Custom Shade Sail

Every GP Shade Sails custom sail includes:

• Your choice of commercial-grade fabric, weight and colour
• Calculated inward-scalloped edges for correct tension when installed
• 316 marine-grade stainless steel corner triangles sewn into the webbing at every corner
• Heavy-duty black seatbelt-grade webbing reinforcement at all corners (white available on request)
• Stitched with Coats Helios P high-performance UV-resistant bonded thread
• A drawing and fixed price for your approval before anything is cut
• Made to order in our Queensland workshop

Backed by our 3-year workmanship warranty.See full terms.

Not included: Installation hardware (turnbuckles, eye bolts, snap hooks). These are available separately in our hardware range.

Z16 — Our Standard
Commercial-grade HDPE knitted shade fabric at 200 GSM — the same material used in council parks, schools and installations across Australia. Not retail shade cloth you'll find at the hardware store. UV-stabilised and tested to Australian Standard 4174, it blocks up to 99% of UV at a 50+ UPF rating, colour dependent. Fire rated to AS 1530.3, and hail impact tested to UL2218 Class IV with no failure observed.

In independent 15-year weather endurance testing — real exposure, not accelerated lab conditions, assessed by two accredited testing agencies — a Z16 sample still blocked 95.1% of UV and retained close to 80% of its original strength in the warp. A separate 10-year test on fabric installed by Gold Coast City Council in 1996 came back at 94% UV block and 79% breaking force.

It carries a 10-year limited manufacturer's warranty against UV breakdown, pro-rata after the first five years. It's what we use on almost every residential job, and on commercial work where the span and exposure don't call for anything heavier.

E32 — When the Job Demands More
A heavier, higher-density commercial-grade HDPE fabric at 320 GSM, with significantly higher breaking strength and tear resistance, and better dimensional stability across large spans. Blocks up to 95.8% of UV, colour dependent. Fire rated to AS 1530.3, hail resistant, and 100% recyclable. It carries a 15-year limited manufacturer's warranty against UV breakdown.

Built for larger spans, exposed sites and more demanding installations. Not a better sail for most jobs — a different tool for a harder one. For a typical home it's usually more than the job needs, so order Z16 with confidence. If anything about your span or exposure makes us think otherwise, we'll say so before we cut.

Both grades are available in a wide range of colours — colour selection does not affect pricing.

Not sure which grade suits your project? Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Lead Time: Our current lead time is approximately 4–6 weeks, starting from the day you approve your drawing and price. We're a small Queensland workshop and we'll always aim to be quicker — but we'd rather be upfront so you can plan accordingly.

Payment: Full payment is required once your custom quote is confirmed.

Shipping: $69 Australia-wide, dispatched by courier from Mackay. No surprises at checkout.

Important — Supply Only: Sails are supplied without installation. GP Shade Sails (a division of GP Motor Trimming) takes no responsibility for engineering, certification, structural design, installation, compliance with building regulations or council approvals. All responsibility for installation and regulatory compliance rests with the purchaser and/or their nominated installer.

Made-to-Order: Every custom sail is made specifically for your space, so we're unable to offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind. Nothing is cut until you've approved both your drawing and your price. This does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law for goods that are faulty or not as described.

Cleaning — every 6–12 months or as required:

• Minor dirt: 15% liquid sugar soap — apply with a soft brush, leave 15–20 minutes, rinse
• Moderate dirt: 30% liquid sugar soap — apply with a soft brush, leave 15–20 minutes, rinse
• Heavy soiling: 25% Wet & Forget — follow product instructions, soft brush, rinse thoroughly

Never use high-pressure cleaning directly on the fabric, bleach, mould removers, acid washes or abrasive cleaners. These damage the fabric and weave, and can void the fabric warranty.

Tension: Check periodically and re-tension as needed. It is normal for a new sail to loosen slightly after initial installation as the fabric relaxes under load.

Stitching: Sun exposure can weaken stitching over time. Inspect seams periodically and arrange re-stitching if necessary.

Storage: If removing for severe weather, store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Before reinstalling inspect the sail and all fittings for damage and ensure correct tension is restored.

We recommend annual inspections by a qualified local shade sail professional to identify and address small issues before they become bigger problems.

Important — please read before purchasing:

Shade sail fabric is not engineered or intended to withstand cyclone conditions or severe storm events. The sail must be removed in the event of an active cyclone watch or warning, or a Bureau of Meteorology severe weather warning predicting destructive winds in your area.

This is standard across the industry for all fabric shade structures, regardless of post or frame construction.

Before a severe weather event:

• Remove the sail and all associated hardware where possible
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Ensure all fixing points and structures are secured

Before reinstalling:

• Inspect the sail and all fittings for any signs of damage
• Ensure correct tension is restored before use

By purchasing from GP Shade Sails you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to remove the sail during cyclone warnings or severe weather events. GP Shade Sails and GP Motor Trimming accept no liability for damage, loss or injury arising from failure to remove the sail during such events.