TL;DR
Shade sail posts can be used to create a stylish and functional outdoor space.
- Choose the right post material for your needs.
- Install posts securely in the ground or on a deck.
- Add accessories like lighting, fans, and planters to complete the look.
With the right shade sail post ideas, you can create an outdoor oasis that is both beautiful and practical!
Are you thinking about putting in shade sails in your backyard?
Do you want to do something a little more unique than just a few pieces of wood or aluminum for your shade sail posts?
Are you trying to find a way to get your posts to look better than anyone else’s on the block?
If you’re in the market for some fresh new ideas for your shade sails, then you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll show you ten incredible takes on the shade sail post that are sure to inspire you and get you ready for your new project in no time.
Of course, before you can get started, it’s important to understand just what you’re looking for when choosing a post idea for your shade sails. What exactly are the requirements for a post, tree trunk, or any other support structure to be strong enough for a shade sail, anyway?
Your post should always be tall enough to support your shade sail and keep it tense enough that it can stay in place without sagging due to rain or snow buildup. The post should also be thick enough to support the weight of the shade sail, even when wet. This thickness and height will vary depending on the size, shape, and weight of the shade sail fabric you choose, and you may need to ask a professional for more information.
For now, however, you can get started looking at inspiration and coming up with some new concepts for your backyard setup.
Check out these great shade sail post ideas below!
1. Designer Posts
These posts are designed to look like large leaves or the stems of an aloe plant jutting up out of the ground. You can have a look like this in your backyard if you work with a custom professional designer, but you may need a large backyard space to make it happen!
2. Organic Posts
Use organic rope or other types of materials to create a more rustic look or a "beachy" vibe in your outdoor spaces. You can do this by coating your lumber or steel posts with any type of organic materials you may want to use. Secure them with a glue or sealant to protect against the weather.
3. Lumber Posts
There’s no reason why you can’t go with lumber posts if you want to, but why not install an adjustable height bracket to improve the efficiency and ease of use of your shade sail at the same time? This way, you can hang and take down your sails as needed.
4. Steel Posts
Traditional steel posts never go out of style, and if you angle them slightly outward to give a more abstract look to your shade sail, then they come out even better. This design is also hooked to the ground on opposite sides for better results.
5. Curved Steel Posts
Choose a curved steel post that is designed to look like a soaring bird for a fun and funky take on the shade sail. This is a stylish and modern variation on posts like these, and it may not work for every backyard. This design could require professional installation.
6. Flowing Posts
If you want something truly unique, try these flowing steel posts that are designed for commercial use. There’s no reason not to use posts like these in your backyard as well, but you may need a professional to install them.
7. Potted Posts
One very popular method of securing posts for shade sails is to bury a wooden, painted post in a planter surrounded by quick-dry cement. If you go this route, choose a planter that’s deeper than you need. Fill it ¾ of the way with cement and the rest with soil, and you can plant small, shallow flowers or succulents in it.
8. Bamboo Posts
While bamboo itself is not usually durable enough to hold up a shade sail on its own, you can slip smaller PVC pipe tubes into the bamboo and secure these bamboo-covered posts into your yard or into a bucket as you see fit. This is a great way to spruce up boring posts without spending a fortune.
9. PVC Pipe Posts
Many people make posts out of PVC piping that is stuck into a deep bucket with quick-dry cement poured around it. This prevents the need to dig a hole in the yard and fill that with cement, and it makes your shade sails slightly less permanent, which can be beneficial.
10. Wrapped Posts
Use rope, hemp, or any other type of outdoor-friendly wrap you might prefer to wrap up the posts you choose for your shade sails. No matter what type of post you use, you can easily wrap it with the right material. You may need to use some type of weather-resistant glue to get it to hold.
Conclusion
So what do you think? Did you know there were so many options when it comes to shade sail posts? There are a ton of great ideas out there, and most of the options available to you are only limited by your imagination—and maybe by your budget. Remember that some of these versions of shade sail posts may be quite expensive custom jobs and may require more money in your budget than others. With that said, however, there’s no reason why you can’t get creative if you’ve got the funds to do so—and even if you don’t, you can still have fun with your shade sail setup.
Just make sure you pick the right size post for your shade sails to prevent any issues or damage! Choosing the wrong size post can cause the shade sail to collapse, and this, in turn, could cause damage to any furniture, buildings, or vehicles that may be underneath it at the time. This is one of the many reasons why it’s crucial to know what size post to use before you get started. Always remember that bigger is better, and you should aim for a post that’s slightly taller than the height you want your shade sail to hang at. Don’t forget to ask a professional if you need help picking a thickness for your posts, too.