FAQ

The right choice depends mainly on the material, the type of product and how much maintenance you can accept.

Decor gives almost full shade and offers partial rain protection, but water must never be allowed to pool on the surface. It is made from strong 200 g/m² fabric and is available in white, beige, grey and green. HDPE gives around 95% shade, is breathable, lets excess water pass through and works well for larger formats and public spaces; its weight is 285 g/m². Mesh 270 g/m² gives around 60% shade, lets water pass through easily and is practical where lighter shade and easier maintenance matter more. PVC 650 g/m² gives full shade and full rain protection, and is suitable where a heavier technical material is required.

Practical tip: first decide whether you need maximum shade, rain resistance, airflow, easier maintenance or a more technical cover. Then match the material to the way the space is actually used.

If you are choosing between materials, the most important question is whether you need rain protection, airflow or the least demanding day-to-day use.

Decor gives almost 100% shade and helps in light rain, but it must be installed with a suitable slope and must not hold standing water; seams are not waterproof. HDPE gives about 95% shade, is very durable and lets water through, so it is less demanding in changing weather. Mesh 270 g/m² gives about 60% shade and allows water to pass through like a sieve, which makes it easier to use outdoors, but it is not the best option for lying down, reading or laptop work in strong sun. PVC 650 g/m² gives 100% shade, protects fully against rain and wind and can be cleaned with a pressure washer or sponge.

Practical tip: for dining and everyday patio use, Decor or HDPE are usually the safest starting point; for lighter shade choose Mesh 270 g/m²; for the most technical weather protection choose PVC 650 g/m².

Shade4You is primarily a manufacturer, so the offer focuses on made-to-measure products and technical advice rather than on-site survey, design and installation.

The products are designed for self-installation, especially on prepared timber or similar structures. The company does not offer ready-made support structures, site measurement or installation services, but it does provide technical guidance based on photos of the location and the distances between fixing points. Customers can receive a proposed shading layout, pricing, reference photos and installation guidance.

Practical tip: send clear photos of the space together with measured distances between possible fixing points. That is the quickest way to receive a realistic recommendation for a UK garden, patio or pergola project.

Shade sails behave like real sails in wind, which means they catch air and place load on the fixing points.

All sails and curtains should be removed, or moved aside in the case of retractable systems, more often as the covered area gets larger. Even though Mesh 270 g/m² is perforated, the original guidance says it is actually one of the least wind-resistant options in practice.

Practical tip: always include wind exposure in your planning. In open UK gardens, coastal areas or elevated sites, make removal and safe storage part of normal use rather than an emergency measure.

Yes, shade sails have a correct top side and underside, and this matters for durability.

Decor sails must not be exposed to the sun with the wrong side facing up. The underside is the side with the folded fabric finish and label. Mesh 270 g/m² should also be installed with the correct side up; the smooth eyelet side is intended as the upper visible side, while the other side has the folded finish at the corners.

Practical tip: before final tensioning, check the product orientation carefully. Incorrect installation can shorten service life and affect appearance.

Yes, custom-made shade sails are available, including non-standard dimensions, shapes, finishes, colours and printed designs.

Standard square, rectangular and triangular corner-mounted sails, as well as retractable sails, Roman blinds and curtains with standard finishing, can be ordered directly online. For very small or very large sizes, irregular polygons, additional fixing points, non-standard finishing, custom colours or graphic prints, you need to send a drawing and dimensions for review. For irregular quadrilaterals, one diagonal measurement is also required so that the shape is fully defined. The original guidance recommends products up to 20 m² with a side length not exceeding 7 m, although larger sizes may sometimes be possible. The production tolerance for custom-made items is +/- 2 cm.

Practical tip: always send a top-view sketch and mark the distances between fixing points clearly. This reduces errors and speeds up the technical assessment before production.

Yes, but the larger the span between fixing points, the more difficult proper tensioning becomes.

The supplied turnbuckle is usually sufficient for fixing-point distances up to around 6–8 metres. If the span is greater, you may need two turnbuckles or one larger model. For corner-mounted Decor sails, once the edge is properly tensioned it should not be tightened further; the surface is not meant to become completely flat. For corner-mounted Mesh 270 g/m² sails, diagonal rippling after tensioning usually means the tension should be reduced on that diagonal. Retractable sails, curtains and Roman blinds are not tensioned like fixed sails; instead, the cords are tensioned and the fabric moves freely on them.

Practical tip: do not chase a perfectly flat fabric surface. Correct installation means stable edges and predictable fabric behaviour, not a drum-tight centre.

Yes, durability can be improved by choosing the right finishing and using suitable support details.

Decor and HDPE are both made from strong materials and are produced with durable sewing threads. One optional way to increase strength is to finish the sail with a steel cable sewn into tunnels along the edges.

Practical tip: if the location is exposed or the spans are larger, discuss reinforced finishing before ordering rather than trying to compensate later during installation.

Most sails are installed around 2.3 to 2.7 metres above the surface that needs shade.

This height usually gives comfortable use of the space underneath. If the sail is installed higher, the shaded area moves away more quickly during the day and low morning or evening sun becomes more noticeable. For Roman blinds mounted up to about 2.5 metres high, the operating handle is usually positioned around 2.0–2.1 metres, which is generally within easy reach for an adult.

Practical tip: do not choose height by appearance alone. Lower installations usually give better practical shade, while higher ones feel more open but lose protection earlier in the day.

Yes, but there are practical size limits beyond which use, tensioning and long-term performance become much more difficult.

For corner-mounted sails, the recommended surface is up to 20 m², or up to 30 m² for HDPE, with side lengths not exceeding 7 m. For retractable sails, the recommended maximum is 16 m², with width up to 3 m and length up to 6 m. For Roman blinds, the recommended maximum is 20 m², standard widths up to 3 m and custom widths up to 4.5 m, although splitting wider projects into two units is usually advised; recommended length is up to 6 m.

Practical tip: if you need a larger solution, treat it as a technical project rather than a standard order. It is usually better to divide the covered area into two smaller products than to force one very large unit.

Yes, unusual shapes are possible, but they are treated as custom production.

This applies to non-standard polygons and other layouts that cannot be ordered directly through the standard online configurator. Such projects require a drawing and full measurements so the shape can be defined correctly before manufacture.

Practical tip: if the shape is irregular, include a clear sketch and at least one diagonal measurement where relevant. This is especially important for quadrilateral layouts.

Yes, alternative colours may be possible, especially for larger orders, but the range is limited to materials that meet the required quality standard.

The available standard range depends on the material. Custom colour options are more realistic where a larger quantity of material is justified. It is also possible to produce a single-sided print with custom graphics.

Practical tip: if colour consistency with a façade, pergola or commercial branding matters, send the exact requirement before ordering so feasibility can be checked first.

The largest practical size depends on the product type and material.

Corner-mounted sails are generally recommended up to 20 m², or up to 30 m² in HDPE, with side lengths up to 7 m. Retractable sails are generally recommended up to 16 m², with width up to 3 m and length up to 6 m. Roman blinds are generally recommended up to 20 m², standard widths up to 3 m and custom widths up to 4.5 m, with length up to 6 m.

Practical tip: when planning a larger pergola, terrace or commercial space, split the cover into smaller modules wherever possible. It usually gives better handling, better drainage and easier long-term use.

The maximum distance depends on the sail type, but the sail must always be reduced relative to the fixing-point spacing.

For corner-mounted sails, the sail should be made smaller than the measured gap between fixing points. If using the dedicated mounting kit, the recommendation is to reduce the sail by about 25–30 cm on all sides. Practical size limits still apply: corner-mounted sails are generally recommended up to 20 m², or 30 m² in HDPE, with side lengths up to 7 m; retractable sails up to 16 m², with width up to 3 m and length around 6–7 m; Roman blinds up to 20 m², standard widths to 3 m and custom widths to 4.5 m, with length up to 6 m.

Practical tip: never order a sail to the exact fixing-point dimensions unless the product is specifically designed that way. Tensioning space must be allowed for from the start.

A slope is essential for both shade performance and water management, and the best direction depends on the layout.

As a rule, sails should ideally slope towards the west so the shadow stays useful later in the day. If the product is installed near a house wall, it should slope away from the building so water does not run onto the wall. Roman blinds running directly along a wall should also slope away from the house; if they run from the house towards the garden, they should slope sideways to help drainage. Where two Roman blinds sit next to each other, it is better to slope them outward so water does not drain into the centre of the terrace. If three Roman blinds are installed side by side, water may run onto the terrace unless the mounting heights are staggered by at least about 25 cm.

Practical tip: plan slope direction before ordering, not during installation. In the UK, where mixed weather is common, drainage direction matters just as much as the shade pattern.

Water management depends on the material, but standing water must never be ignored.

HDPE and Mesh 270 g/m² allow water through, although torrential rain may still temporarily exceed drainage. Decor is impregnated on the underside and offers rain protection until the fabric becomes saturated by surrounding moisture; seams are not waterproof, and standing water is not acceptable. To manage water you can tension and slope the sail, add a central suspension loop, add drainage eyelets, remove water manually, or retract Roman blinds and retractable sails when needed. PVC 650 g/m² is fully waterproof, but standing water is still not acceptable; the fabric must be sloped, manually drained or retracted where applicable.

Practical tip: for UK use, assume that heavy showers and gusty weather can happen together. A suitable slope helps, but it is not a substitute for sensible operation in bad conditions.

The correct cleaning method depends on the material, and using the wrong method can damage the fabric or finish.

Mesh 270 g/m² can be cleaned by hand with water and a sponge or cloth, and unprinted versions can also be cleaned with a pressure washer; it is not suitable for washing machines because the fabric is stiff. HDPE should be cleaned by hand with a soft brush and pH-neutral soap, or with a garden hose held about 0.5 m away, without aggressive detergents. Decor and printed or unprinted meshflag can be hand-washed or machine-washed at 30°C without spinning or tumble drying, using gentle detergents and no bleach. PVC 650 g/m² should be cleaned by hand with a soft sponge and mild soap or washing-up liquid, or with a garden hose from a similar distance.

Practical tip: always test the gentlest method first. Harsh cleaning products can remove coatings, weaken the finish or reduce the useful life of the material.

Yes, if you want to preserve the appearance and performance for as long as possible, the product should be cleaned, fully dried and stored after the season.

The original guidance recommends washing or cleaning the sail after the summer season, then drying it thoroughly and storing it in a dry place. This reduces the risk of mould, staining and unnecessary weather-related wear.

Practical tip: never store the product damp. In the UK climate especially, even short-term storage with trapped moisture can leave marks or shorten service life.

Yes, some colour change over time is possible, especially if the product is used intensively outdoors.

The original guidance states that Decor may discolour by up to around 8% over a year, meaning colours can fade and white may become more yellow. Correct installation is important because the UV-resistant side must face the sun, while the reverse side should not be exposed directly to sunlight.

Practical tip: correct orientation matters just as much as cleaning. A badly installed sail may age faster even if the fabric itself is high quality.

The service life depends mainly on how the product is used, stored and protected from strong wind.

In practice, customers most often replace corner-mounted Decor sails after around 3–4 years, Mesh 270 g/m² products after around 2–3 years, and Roman blinds after around 4–5 years. In many cases, replacement is not caused by a technical failure, but by a wish to refresh the look of the space or change the colour or concept.

Practical tip: regular cleaning, full drying before storage and removing the sail in strong wind usually have a greater impact on lifespan than the fabric alone.

The level of shade depends on the material, the sun angle and the installation height.

Mesh 270 g/m² gives around 60% shade and noticeably reduces surface heat, but for lying down, reading or working on a laptop it may still feel too bright. Decor gives almost full shade, while only partially darkening the area beneath. HDPE gives around 95% shade. Mesh flag gives around 40% shade. PVC 650 g/m² gives full shade.

Practical tip: if comfort in stronger midday sun is the priority, choose Decor, HDPE or PVC 650 g/m²; if you want lighter cover and more brightness, choose Mesh 270 g/m².

No, a shade sail does not usually make the area underneath feel dark, although the effect depends on the material and colour.

