How to Measure for a Custom Shade Sail

A custom shade sail is cut to your space and nowhere else. When the measurements are right, it sits properly tensioned with clean curves — the way a sail should look. That's what the measuring is for.

It's also why we don't leave it to you. You give us the fixing points, we work out the geometry, and we check it before anything is cut. If a number looks off, we'll pick it up and come back to you.

The good news is you don't need any of that detail to get a price. For an initial price guide we usually only need the approximate outside measurements of your shade area, plus a few photos if you have them.

The detailed measuring comes later, once you've decided to proceed. At that point we send a measuring guide specific to your sail and walk you through what's needed before anything is cut. Your sail is then made in our Mackay workshop and shipped anywhere in Australia.

Note: we supply sails, we don't install them outside the Mackay region. The measurements below are what we need to make your sail — fitting it is up to you or your installer.

If your space is a straightforward rectangle, square or triangle, one of our standard sizes may already suit. Custom isn't a premium option — it's the same fabric, the same workshop, the same build. It just means the sail is made to your shape rather than to a size off the list.

One practical difference. With a standard size, the dimensions you're buying are the finished sail — so you work out what size you need, allowing room between the sail and your fixing points for hardware and tensioning. With a custom sail, you give us the fixing points and we work out the finished size, hardware allowance and all. Everything below is about the custom path.

Stage 1 — What we need for a price guide

Keep it simple. Send us:

• Approximate outside dimensions
• The general shape you're after
• A few photos of the space, if you have them
• Whether it's a new sail or a replacement
• Anything you already know about where the sail will attach

You don't need to work out diagonals or cross-measurements before asking for a price.

You don't need to know anything about shade sails either. Our custom enquiry form walks you through it, explains each term as it comes up, and has diagrams where they help. If you're stuck on something, leave a note in the field and we'll sort it out when we get in touch. Most people finish it knowing a bit more than when they started.

If your structure isn't built yet, that's fine. Approximate sizes are enough. Just tell us whether your numbers are rough planning dimensions, measurements between planned fixing points, or a finished sail size you have in mind. The more accurate the starting information, the closer the price guide will be to the final quote.

How close does it need to be? As long as your final measurements land within about 150mm of the ones you gave us, your price guide holds. Bigger differences may shift the price — but you'll always see the firm quote before anything is made.

Stage 2 — Final measurements before manufacture

Once you decide to proceed, we need to accurately map where the anchor points sit in relation to each other. We provide a measuring guide specific to your sail and tell you exactly what's required.

These final measurements let us map the shape accurately, cross-check the dimensions you've given us, and draw the sail up for manufacture. The final price is confirmed at this stage. Nothing is cut until you've signed off.

This is where a custom sail earns its name — measured to your space, drawn up, and checked before it's made.

Why diagonal measurements matter

Outside measurements alone don't tell us the full shape. Two four-sided structures can have identical edge measurements and still have their corners in different positions — one square, one leaning like a parallelogram.

Diagonals lock those anchor points into place. On a four-point sail there are two diagonals, running between opposite corners.

Corners are labelled A, B, C and D going clockwise — the same labels used on our enquiry form and on the measuring guide we send you.

Diagonals are also a cross-check. If one number doesn't agree with the others, we'll spot it and check with you.

How many measurements will I need?

Three anchor points — the three outside measurements between them. No diagonals needed.

Four anchor points — four outside measurements plus two diagonals.

More than four — additional diagonals, so the whole shape can be mapped. You don't need to work out which ones yourself; we'll send a marked-up guide showing exactly what we need.

Where to measure from

We need to know where the actual anchor points sit — an eye bolt, wall bracket, roof anchor or post fitting, an existing structural fixing, or a sail track point.

The important thing is consistency. Use the same point on each fixing throughout, and keep the tape as straight as you can.

Do I need to allow for hardware?

No. Don't subtract space for turnbuckles or shackles yourself. Give us the actual distance between the anchor points and we'll work out the finished sail size from there.

Your job is to show us where the anchor points are. Ours is to turn that into a sail that fits.

Why the finished sail is smaller than the gap it fills

A properly tensioned shade sail is deliberately smaller than the full distance between its fixing points. Space is needed for tensioning hardware, and the sail is cut with curved, scalloped edges rather than as a flat panel matching the structure exactly.

How much smaller depends on the design, the geometry, and the hardware. That's why we ask for structure measurements rather than asking you to calculate the fabric size.

What about corner heights?

Most sails have some height variation built in — it sheds water, holds tension, and lets the sail carry its shape across a span. That's structural, not decoration.

Some designs deliberately push it further, raising one or more corners for sun angles, drainage direction or the look of the thing. That's a design decision worth making on purpose, and worth telling us about at the enquiry stage because it affects both the shape and the price.

Geoff has written more on choosing a shade sail shape that lasts over on the GP Motor Trimming site, including why the dramatic shapes aren't always the ones that serve you best.

Replacing an existing sail

Replacements are one of the most common custom jobs. If your posts, brackets or anchor points are staying put, what matters is the fixing-point layout — not the old sail.

An old sail may have stretched or changed shape over years in the sun, so measuring the fabric alone won't accurately represent the structure it needs to fit.

For a price guide, send approximate dimensions, photos of the existing sail, and photos showing the fixing points and hardware.

Unusual shapes

Five or more anchor points, extra fixings along an edge, a sail track edge, an irregular shape, overlapping sails — custom manufacturing is exactly where these become possible.

Don't try to invent a measuring method. Send a rough sketch, approximate dimensions and photos. We'll price it, then give you exact instructions if you go ahead.

Useful photos

Photos aren't compulsory, but they help. A wide shot of the whole area, close-ups of the fixing points, any walls, fascias, posts or roof anchors involved, and anything nearby that might affect the design — trees, gutters, air conditioning units.

If you can't safely reach a fixing point

Don't take risks to get a measurement. Send photos and explain the situation, and we'll work out what's still needed and the safest way to get it.

Measure twice

At the final stage, accuracy matters. Check each measurement again, make sure each number is against the correct pair of anchor points, measure consistently from the same part of each fixing, and don't round unnecessarily.

You don't need to be local

We make custom and standard shade sails in our Mackay, Queensland workshop and supply customers throughout Australia. The whole enquiry, quoting and measuring process works remotely through measurements, photos, sketches and our measuring guide, with phone or email support when you need it.

Ready for a price guide?

You don't need a technical drawing to get started. Send us your approximate dimensions and project details and we'll come back within 3–5 business days with a price guide. If you're happy to proceed, we'll walk you through the final measuring before your sail is made.

Get a custom shade sail price guide →

Still have questions? Our FAQ covers fabric, lead times, warranty and care.