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
The UPF rating numbers fall between 15 and 50+, according to the percentage of solar radiation they block. You can use this table to help choose the right fabric for your needs:
| UPF Rating | Protection Category | % UV Blocked |
|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | Good | 93.3 to 95.9 |
| 25–35 | Very Good | 96.0 to 97.4 |
| 40–50+ | Excellent | 97.5 or more |
SHADE FABRICS
Rainbow Shade Z16
Rainbow Shade Z16 is a lightweight fabric, at 200GSM, which is coupled with it being particularly long-lasting and sturdy in the elements. Z16 has a reputation unmatched for durability, sun protection and quality.
Gale Commercial 95 340
The Gale Commercial 95 340 is a sturdy 340GSM fabric made in a knitted lock-stitch construction for resistance to fraying and tearing. Its quality assurance for highly tensioned shade structures is guaranteed.
Monotec 370
This extremely strong 100% Australian-made fabric will not stretch or otherwise lose its shape over time, making it the perfect choice for integrity over the long-term in your permanent shade structures.
Rainbow Shade eXtreme 32
If you are seeking a shade cloth that will deliver coverage, strength, weather resistance, durability, sun protection and quality, the Rainbow Shade eXtreme is for you.
WATERPROOF FABRICS
Gale Commercial 95 340
The Gale Commercial 95 340 is a sturdy 340GSM fabric made in a knitted lock-stitch construction for resistance to fraying and tearing. Its quality assurance for highly tensioned shade structures is guaranteed.
Monotec 370
This extremely strong 100% Australian-made fabric will not stretch or otherwise lose its shape over time, making it the perfect choice for integrity over the long-term in your permanent shade structures.
Rainbow Shade Z16
Rainbow Shade Z16 is a lightweight fabric, at 200GSM, which is coupled with it being particularly long-lasting and sturdy in the elements. Z16 has a reputation unmatched for durability, sun protection and quality.
Rainbow Shade eXtreme 32
If you are seeking a shade cloth that will deliver coverage, strength, weather resistance, durability, sun protection and quality, the Rainbow Shade eXtreme is for you.
Shade fabrics
Commercial Shade Sails shade fabrics have been hand-picked for the range they offer. Each has its features and benefits for non-waterproof quality, UV protection, weight, tensile strength, durability and easy maintenance.
Explore the unique features and benefits and range of colours of each fabric in our shade range:
Waterproof fabrics
Commercial Shade Sails also offers a range of fully waterproof fabrics in three grades.
Explore the features and benefits and range of colours of each of our waterproof fabrics on these pages:
