Shade cloth is a weaved material that can be hung over structures or wrapped around fencing. In most cases, its purpose is to protect against extreme weather conditions and harmful UV rays, or to keep dust and debris at bay. However, since shade cloth comes in varying stitched densities, it can also be used by gardeners to control the amount of sunlight that plants receive.
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Depending on use, shade cloth can be draped or installed in different ways. If you’re looking to do some DIY, before purchase it’s important to consider which type of shade cloth you’ll be working with, as the material can be knitted or woven. Keep in mind that knitted cloth is usually lock-stitched and easy to repair, while woven cloth can tear or unravel when cut.
Once you’ve chosen the type of shade cloth that works best for your project, the next step is learning how to install it. We’ve rounded up different uses and applications below.
Applying Shade Cloth To Wooden Frames
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If you plan to use your shade cloth to cover a shade house, pergola or gazebo, you can simply roll the shade cloth across the top of the structure, leaving a spare 300 mm around the edges. Attach fabric into the framework, fixing the longer edges first. From there, measure 5 mm in from the edge of the cloth and secure with studs or fasteners every 300-600 mm; using butterfly clips is also an option. Once the structure is finished, you can trim up any extra fabric or hanging bits.
Fitting Shade Cloth To A Metal Structure
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Measure shade cloth to fit the frame you’re working with. Then attach fasteners or butterfly clips each 500 mm. Weave a wire or cable through the hinge of the fastener and use cord to lace onto the framework. You may purchase shade cloth that comes with perforated and reinforced eyelets – look for the stainless steel variety, as they are stronger and more durable than brass eyelets. With eyeleted shade cloth, you can easily weave a cable or string through to fasten onto the structure.
Using Shade Cloth In The Garden
Install stakes or poly hoops to create a framework over a patch of plants, then drape the shade cloth over like a tablecloth. Leave some space between plants and the shade cloth to allow adequate “breathing” space.
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Other Useful Tools For Installation
- Lacing cord and needle kits: For weaving through fasteners and eyelets.
- Shade cloth joining pins: Mini harpoon-shaped pieces that can be pushed through overlapped shade cloth pieces to prevent slippage.
- Fixing staples and pins: U-shaped metal pieces used to secure cloth to the ground.
- Cable ties: Variety of uses, mainly for securing shade cloth to standalone frames and comes in UV stabilised material.
- Plastic locking clips: For hanging shade cloth from chain link fences, you can clip into a folded over cloth edge.
Your shade cloth provider may have specific installation tools and processes, so be sure to seek professional advice to ensure optimum performance.
Author Bio: The team at Site Shade offers a variety of shade cloth products and fastening options for your next project. Give them a call on 1300 721 663 today.