When the sun does finally shine in the UK, you'll need adequate shade to safely enjoy UV rays. In the past, this meant bulky, awkward sun parasols, that you were forever having to adjust. Nowadays, there are garden shade sails! These are large pieces of material that can be attached to nearby walls and poles to provide shelter from the sun.
Made to fit any garden, in this article we'll show you how to find the perfect one. Sharing the 10 best garden shade sails in the UK on Amazon, read on for tips and advice on how to choose the right size, fabric and fixing for your garden, patio or deck.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of garden shade sails available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Ankuka | 2 ![]() Kookaburra | 3 ![]() Cymax | 4 ![]() JNCH | 5 ![]() HAIKUS | 6 ![]() OldPAPA | 7 ![]() OldPAPA | 8 ![]() Kookaburra | 9 ![]() Jneaicn | 10 ![]() Kookaburra |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | 3m x 4m Sun Shade Sail | Waterproof Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy | Sun Shade Sail 2x3m Rectangle | Garden Sun Shade Sail Canopy | Breathable Triangle Sun Shade | Sun Shade Sail | Sun Shade Sail Waterproof Triangle | Pyramid Ivory Sail Shade Kit | Shade Sails | Triangle Water Resistant Garden Patio Sun Shade Sail |
Features | An Extra Large Waterproof Sail Ideal for Families | Stylish Triangle Sail for Patios and Decking | UV Protective Garden Shade Sail for Those on a Budget | Contemporary Garden Shade That Can Be Used to Shelter Cars | Breathable Fabric for Air Flow on Very Hot Days | A Mesh Type Material for Breathability and Waterproofing | A Lightweight Shade Sail for Travelling | An Elegant Sun Shade Kit for Parties | A Great All-Rounder for Larger Gardens | An Easy-To-Install Shade for Small Gardens and Patios |
Price | £39.98 | £65.99 | £17.99 | £58.99 | £21.98 | £30.99 | £16.99 | £149.99 | £40.99 | £25.99 |
Size | 3 x 4 metres | 5 x 5 metres | 2 x 3 metres | 4 x 5 metres | 3 x 3 x 4 metres | 3 x 3 metres | 3 x 3 x 3 metres | 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 metres | 3 x 3 metres | 2 metres |
Shape | Rectangle | Triangle | Rectangular | Rectangle | Triangle | Rectangular | Triangle | Triangular | Rectangle | Triangle |
Material Thickness | 220 gsm | 160 Gsm | High Density Polyethylene fabric, exact thickness unspecified | 160 gsm | 185 gsm | 160 gsm | Unspecified | 160 gsm | Unspecified | 140 gsm |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Water resistant | Yes | No | Yes | Water resistant | Yes | Yes | Water resistant |
UV Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fittings | Stainless steel D-rings, 4 x ropes | D-rings (strapped for tension and anchored in the corners) | Durable stainless steel D-rings and rope | D-rings (strapped for tension and anchored in the corners) | Durable stainless steel D-rings, 3 x ropes | D-rings | D-rings on 3 corners | Pole and pegs | Stainless steel D-rings | Woven loops and rope |
Link |
A garden shade sail is both practical and elegant, providing shade without an awkward sun parasol getting in the way. However, it's important to make sure it's the correct size for your space. First consider how much shade you require.
If you only have a small garden, you may not wish to block the sun from the whole area, meaning a smaller 2 x 3 m sail should suffice. On the other hand, a large garden will be able to withstand a much bigger sail around 4 x 5 m.
Likewise, shape is another key factor to consider. If your garden is awkwardly shaped, a triangular sail can be fit into a corner. If you need a larger area of shade, opt for a rectangular sail. Rectangular sails can always be folded in half or into a triangular shape on occasions when you want less shade.
When choosing a garden shade sail you'll want one that will stand the test of time, particularly if you plan to keep the shade up throughout the warmer months.
The thickness of the material will play a key part in your sail's longevity, as fabric that's too thin may be prone to tears. We recommend looking for a fabric with a thickness of at least 160 gsm to withstand general wear and tear.
It may also be a good idea to choose a water resistant fabric. This will allow you to keep your sail up throughout the temperamental British summertime, providing shelter and removing the constant need to put it away as soon as a shower hits. Waterproof material will also help prevent mould build-up when in storage.
Need extra space to store your sail over the winter? we've ranked the 10 Best Storage Boxes!
Shade is always an important factor when those rare super-hot days finally hit the UK. While garden sails do help provide shelter, they can't always guarantee protection against sunburn.
If the fabric is flimsy, UV rays will still penetrate through and can cause harmful sun damage. Thicker material will help prevent this, but for extra security look for fabrics that have been UV treated to provide maximum protection.
Why not invest in a new Garden Furniture Set to help you relax under the shade?
To ensure the rain will run off your sail, it's advised you angle your sail at a 20 – 40° angle. Unfortunately, this means that your sail may catch the wind on occasion. To ensure your installation can withstand a sudden gust without blowing away, we recommend using D-rings to secure your sail to a sturdy structure or wall.
Most sails should also come with ropes to help tie them securely to your fixings. Depending on the length of rope provided, you may even be able to attach your sail to trees, fences or posts. The best way to avoid disappointment is to check what fittings come with your sail, before buying.
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£39.98
Size | 3 x 4 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Rectangle |
Material Thickness | 220 gsm |
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | Stainless steel D-rings, 4 x ropes |
£65.99
Size | 5 x 5 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Triangle |
Material Thickness | 160 Gsm |
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | D-rings (strapped for tension and anchored in the corners) |
£17.99
Size | 2 x 3 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
Material Thickness | High Density Polyethylene fabric, exact thickness unspecified |
Waterproof | Water resistant |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | Durable stainless steel D-rings and rope |
£58.99
Size | 4 x 5 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Rectangle |
Material Thickness | 160 gsm |
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | D-rings (strapped for tension and anchored in the corners) |
£21.98
Size | 3 x 3 x 4 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Triangle |
Material Thickness | 185 gsm |
Waterproof | No |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | Durable stainless steel D-rings, 3 x ropes |
£30.99
Size | 3 x 3 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Rectangular |
Material Thickness | 160 gsm |
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | D-rings |
£16.99
Size | 3 x 3 x 3 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Triangle |
Material Thickness | Unspecified |
Waterproof | Water resistant |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | D-rings on 3 corners |
£149.99
Size | 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Triangular |
Material Thickness | 160 gsm |
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | Pole and pegs |
£40.99
Size | 3 x 3 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Rectangle |
Material thickness | Unspecified |
Waterproofing | Yes |
UV protection | Yes |
Fittings | Stainless steel D-rings |
£25.99
Size | 2 metres |
---|---|
Shape | Triangle |
Material Thickness | 140 gsm |
Waterproof | Water resistant |
UV Protection | Yes |
Fittings | Woven loops and rope |
Written and researched by Sarah Jarman
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications