Established over 15 years

Shaded Nation

Shaded Nation – Shade Sails

Category Archives: Shade Sails


The shade sail specialists

Shaded Nation is your one-stop-shop for anything to do with shade sails. Whether it’s for your school, home or businesses, we have a quality shade structure for you.

We are an authorised seller of Sail Shade World shades, which are quite simply the best on the market. All of our products use commercial-grade fabric and are built to last for between 15 and 20 years.

Why you should opt for a commercial grade shade sail

Why you should opt for a commercial grade shade sail

Why should you invest in a shade sail?
– Ultimate sun protection
– Shelter from wind and rain
– A wide range of potential uses both commercial and domestic
– Boost the value and appearance of your home or property
– Affordable structures that are built to last

Whether you need a complex shade sail structure for commercial use or a small DIY structure for your back garden, we can help and will provide the same professional, dedicated service regardless.

Why should you use choose us?
– Shades to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets
– Full project management service available – from design through to installation
– Bespoke shade sails made to order
– Pre-made DIY shade sails
– Complete range of accessories
– Friendly and helpful staff with years’ worth of experience

If you’ve got any questions about our shade sails or the service we offer, feel free to get in touch over the phone or by email.

Five uses for a shade sail

We’re passionate about shade sails here at Shaded Nation and one of the main reasons we love our products is their flexibility.

You might not know it, but the shade structures we provide are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes. Read on to find out more.

Garden

Looking to create a relaxing, shaded spot in your garden where you can sit and unwind? One of our shade sails is perfect for you. All of our canopies are designed to be stylish as well as functional, meaning they will boost both the appearance and value of your home.

Business 

Business uses for a shade sail are wide and varied. Be it providing shelter for a restaurant with outdoor seating, or offering a covered smoking area for an office block, we are used to meeting the needs of commercial clients. Not sure if we have a shade to suit your company’s requirements? Feel free to get in touch and discuss your thoughts with us.

Schools 

Shade structures are becoming an increasingly common feature in schools due to the level of sun protection they provide. Our products can block up to 98.8 per cent of harmful UV rays, which drastically reduces the risk of sunburn. With many schools embracing outdoor learning, there is a real need to keep kids safe from the sun and we are happy to help.

Sporting venues 

Another popular use for our shades is to provide shelter at sporting venues such as running tracks and swimming pools. They give protection from the elements for spectators and also participants in some cases.

Parking

It’s much better for a car to be parked in the shade and if you don’t have a garage, why not use a shade canopy to cover your parking spot?

These are just a selection of the possible uses for our shade canopies and if you’ve got something in mind why not get in touch and we can discuss whether it’s doable. We are more than happy to produce bespoke designs, so the chances are we’ll be able to help you out.

Sunburn can also be a threat at work

Most people only see sunburn as a threat when they are on holiday or relaxing at the weekend. However, it can also be an occupational hazard.

Any person who has a job that involves spending a lot of time working outside runs the risk of getting burnt if they don’t take the necessary precautions to protect their skin.

A prime example of this is construction, where the vast majority of a working day is spent out in the open air. At the start of July, House building company Taylor Wimpey launched a campaign to educate workers in the industry about the dangers of the sun.

The firm released a number of recommendations for how workers can keep safe, such as keeping their skin covered, sticking to the shade whenever possible, wearing sunscreen and drinking water to stay hydrated.

Edward Woods, Taylor Wimpey director of health, safety and the environment, stated: “We want all of our people to go home at the end of the day safe and healthy … so it’s particularly important that people working outside take sensible precautions.”

The company said it was prompted into launching the campaign after learning of research by the North West Cancer Research Fund, which revealed many outdoor workers don’t wear sunscreen because they think cloud cover will protect them.

Furthermore, of those who do apply cream, many only do so once they feel their skin burning, meaning damage has already been done.

This problem is not restricted to the construction industry and any business whose staff spend a lot of time working outdoors should consider the sun safety of their workforce.

An ideal way to ensure people are protected is by using a shade sail. These semi-permanent canopies can block 98.8 per cent of dangerous UV rays and provide a welcome shaded spot where staff can work and rest without fear of getting burnt.

Here at Shaded Nation we are used to providing sun shades for business clients and offer both ready-made structures and bespoke designs depending on your preference.

Why schools should use a shade sail

Here at Shaded Nation we regularly provide shade sails for schools and nurseries across the UK and beyond.

These stylish and durable sun canopies have a number of potential functions and can help schools make the most of the resources they have available. How do our clients use our shades? Read on to find out.

Outdoor learning 

More and more schools are waking up to the advantages of outdoor play. Giving kids the chance to learn outdoors is a welcome change from the classroom and is widely recognised as beneficial for their education.

Earlier this year, Sue Waite of the Economic and Social Research Council stated: “Outdoor spaces offer opportunities for children to be more creative, inquiring and socially skilled, as they can pursue their own lines of interest and talk together.”

Classroom expansion 

Need to expand one of your classrooms but lack the necessary funds? A shade sail canopy is an ideal solution. These structures are inexpensive and can easily be installed to the side of a building, thus creating additional space in which teaching can take place.

There are a number of potential uses for outdoor classroom ranging from a traditional environment with tables and chairs to an open area in which subjects like drama and music can be taught.

Outdoor play

Shade sails can provide a perfect place for young children to play in, which is protected from the sun and other elements. Sandpits, paddling pools and other pay areas can easily be set up under a canopy.

Sun protection 

Our shade structures are manufactured to provide the greatest level of sun protection possible and can block up to 98.8 per cent of harmful UV rays. This is of key importance, as children’s skin is particularly vulnerable to sunburn and getting burnt as a child is scientifically proven to increase a person’s chances of contracting skin cancer when older.

Five steps to shade sail success

One of the best things about the shade sail canopies we provide here at Shaded Nation is that they are surprisingly easy to install.

One of our pre-made structures can be put up by just two people in a few hours, which saves you both time and money. Follow our five steps to success and you will have your own relaxing shaded spot in no time at all.

1. Planning 
Before you do come close to installing your shade it’s important to do some planning first. A range of things need to be taken into account such as space, the movement of the sun and if you’re planning to attach a shade to a building a professional should be consulted.

2. Installing your fixing points 
Once the plans are sorted, you’ll need to install your fixing points such as posts and brackets. We recommend steel posts for best performance and the one-third in two-thirds out approach normally works a treat when digging holes.

3. Measuring your area
If we’re going to provide you with the perfect shade structure, we’ll need the perfect measurements. Try to note these down as accurately as possible and feel free to get in touch with us if you’re struggling.

4. Order online
So you’ve done your planning, installed your fixing points and carefully taken down your measurements. Now it’s time to order your shade sail! It’s remarkably easy to do so using our online store and you can browse our wide range of shades to find one that suits you.

5. Installation
As mentioned above, installing a shade is a lot easier than you might think and can be done with relatively little effort in a few hours. We won’t go into detail here, but you can find comprehensive instructions about this and the other steps to success by taking a look at our installation guide.

Why choose Shaded Nation for your sun shade?

So, you’ve decided to invest in a shade sail, but haven’t quite made your mind up regarding which company you want to purchase it from.

That’s fair enough, as there are a number of businesses on the market all offering similar products. However, here at Shaded Nation we’re convinced both our shades and our service stand out from the rest and here are just a few reasons why you should buy your shade canopy with us.

The best products

When purchasing a shade sail your primary concern will always be the quality of the product and by choosing Shaded Nation you will be receiving the best there is.

We only sell Sail Shade World shades, which are manufactured to the highest standards possible. Our products are made using commercial-grade fabric that is built to last for 15 to 20 years.

All of our shades are crafted with colour-keyed seatbelt edge webbing that is unaffected by moisture and natural temperature extremes. This provides a higher level of performance compared to the usual turned and sewn border offered by other manufacturers.

An industry leader

As well as buying a quality product, you want to be dealing with a company you can trust and Shaded Nation also tick this box. We have a wealth of experience in the shade sail trade and are one of the leading firms in the sector in the UK and beyond.

With countless public and commercial customers, you can be sure we will provide a top-quality service.

Choice 

Whoever you are, we’re confident we’ve got a shade structure to suit your needs. You can choose from our large range of pre-made shades, or if your requirements are more particular we’ll be happy to create a bespoke design.

Delivery and support

Your order will normally be dispatched within three or five working days of it being placed and payment being processed, while a 24-hour courier service can be used if you need your shade urgently.

We’re truly passionate about the products we sell and are more than happy to provide you with any support or guidance should you need it.

Shade sails aren’t just for summer

You might think shade sails are only necessary during the summer months. While it’s true their main purpose of blocking the sun’s rays mean they are predominantly used when the weather is warmer, this doesn’t make them redundant at other times of the year.

Shelter from the elements 

The sun isn’t the only thing sail shades can provide protection from, as these durable structures can also shelter you from other elements such as wind and rain. Having a shade in your garden means you can still enjoy being outside during the winter and won’t be at risk of getting wet.

While our shade structures can stand up to wind and rain, they are not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and should be taken down if particularly bad weather is forecast.

Shade sails aren't just for summer

Shade sails aren’t just for summer

Business use

Many businesses use shade sails for a wide variety of purposes such as covering outdoor seating, smoking areas and building entrances to name but a few. These businesses still require their shades outside the summer months and our products are durable enough to perform all year round.

Semi-permanent

One of the best things about our shade sails is the fact they are semi-permanent and can be taken down and re-erected according to your personal preference. For example, if you decide to take your shade down during the winter months, only to find a sunny day is forecast you can put the structure back up quickly and easily.

