Shade sails and shade structures have a fabric component which will probably be either shade cloth or PVC.

Shade cloth is a knitted fabric and is one of the most economical modern building materials.  Generally used for “shade only” applications.

PVC is commonly used when a “waterproof” application is wanted.  PVC does of course provide shade also.  Please note that PVC is available also as a “mesh” which is not waterproof.

Other materials such as canvas or variants are sometimes used to create shade especially on awnings and blinds.  These fabrics are not recommended for tensioned applications such as shade sails or shade structures.

Shade cloth used for shade sails and shade structures should be “commercial grade”(UV-stabilised high density polyethylene or HDPE) This fabric is made specifically for the shade industry it is a much heavier material and has been heat-treated to give a designed degree of stretch (Standard shade cloth one might find at hardware outlets is not really suitable)

Commercial grade shade cloth generally has a UVR block of circa 90% and a ten year conditional UV degradation warranty.  Most commercial grade shade cloth is technically similar but not identical and thus competitively priced.  The two common types of shade cloth are “monofilament” and “monofilament with tape”.  Both have individual advantages and the application will normally determine which is best to use.

PVC fabric of the solid, waterproof type is available in a very wide range of qualities.  Quality is usually directly related to the longevity of the fabric and therefore the price of a PVC fabric will reflect its quality/longevity.

PVC mesh (not waterproof) is also available in different qualities and consequently the cost can vary considerably; the lowest grade is dearer than commercial grade shade cloth.