FAQ

For a fixed shaded area, consider a corner-mounted sail. If you need to uncover the space regularly, compare retractable sails and horizontal Roman blinds. For side shade or extra privacy, an outdoor curtain may be more suitable. Explore the made-to-measure range.

A fixed sail stays attached to prepared mounting points until it is taken down. A retractable sail moves along support lines so the covering can be gathered to one side. Both need suitable mounting points and appropriate use in changing weather.

Retractable sails, Roman blinds and fabric strips are available for pergola applications. The best choice depends on the structure, the direction of the sun and whether you want to adjust the shade. Check the relevant product description for installation requirements.

Yes. A less transparent fabric or an outdoor curtain can reduce visibility into a terrace or balcony. Breathable mesh fabrics allow more light and visibility, so they may provide less privacy.

That depends on the fabric, colour, dimensions, mounting height and the position of the sun. Open-weave materials generally let more light through, while denser materials offer stronger shade. If you are unsure, compare fabric samples in daylight.

A shade sail is not a maintenance-free building roof. It requires correct mounting, weather awareness and regular care. Even rain-resistant fabrics are subject to limits such as seam leakage or water collecting on the surface.

Such installations require particular caution. Wind loads and falling or detached hardware can endanger vehicles and people. Have the supporting structure and fixing points assessed for the intended application; a fabric sail should not be treated as a permanent carport roof.

The published GardenSails information describes a product-manufacturing service rather than a full installation service. Customers arrange the supporting structure, measurements and mounting. For help selecting a solution, send measurements and photos to office@gardensails.eu.

Premium Decor is a denser fabric used for strong shade and some rain-resistant products. HDPE and open mesh fabrics prioritise breathability and allow water to pass through. The exact characteristics differ by product, so check its material specification.

Denser materials usually create deeper shade than open mesh. Colour, weave, mounting height and sun angle also matter. Product pages provide the most relevant description for the specific fabric you are considering.

Breathable HDPE and mesh fabrics are worth considering when ventilation is a priority. Their open structure allows more airflow and light than denser coverings, but these fabrics do not provide a watertight roof.

No. Porous HDPE and mesh fabrics let rain pass through. Certain Premium Decor products resist light rain, but their seams and material properties mean that complete waterproofness should not be assumed. Always check the product specification.

Do not leave standing water on the fabric. Where safe, arrange drainage according to the product instructions or retract the covering. For repeated pooling, review the slope, support lines and installation layout before using it again.

Rain-resistant fabrics are not necessarily sealed membranes. Moisture saturation, seams, tension and the angle of installation can affect the result. If the behaviour seems inconsistent with the product description, contact us with photos and your order number.

Follow the care instructions for your particular material. As a general precaution, use gentle hand cleaning and avoid aggressive chemicals or abrasive tools. Do not assume that all fabrics can be machine-washed or pressure-washed.

For seasonal shade sails, removal, cleaning, complete drying and dry storage help preserve the fabric. Follow any product-specific recommendations, particularly for retractable systems and accessories.

Outdoor fabric appearance and service life depend on UV exposure, weather, cleaning, tension and storage. Colour change and wear may occur over time. We do not promise a fixed service life across all products and conditions.

Yes. GardenSails offers custom-made sun shade products. Use the product configurator when your dimensions are available, or contact us for an unusual project.

Measure the distances between the intended mounting points and describe the supporting structure. For an unusual shape, include a top-view sketch with dimensions; a diagonal measurement may be needed to define an irregular quadrilateral accurately. Do not assume the finished fabric size equals the full distance between anchors.

Some non-standard sizes may be possible, but there are practical limits arising from wind load, fabric width, weight and the mounting structure. Send the required dimensions and a sketch for an individual feasibility check rather than relying on an old generic maximum-size table.

Triangular products are offered, and unusual shapes may be considered as custom orders. Provide a sketch showing all sides and mounting points so that the shape can be assessed before production.

The catalogue includes several fabrics and printed products. Other colours or special graphics may be possible after confirmation of material availability and production requirements. Samples can help you decide.

Special finishes such as extra fixing points, eyelets, loops or reinforcement may be assessed for custom production. The correct solution depends on the load path and the sail design; not every alteration is suitable for every product.

Inward-curved edges help distribute tension from the corners. A fabric sail does not behave like a rigid, perfectly flat roof panel. Different edge finishes may be possible for selected custom projects.

The number and position of seams depend on the fabric roll width and ordered dimensions. The standard finishing and labelling depend on the product. Contact us before ordering if a particular seam layout or finish matters to your project.

