I'm looking to add some shade to my back deck without using umbrellas or spending on a pergola or awning. I'm considering using sun sails that I can clip up and take down in case of storms or during winter. The deck is built over a walk-out basement with a retaining wall on the right. I can set up some posts in the yard near the deck for anchor points, but I'm unsure how to securely anchor the sail to the back of the house. Could I use the overhang above the patio door? Is anchoring into the vinyl siding or chimney a good idea? I'm looking for suggestions on how to achieve vertical stability for the sail at the back of the house. Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
It’s generally advised not to anchor sun sails directly to your house. Instead, it’s better to install additional posts next to your deck for anchoring. This way, if the sail detaches in high winds, you’ll save your house from potential damage. Consider using breakaway options that can disconnect under pressure, making it easier to handle any high-wind situations. I’ve been exploring similar options and definitely wouldn’t want to create holes in my house, either!
Yeah, posts are a solid plan! They provide stability and can be relocated if needed.
We tried to shade our patio too, and while sails were a thought, we ended up going with heavy-duty, movable umbrellas instead. It’s way easier to adjust them for sun angle throughout the day, and I found a super flexible one by Jardinico that rolls around easily. They can be a bit pricey, but in the long run, they suited our needs perfectly! Plus, you could always consider semi-transparent curtains if you want something that’s not a sail. Just a thought!
That sounds smart! I hadn't thought about curtains as an alternative.
Totally agree! Those umbrellas give you flexibility you can't get with a fixed shade.
I had a similar experience. In the end, I settled on a bunch of patio umbrellas. They’re easy to move around, and you’re getting a lot of coverage without the hassle of a permanent structure. I bought several to cover different areas, and it looks pretty cool! The cost is way lower than getting a permanent sail or awning, plus the flexibility is great if you ever want to rearrange things!
That's a genius move! Lots of options with umbrellas, and they look great too.
Exactly! I love how you can adjust them as needed throughout the day.
Exactly! It's much simpler to fix a post than repair the house if things go wrong.