Mesh 270 g/m² lets through the most light and therefore feels brightest underneath. Decor darkens the area more, but it does not normally make it genuinely dark. Grey absorbs the most light, while white reflects more light and keeps the result visually softer. In normal patio use it should not darken internal rooms dramatically.

Practical tip: if the aim is stronger blackout, for example near a projector room or light-sensitive space, choose the darkest suitable option or ask for a more specialised technical material.

No, a curved cut is not always mandatory, but it is the standard finish for Decor corner-mounted sails because it makes proper tensioning easier.

With Decor, edges are normally cut in a curve. It is possible to avoid this, for example by using additional fixing points, but a sail with inward curves is usually much easier to tension correctly and present neatly.

Practical tip: if appearance and easier tensioning matter more than squeezing every centimetre of coverage, the standard curved edge is usually the more practical choice.

No, according to company policy all products must have a visible SunShade label sewn in.

The original source states that SunShade is a registered and protected brand, and the label is part of the standard product finish.

Practical tip: if label placement matters for a specific project or visual presentation, ask about the standard position before production rather than after delivery.

The number of panels depends on the material width and the size of the finished product.

Decor and Mesh flag are supplied on rolls around 160 cm wide. Products with at least two dimensions above 150 cm are sewn from multiple panels and should remain symmetrical while keeping the number of joins as low as possible. The seams are not waterproof. Mesh 270 g/m² is available in widths up to 5 m, so it is typically made in one piece.

Practical tip: if seam visibility matters for design reasons, mention that before ordering. For some uses, the panel layout is just as important visually as the colour.

No, the mounting kit is optional, but the sail size is normally selected based on the company’s own mounting accessories.

Mounting kits are sold separately. You do not need to buy one, especially if the installation will be carried out in a non-standard way. However, if you use different accessories, you are responsible for making sure the product size still works correctly for the fixing distances and intended tensioning method.

Practical tip: if you plan to use your own fixings, confirm the exact hardware dimensions before ordering. Small differences in hardware length can affect the correct sail size.

Shade sails are installed to previously prepared fixing points.

Corner-mounted Mesh 270 g/m² sails have two eyelets in each corner and should be installed according to the product guidance. Corner-mounted Decor and HDPE sails have a sewn-in load-bearing strap with a carabiner in each corner. Retractable sails and Roman blinds have eyelets that allow cords to be threaded through for opening and closing.

Practical tip: prepare the fixing points before the product arrives and check that the structure is suitable for the loads. Installation is much easier when the supports are ready first.

Yes, VAT invoices are issued.

The original Polish content refers to a domestic VAT rate of 23%, and also notes that for intra-EU supply to active VAT payers, 0% VAT may apply in line with the relevant rules. For the UK market, the final invoicing treatment should always follow the current tax setup used for the destination country and buyer type.

Practical tip: for business purchases, provide your company details and tax status at the order stage so the invoice can be prepared correctly from the start.

The warranty is 2 years for private customers and 1 year for businesses.

The warranty does not cover mechanical damage or damage caused by use that is inconsistent with the intended purpose or operating rules. A damaged sail should not continue to be used until it has been repaired.

Practical tip: if damage occurs, stop using the product first and document the issue clearly. Continued use can make both the defect and the assessment more difficult.

Personal collection may be possible, but it is collection only and not an on-site consultation service.

The original guidance states that if collection is made available, there is no consultation on site and no showroom display. Any order details or doubts should therefore be clarified in advance by email or telephone. The previous Polish pickup address refers to the Poznań logistics point.

Practical tip: for the UK version, update the pickup information only if local collection is actually offered on the live site. Otherwise, remove the collection address and keep the answer limited to delivery policy.

The standard rule is that orders should be placed in writing.

The company policy described in the source content requires a written form of order, for example through the website, by email, by text message or by post. In special cases, such as a website error or an exceptional standard-product order, a phone order may be possible if a consultant agrees.

Practical tip: even if you discuss the order by phone, make sure the final version is confirmed in writing. That is the safest way to avoid mistakes with colour, size or delivery details.

If the aim is to replace a rigid roof, you need to choose the product very carefully because a fabric sail is not the same as a permanent roof structure.

The offer includes sail roofs made from HDPE, Mesh 270 g/m² and PVC 650 g/m². They provide shelter from the sun, but the original guidance states that they should not be treated as a direct equivalent of a permanent roof. Performance in rain and wind depends on the material, slope, tension, drainage and daily operation.

Practical tip: if your real requirement is all-weather cover with minimal daily handling, describe the project as a roof-replacement use case before ordering. That allows the technical team to advise whether a sail-based solution is suitable.

Yes, but only if the installation is planned with the understanding that a shade sail is not a maintenance-free product.

A sail can be installed above vehicles, but the vehicle should still be protected in case the sail is not removed during strong wind and the installation fails. The risk increases with weather exposure, poor anchoring and larger sail areas.

Practical tip: if the sail is intended for a car parking area, use robust fixing points, realistic size limits and a clear wind-management routine. Do not treat the installation like a rigid canopy.

For privacy, customers most often choose Decor because it gives the most visual screening.

Decor provides the greatest discretion and helps separate the space visually from neighbouring properties. Where extra protection is needed, for example from cigarette ends thrown from above, Mesh 270 g/m² may also be considered because the original source notes a flame-retardant certification in that context. In some cases, both solutions may be combined.

Practical tip: if privacy matters as much as shade, mention the viewing angle as well as the sun direction. Side screening often solves the problem better than overhead shade alone.

For locations with leaves, sap or heavier dirt, Mesh 270 g/m² is often the easiest option to maintain.

Mesh 270 g/m² is usually recommended in such conditions because it is easy to wash, including with a pressure washer, and the price point makes replacement more manageable if necessary. The original source notes that in these conditions it may last only around two seasons. Another option is to combine a Decor sail with a Mesh 270 g/m² sail so the top layer catches more dirt.

Practical tip: if the sail will sit directly below trees, choose the easiest-to-clean solution rather than only the one that gives the deepest shade.

Not always, but the answer depends on the material and whether water can drain away safely.

The materials used for sails are water-resistant, and they may remain outside in rain. However, Decor is partially waterproof rather than fully waterproof, so standing water is not acceptable. If water cannot drain away, the sail should be removed, or retracted to the side in the case of retractable sails and Roman blinds.

Practical tip: rain itself is not usually the main problem; trapped water is. Always look at the drainage path, not just the weather forecast.

Discounts depend on the quantity and product type, and larger projects are usually priced individually.

Base prices are shown per piece or per square metre, and the site may apply automatic discounts according to area for individual products. For larger quantities, the source content distinguishes between wholesale and pallet quantities, which means pricing is normally handled through an individual quotation.

Practical tip: for trade, hospitality or project orders, ask for a quote before placing multiple separate orders. It is usually the best route for both pricing and production planning.

Yes, non-standard finishing may be possible, but it should be reviewed technically before production.

The original source makes clear that modified finishing should be consulted first so a technician can explain whether the change is functional, justified and whether it may reduce or increase the product’s strength.

Practical tip: describe the use case, not just the hardware request. The best finishing detail depends on whether the priority is wind resistance, easier handling, drainage or visual appearance.

Standard-size products with standard finishing can usually be dispatched very quickly if payment is confirmed in time.

The original source says that standard products are available from stock and that orders placed by 23:59 can be dispatched on the next working day, provided payment has been booked or cash-on-delivery has been chosen, with delivery then taking place on the following working day. Personal collection may also be possible after an email confirmation of readiness.

Practical tip: for UK publication, update this answer to match the real current dispatch and courier lead times. Keep the principle, but replace the exact old timing only if your present logistics process is different.

It depends on the extent of the damage, so the product must be assessed first.

The original source asks customers to send an email with photos of the damage. Based on that, the team can say whether repair is possible and what it would involve. SunShade repairs only clean and dry sails; wet sails must not be sent because this may cause permanent discolouration.

Practical tip: take clear close-up and full-view photos before doing anything else, and make sure the product is fully dry before packing or sending it for inspection.

If water is pooling, the drainage setup is not sufficient and action is needed straight away.

Please refer to the guidance in question 16. In practice, the solution is usually to increase the slope, improve tensioning, redirect drainage, add a suitable water-management detail or retract/remove the product when conditions require it.

