Top 8 DIY Shade Cloth Hacks For Your Home

TTFS’ shade cloth range is constructed from 100% monofilament thread. This provides users with an incredibly high level of durability and an even and accurate shade protection. We all know that shade cloth is a highly versatile product which can have multiple uses throughout your home and backyard. Below we list our top 8 DIY shade cloth hacks!

1. Make a DIY shade sail for your backyard

This may be an obvious use, but nothing is better at blocking out UV rays than shade cloth, especially if your backyard lacks larger trees and shelter. When done right, erecting a shade sail in your backyard can block up to 90% of UV rays. A shade sail will add value to your home and helps create a highly usable space in your backyard. 

How to make a sail shade cloth

Once you have chosen your shade cloth fabric and planned out the design given the space you have to work with, it is time to gather all materials and tools.

You will need D links, anchor points and turnbuckles, along with a drill and step ladder. Plus, if your shade cloth isn’t already made to size you will need a sewing machine.

7 step sail shade cloth guide:

If you have no trees to connect the shade cloth too you will need to install your own poles, preferably stainless steel. Once installed to the correct distance you will need to measure and mark the poles at equal distance from the top as well as the centre point.

1. 1. 1. Predrill the hole on the marks
      2. Attach the anchor fittings and tighten
      3. Attach the turn buckles to the D link and thread this through the hole on the corner of the shade cloth
      4. Attach these corners to the poles
      5. Lastly, tighten the shade cloth using the turnbuckle

Check out this video for a full DIY demo on how to install a shade sail.

2. Cover your sand pit

Having a sandpit in your very own backyard as a child can be a lot of fun, but not so much if you have neighbours with cats. Finding the buried treasure of a different kind can be a real problem and one you may not want to have to address with your neighbours for fear of creating conflict. Not to mention, if leaves and other debris starts to find its way to the sand pit it can affect the consistency of the sand and start to smell.

Using shade cloth to make a DIY sandpit cover is a fantastic option. All you need is some fasteners, eye hooks and rope to get you started.

3. Make a hammock for your cat

Cat’s love to lounge in weird places, all cat owners know this. Usually, it’s on that expensive new piece of furniture that you’ve just purchased – it somehow automatically becomes theirs. 

Why don’t you create a personal hammock for your cat using a shade cloth? This simple tutorial will show you how to do it and your cat just might thank you by NOT sleeping on your fancy furniture.

4. A retractable pergola

Sun – too much or too little can be an issue. Balance is key. Sun is great when you want it but sometimes you need shade.

How about building a DIY retractable pergola to keep out a bit of that summer heat? It’s a low-cost, simple option that uses basic materials. Check out this guide to your very own DIY retractable pergola.

5. Line your pot plants

Water draining too quickly can be a major issue for potted plants, optimal water retention is important to keep them well hydrated. 

Try this handy DIY hack – trace the bottom of your pot on an off-cut of shade cloth, cut it out and place in the bottom of your pot before filling it with soil and planting.

6. Fix your broken fly screen

If the fly screen on your security door is damaged, you can try a DIY fix with shade cloth. Using shade cloth has its benefits – it is more difficult to see through so it offers more privacy and it is also made of a fine weaver which will keep bugs out.

7. Create some shade for your veggie patch

Some hotter and drier climates can be too intense for growing vegetables. If you live in one of these climates, try building your own shade canopy to protect your garden from the intensity of direct sunlight without blocking out natural light.

8. UV blocker for your car

Shade cloth can also be used as a handy UV blocker for your car, perfect if you don’t have a carport and want to help to maintain the quality of your car’s paint job! 

To DIY all you have to do is purchase shade cloth fabric and other products such as D links, anchor points and turnbuckles and follow the DIY guide from point 1 above.

There you have it! Our top 8 tips and tricks for your next DIY project.

TTFS for all your shade cloth requirements 

At TTFS, our shade cloth fabric is designed to withstand the harshest of Australian environments. Manufactured from UV-stabilised HDPE and heavy-duty monofilament thread, our highly durable range of shade cloth rolls can provide accurate and even shade protection all year round. For more information, speak to our friendly team today by filling in this enquiry form or calling 1300 535 421.

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