Shade for the seating area

[John93]

Hi,

I was wondering what option there are to create some shade for the seating area ?

I was thinking of installing a shade sale - can I use the corner of fence as the 3rd mount ? is there a way to extend it ?

Or are there any other options available for creating shade ?

Thank You !

[MitchellMc]

Hi @John93,

Colorbond fences aren’t designed to take the load of a shade sail, especially in higher winds, so it’s generally not advised to attach one there. Without a post in that rear corner, it will be tricky to install a shade sail effectively, and off-the-shelf sizes likely won’t suit the space. One option could be to install a post in that corner if possible, which would allow a proper sail to be tensioned. Another practical solution is a cantilever umbrella, which could be placed to the side and provide good coverage over your seating area. It’s a bit hard to tell from your photo exactly what the layout is, so if you can clarify whether it’s just seating or if there’s a garden bed too, our members can offer more tailored suggestions. 

What is the seating created from, and would the internal structure lend itself to a post attachment to the seat back in the back corner? This would likely only be structurally sound if the seat back were solid reinforced concrete.

Let me tag @Jewelleryrescue and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[John93]

Hi mitch

it used to have planters on both sides but I have extended it as a seating area. There is no space left in the corner for a post unfortunately 

I poured the concrete with rebar for the seating area however prefer not to have a post in the corner inside if the seating since it might look odd

Are there any other shading methods available? 

[MitchellMc]

There is a range of extendable awnings @John93, which could provide some partial shade.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @John93 

Sorry, I missed this post during the break 😕

Ive been flicking through ideas on how to install a post/support for a shade sail and most end up very complex.

The only way I can think of getting a support point out there (in the corner) would be to install two of those red posts about a meter apart (preferably 1.5m) in line with your fence. Then the tops will be a timber beam canterleavered so the end point is in the corner. It meets up with the other two post support on the other fence doing the same. The posts would have to be 800mm and concreted in as there will be a lot of force with a shade sail as in holding its shape. The join will have to be conectted securely.

You could do the above but instead of a shade sail you could have a shade curtain. Strung on wires that you can slide to one side. Its not a taught shade cloth, more a looped calico style. Less stress on the beams and your eaves.  (You have the side beams now and the other other side would be your eave that you would have to strengthen) Picture a Roman shade covering look.

Dave

[John93]

Hi

Would you be able to sketch it out for me. I'm trying to imagine your solution,,, 

Thanks Dave !