Practical tip: do not leave pooled water to “see what happens”. The load can increase quickly and may damage both the product and the fixing points.

In many cases this can be improved by changing the installation height, changing the slope or extending the shaded area.

The original source suggests three common solutions: changing the mounting height and/or slope, adding a second sail to increase the covered area, or adding a side curtain to protect against low evening sun. It is best to send a photo of the location together with a short description of the problem so the cause can be identified more accurately.

Practical tip: low sun from the side is often the real reason for disappointing shade. Overhead cover alone does not always solve morning and evening glare.

An exchange may be possible if the sail was not made to an individual specification and has not been used.

The original guidance says that in such a case the customer should send an email with the details and will then receive instructions on the best way to proceed. If time is critical, the suggested approach is to place a second order immediately and separately return the incorrect standard item as a cancellation.

Practical tip: do not install or use the product if you intend to exchange it. Keep it in saleable condition and report the issue as soon as possible.

This may be normal, depending on the material and the condition of the fabric.

HDPE and Mesh 270 g/m² are not impregnated, so they can let water through. Decor is impregnated and has waterproof properties when dry, but once it becomes saturated with moisture from the surroundings it may let water through. The seams are not waterproof.

Practical tip: first identify the material before assuming there is a fault. Breathable fabrics are designed to behave differently from waterproof technical fabrics.

The eyelets on the non-retracting sides are used to secure the sail to the structure.

They help prevent the sail from sliding open or closed on its own and also improve how the product presents when installed.

Practical tip: use these securing points as intended. They are part of the system, not decorative extras.

Yes, the number of fixing points is selected so the product can be installed and tensioned correctly.

If additional fixing points are prepared and can be used, they should be used because they make proper tensioning easier and help the product sit as intended.

Practical tip: leaving out available fixing points often makes installation harder rather than easier. Use the planned support layout wherever possible.

This usually means the payment had not yet been booked, cash on delivery was selected, or the shipment was labelled incorrectly.

The original source gives two solutions: you can refuse the parcel and report the situation by email so it returns to the sender and can be dispatched again, or you can accept the parcel, pay again and then send your bank details so the overpayment can be refunded.

Practical tip: keep your order confirmation and payment confirmation at hand. It makes resolving courier-payment mistakes much faster.

It may be possible, but clearance items are often single pieces in non-standard sizes, finishes or colours.

The source content explains that such products are often unique and may not use the current season’s colour range. A matching second piece would therefore usually need to be treated as a custom order.

Practical tip: if you plan to add a second product later, ask about that possibility before buying the clearance item. Exact matching may not be guaranteed afterwards.

You should contact the company immediately so the order can be corrected before dispatch or production.

The original source instructs customers to call the number shown on the website and/or send an email explaining what is wrong and what the correct information should be. Timing matters because once production starts or the parcel is dispatched, changes may no longer be possible.

Practical tip: report any mistake the same day if possible. Size and colour corrections are far easier before manufacturing begins.

The right curtain material depends on whether you want stronger screening, more airflow or a lighter visual effect.

Decor gives almost full shade, provides privacy, slows down wind and light rain and matches the same material range used for sails, Roman blinds and pergola strips. Mesh flag is lighter at around 100 g/m², is translucent, offers around 40% shade, gives privacy without fully closing off the space and allows a better view through. Mesh 270 g/m² is also sometimes used, but because it is stiff and folds rather than drapes, it is less visually refined as a curtain, even though it offers easy cleaning, lower cost and frost resistance.

Practical tip: for a pergola side where privacy matters most, start with Decor; where you still want visibility and a lighter feel, start with Mesh flag.

For outdoor use, the curtain should generally not be wider than the opening it covers.

Outdoor curtains should usually be ordered to the exact width between fixing points because the fabric will catch the wind and billow. Extra fabric outdoors usually creates a less tidy and less practical result. Fixing points are typically placed outside the structure in line with the vertical posts, leaving at least 10 cm at the bottom so the curtain does not touch the ground if the cord sags. For indoor spaces or winter gardens, extra fullness of more than 30% may be acceptable depending on taste.

