Backyard & Patio Pick

Sun Shade Sail, 8 x 10 ft Sand Rectangle

An 8 by 10 foot rectangle of 185 gsm high density polyethylene in sand, blocking up to 95 percent of UV while staying woven rather than solid, so hot air rises through it instead of pooling underneath. The edges are cut on a curve, which keeps rainwater from collecting in the middle and stretching the fabric out of true. Seams are double stitched and every corner carries a stainless steel D-ring. Measure D-ring to D-ring and leave 1.5 to 2 feet for hardware, because the sail is not the whole span.

What you're getting

• 8 by 10 foot rectangle of 185 gsm high density polyethylene, sand
• Blocks up to 95 percent of UV while staying air permeable
• Curved edges keep rainwater from pooling in the middle
• Stainless steel D-ring at each corner on double stitched seams
• Woven for shade, not waterproof, so rain passes through it

Why we picked it

A west facing deck is unusable for the best part of the afternoon, and the usual fixes either need a hole in the house or blow over. Fabric strung between four fixed points handles it without either, and because the weave breathes, the air underneath keeps moving instead of sitting hot the way it does under a solid panel. Measure from D-ring to D-ring and allow 1.5 to 2 feet for the hardware, since the sail itself is smaller than the span.