Sun safety

While sunburn isn’t a common problem in the winter, people with particularly pale skin can still be at risk during days when the sun is shining strongly. Having a shade sail will help to reduce the chances of getting burned, which will limit the likelihood of more severe problems such as skin cancer developing.

You can take a look at our full range of shade canopies by visiting our online store.

Don’t let the sun spoil your appearance

Here in the UK a lot of people seem to be little obsessed with getting a tan. Indeed, many individuals are so desperate to catch the sun they are willing to let their skin get burned in the process.

While there’s no doubting brown, sun-kissed skin can look lovely, not everyone is lucky enough to have skin that turns this colour and will simply burn instead. Indeed, by allowing their skin to burn in pursuit of a tan, many people may actually be doing more harm to their appearance than good.

Here are a few reasons why beauty-conscious individuals should avoid spending too long out in the sun.

 

Don’t let the sun spoil your appearance

Wrinkles
Wrinkles are many people’s worst nightmare, but if you over expose yourself to the sun the chances of developing these unwanted features is drastically increased. Sunburn is proven to cause premature ageing of the skin and if you’re hoping to stay looking young for as long as possible, being sun safe is a good idea.

Age spots
Age spots are brown blemishes that appear on the skin and while they may occur naturally, it is well known that too much sun exposure increases the chances of them forming.

Sagging skin
Another unwelcome side effect of sunburn is sagging skin, which as the name suggests, doesn’t look very pleasant.

Embarrassment
Let’s face it, walking around with a bright red face is pretty embarrassing and impossible to hide. It can also be incredibly sore and getting into this state just because you’d like a tan really isn’t worth it.

Skin cancer
Of course, the primary reason anyone should want to avoid sunburn is because it’s scientifically proven to increase a person’s chances of contracting skin cancer. Sadly, cases of this disease are on the rise, even though it can easily be avoided by taking simple precautions to protect yourself from the sun.

Want to stay safe in the sun? Installing a shade sail will help.

Why restaurants can benefit from shade canopies

The impact of the financial crisis means people have been forced to cut back on non-essential spending on things such as eating out. As a result, restaurants now more than ever need to do everything they can to ensure customers are still coming through the doors.

One way you restaurant could boost its appeal without stretching its budget is by making the most of the opportunities provided by installing a shade canopy, which is the ideal way to create an inexpensive outdoor dining area.

Why restaurants can benefit from shade canopies

Why restaurants can benefit from shade canopies

Attraction 

When the weather is pleasant, people like to enjoy food and drink in the open air. By creating a covered outdoor area with a shade canopy such diners will be attracted to your establishment.

This can be a real tipping point for customers, especially if you are competing with other nearby venues that don’t offer any outdoor seating.

Furthermore, there’s nothing that attracts people to a restaurant more than seeing a venue that’s busy and full of fellow diners. Thus, restaurant owners should be willing to invest in anything that will attract more customers, no matter how small it may seem.

Space

A practical advantage of adding a covered outdoor area to your restaurant is that it increases the amount of floor space available to you. More space, means more customers and that is only ever good news.

No one likes a cramped restaurant and by providing increased space you will be offering a far superior dining experience.

Smoking area

If you’re not keen on the idea of having outdoor seating all year round, there are plenty of other potential uses for a covered space. Smokers will always appreciate having an area that is sheltered from the elements and small features like this can make a big difference to the way a customer views a restaurant.

Storage

Another way you could make use of your covered area is to turn it into a storage space during the winter months. Items such as furniture can be kept secure out of the wind and rain, ready to be brought out again when the sun starts shining.

How does the bespoke shade sail process work?

So, you’ve decided on adding a bespoke shade sail to your property and are considering buying it from the team here at Shaded Nation.

However, you might have a few questions about how the process works before you make your final decision. If so, here is a handy guide that provides a brief overview of how we work and will give you a good idea of what buying your shade from us will entail.

Analysis 
Whenever we receive an enquiry about a shade, the first step is to carry out a thorough analysis of your requirements. We’ll look to gather as much information as possible to ensure you get a shade structure that fulfils all of your needs.

Design 
Once the analysis is complete, we move on to design. Using the information gathered in the analysis stage we will design a shade sail that meets your requirements as much as possible – taking into account a wide range of factors from location through to the time of year the shade will be used.

Manufacture
The next stage is manufacturing. All of our structures are built using shades from Sail Shade World as we believe these products are the finest on the market and offer the best combination of style, durability and reliability.

You can be sure your shade will stand the test of time as we’ll use state-of-the-art machinery and years of experience to produce a structure that will be as long lasting as it is good looking.

Installation 
Once manufacturing is complete it’s time for installation and one of our project managers will oversee the whole process, which is normally completed within a few weeks.

Maintenance
Our service doesn’t stop after installation and we’re happy to offer a low cost maintenance package if you’d rather not carry out cleaning and re-tensioning yourself.

Want to know even more? You can find detailed information about how we work by clicking here.