Practical tip: for exterior pergolas and patios, prioritise stability over decorative fullness. Indoors, decorative gathering is much easier to use safely.

Standard curtain finishing depends on the material, and a weighted hem should not be used outdoors.

Decor curtains usually have eyelets all around, or along the top and sides every roughly 50 cm, so a cord can be run not only across the top but also along the bottom. Mesh flag curtains have a sewn tunnel at the top and side eyelets so they can be tied to the vertical posts. The source content clearly states that a weight must not be sewn into the bottom for outdoor use, because even moderate wind can swing a heavy lower edge with enough force to break objects or injure someone.

Practical tip: if you need more control at the lower edge outdoors, use side fixing and correct cord layout rather than a weighted hem.

The best match depends on the effect you want: privacy, airflow, lighter appearance or stronger weather reduction.

Please refer back to Curtains question 1. In practice, the safest choice is to match the material to the function of the existing installation so the products work together visually and technically.

Practical tip: if you are adding a second curtain later, confirm the original material and colour first. That gives the best chance of a consistent final result.

The print is on the right side of the sail.

This orientation is part of the standard production method and should be considered when preparing artwork and installation direction.

Practical tip: if the printed face needs to be visible from a specific side of the terrace or garden, mention that before production.

Yes, but that becomes a custom-made product.

Adding extra fixing points changes the standard design and should therefore be treated as an individual production job, with the same technical review as other custom options.

Practical tip: if you think you need extra fixing points, explain why. They may solve the problem, but sometimes the better answer is a different size or edge finish.

Yes, custom corner-mounted sails are available for non-standard shapes, sizes and finishing.

Standard square and rectangular corner-mounted sails, as well as retractable sails, Roman blinds and curtains with standard finishing, can be ordered online. For very small or large dimensions, triangles, other polygons, different finishing, additional fixing points, non-standard colours or graphic prints, send a sketch, top view and dimensioned distances between fixing points. For irregular four-sided shapes, include one diagonal so the geometry is defined correctly. The source again recommends sizes up to 20 m² and side lengths up to 7 m where possible.

Practical tip: a clear top-view drawing is essential. Because the fabric has a right side and underside, orientation must be clear before manufacture.

A cable sewn into the edges can improve load distribution and edge behaviour, but it also changes how the sail works.

The original source lists several advantages: the sail edges settle more neatly, larger loads can be distributed more evenly along the full edge, and it offers extra protection against tearing. The disadvantages are equally important: it requires very strong supporting structures, the cable edge is stiffer than the fabric and can interfere with drainage, and installation takes longer because extra hardware is needed to tension the steel cable.

Practical tip: choose this option only when the supporting structure is strong enough and the installation detail has been planned in advance.

For corner-mounted sails in Decor, the standard curve depth is around 20 cm, although triangles may be deeper.

In triangular sails, the curve may reach even 45 cm depending on the overall size. For small custom-made sails, smaller curves may be possible. Because the standard 20 cm curve is part of the normal cut, one edge can sometimes be made visually shallower during installation by increasing the distance between fixing points, although this will increase the curve effect on an adjacent side.

Practical tip: do not judge the curve only from drawings. Its visual effect depends heavily on the final fixing-point geometry and tensioning.

Some movement in the middle is normal, because a shade sail is not designed to become a completely flat sheet.

You can check and adjust the tension, and the original source suggests sending a photo for technical review if needed. However, it also makes clear that a sail works through its centre and is fixed mainly at the corners, which means some central sagging is expected, especially as the size increases.

Practical tip: first check whether the corners are correctly tensioned and the fixing geometry is correct. A little centre movement is normal; poor edge tension is the real problem.

Both systems open and close, but they are finished differently and behave differently in use, especially in rain.

Retractable sails are made from Mesh 270 g/m² and Decor, while Roman blinds are made from Decor and HDPE. In Decor, both systems use the same base material, but the finish is different. A retractable sail has eyelets roughly every 50 cm, with paired eyelets on the moving side, and it forms a central trough when extended, which means rainwater in Decor may collect more easily. From a width of about 2.3 m, a central supporting strip and third cord are used. A Roman blind has sewn tunnels about every 50 cm for aluminium rods and a load-bearing strip with eyelets above each tunnel. When extended, it forms decorative folds, and each fold also works as a drainage channel if the blind is given a slight sideways slope.

