Rectangular and square shade sails are sized by measuring the overall dimensions from corner to corner. For example, a 10’ × 10’ sail is a square shade sail with equal side lengths, while a 10’ × 16’ sail is a rectangular shade sail with one shorter side and one longer side.
All dimensions shown are nominal corner-to-corner measurements before installation tensioning and do not account for mounting hardware, attachment clearances, or required installation gaps. Shade sails are designed to be installed under tension and require adequate space between each sail corner and the mounting point for proper hardware, adjustment, and long-term performance.
As a general guideline, we recommend allowing approximately 5%–10% of the sail dimension for tensioning clearance on each side. For example, a 10’ sail side should typically have 6”–12” of additional space per corner, while larger sails may require 12”–24”+ depending on hardware configuration, mounting conditions, and desired tension. Insufficient spacing can make installation difficult and may prevent the sail from being properly tensioned, which can lead to sagging, fabric flutter, or excessive stress on mounting points.
Mounting hardware is sold separately and is not included with the shade sail unless otherwise noted. Hardware requirements vary based on installation type, mounting structure, and span distances. If you are unsure about sizing, mounting clearances, or hardware requirements, we recommend contacting us before ordering to confirm fitment for your application.