Practical tip: if easier rain management matters, a Roman blind is usually the more practical option than a retractable sail in the same material.

The opening method and number of cords depend on the product type, material and width.

In Decor, both retractable sails and Roman blinds are moved using a handle positioned at the start and end of the system. A retractable sail uses two cords if the width is below about 2.3 m, and three cords from around 2.3 m upwards. A Roman blind typically uses two cords up to around 1.5 m width, three cords from about 1.55 m to about 3.12 m, and four cords from about 3.15 m to about 4.5 m, although exceptions exist. In Mesh 270 g/m², the retractable sail is moved by hand; the eyelets on the fixed side can be used to attach a handle.

Practical tip: when comparing systems, do not look only at the fabric. The operating method affects daily comfort just as much as the shading level.

With standard finishing, both systems project slightly above the cords and noticeably below them, but the values differ.

For a standard retractable sail with eyelets or tunnels about every 50 cm, the product rises up to about 3 cm above the cords when retracted and about 1.5 cm when extended. Below the cords it hangs about 18 cm when extended and about 30 cm when retracted. A Roman blind rises about 0.8 cm above the cords, and hangs about 12 cm below them when extended and about 28 cm when retracted.

Practical tip: check these clearances if the system sits below roof beams, lights or doors. The visual depth of the fabric matters in everyday use.

Usually yes, because the end valance is an important part of how the Roman blind works and looks.

The original guidance says that the final valances are very important and should only be shortened in justified cases. On one side, shortening may be possible if the blind is close to the building, protected from direct sun or would interfere with a window opening. It is also possible, for an extra charge, to sew the tunnels more closely so the valance becomes shorter.

Practical tip: if the blind is close to doors or windows, mention the clearance issue before ordering rather than altering the product later.

If the system is mounted higher than about 2.5 metres, the easiest solution is usually to extend the reach of the handle.

The original source suggests tying a cord or tape to the handle so it can be reached more easily. It may also be possible to make the valance longer or use a longer handle, although that is not always visually ideal. Some customers create their own pulley-and-cord systems so the product can be operated from one position. If such a system is planned, it should be mentioned at the ordering stage so the finishing detail supports it.

Practical tip: decide on the operating method before installation. Access is much easier to solve during production than after the system is already in place.

For production, the required dimensions are the outside measurements, including the mounting beams, plus the beam sizes themselves.

This means the vertical and top beams need to be included in the measurement so the eyelets can be positioned correctly in the cover. The minimum beam width stated in the source content is 7 cm.

Practical tip: measure the structure, not only the clear opening. Beam dimensions affect eyelet placement and therefore the final fit.

The standard terrace cover is made from strong PVC 650 g/m² fabric with transparent panels in Clear PVC.

The original specification states that the product is made from PVC 650 g/m² with transparent windows in 0.7 mm Clear PVC. Standard finishing includes eyelets at the top and sides, while the bottom has a flat 10 cm tunnel included within the total height. The standard coloured frame width on the top and side edges is 16 cm. Eyelet placement is adjusted to the beam width; by default, the eyelet centre is placed 5 cm from the edge, which suits beams around 10 cm wide. Each cover also includes roll-up straps so it can be secured in the raised position during summer. The dimensional tolerance is +/- 2 cm.

Practical tip: confirm beam widths before ordering. Even a well-made cover will not fit cleanly if the supporting structure was measured inaccurately.

The transparent section can be customised, but one of its dimensions must not exceed 170 cm.

According to the source content, either the width or the height of the transparent panel can be up to 170 cm, and the coloured frame around it must be at least 10 cm wide. Within those rules, the clear section can be designed quite freely.

Practical tip: if visibility is your priority, plan the clear panel early, but leave enough coloured border for strength and stable finishing.

Yes, a terrace cover can be produced with a door.

The door can be closed either with hook-and-loop fastening or with a zip, depending on the chosen solution and project requirement.

Practical tip: choose the closure method based on how often the opening will be used. A frequently used entrance usually needs a more practical access detail than an occasional service opening.