Fixed sails are secured to prepared fixing points, usually at the corners. Retractable sails and Roman blinds operate on support lines. Use the mounting instructions supplied for the exact product and do not substitute unsuitable hardware.

Mounting accessories and kits are offered in the assembly category. Check the specific product and cart to see what is included; do not assume that a complete fixing kit is automatically supplied with every sail.

The correct mounting height depends on headroom, the sun angle, the structure and safe access. The older FAQ describes around 2.3–2.7 m as a common arrangement, but this is not a universal design requirement. Allow for any fabric drop and moving components.

Plan a clear route for water to run away from buildings, entrances and sensitive areas. The slope should suit the fabric and the construction; no single angle guarantees drainage in all weather.

Fabric naturally moves and changes shape under tension, so a corner-mounted sail will not look like a rigid flat panel. If it hangs excessively, check the fixing geometry and tension, and send us photos before making major adjustments.

Use compatible tensioning hardware and follow the product instructions. Tighten evenly without overloading the fabric, stitching or mounting points. The supporting structure must be suitable for the forces involved.

No fabric shade sail should be assumed safe in strong wind. Retract or remove it when conditions require, and follow the product-specific guidance. Large surface areas can generate substantial forces even when the fabric is perforated.

Use all fixing points required by the product design and instructions. Leaving out a required fixing point can change the way loads are carried and may affect the operation or safety of the shade.

Both can be moved to open or close the shaded area. A retractable sail generally slides on its guide lines using eyelets, while a Roman blind has a more structured arrangement with fabric folds and reinforcing elements. Compare the relevant product photos and specifications.

The number of lines depends on product type, width and construction. Wider systems may need extra support. Use the specification for the selected product rather than assuming the same layout works for every size.

Operation depends on the product design, typically by moving the covering along its guide lines using a handle or designated operating point. Keep the moving parts accessible and secure the product as instructed when not in use.

A higher mounting position may require a different way to operate the covering. Ask about the available options before ordering and avoid improvised solutions that could place unsafe loads on the mechanism.

The drop changes with the product and whether it is opened or gathered. Consult the technical drawing or ask for dimensions for the chosen model, particularly when doors, windows or walking routes are nearby.

A denser fabric provides more privacy and a stronger visual screen. Lighter mesh-style materials preserve more light and airflow. The correct choice depends on the desired shading, visibility and exposure of the installation area.

For outdoor use, excess loose fabric can catch the wind. Follow the measuring method for the specific curtain, and do not add heavy weights without a suitable product design: swinging weights can be hazardous in gusts.

Choose the product, set the available dimensions and options in its configurator, check the configuration and complete checkout. For an unusual request, contact the team before ordering. See also How to Buy.

Ordering through the website provides a written record of your product configuration and delivery details. For an order requiring special arrangements, contact our team for guidance before purchase.

Dispatch time depends on stock availability and whether the item must be manufactured. The current preparation or dispatch time is shown on the product page. Transport time is additional; see order processing times.

Shipping options depend on the selected products and destination. Add the items to the cart and select the delivery country to check the available methods and current price. See Shipping Costs & Delivery Times.

GardenSails.eu offers bank transfer, Stripe and PayPal, plus cash on delivery where eligible. Stripe may display additional methods such as BLIK, Google Pay or Klarna depending on country and transaction conditions. Only options shown in checkout are available for that order. See Payment Methods.

Import duties, taxes or clearance fees may be charged according to local rules. GardenSails.eu does not collect customs duties, and such additional fees are not included in the shipping charge displayed at checkout. They may be collected during import clearance or delivery.

An invoice can be issued for your purchase. For larger quantities, contact us about an individual quotation. Personal collection should only be assumed available when the store offers it for your order or our team confirms it in advance.

Contact us as soon as possible, providing the order number and the correct details. Changes may be limited once production or shipment has started, especially for custom-made products.

Please contact customer service before returning any item. The available options depend on whether it was a standard or custom-made product, its condition and the terms applicable to your purchase. Read Complaints & Returns.

Shade moves as the sun changes position. Adjusting the installation height, angle or location may help, but must be done safely. Send a photo of the site and the mounting dimensions if you need help choosing a different solution.

Some damage may be repairable, depending on the material and extent of the problem. Send photos and your order details for an assessment. Do not continue using a damaged sail, and do not dispatch wet or dirty fabric without instructions.

First check whether the fabric is porous or rain-resistant and whether the covering is installed with suitable drainage. Water accumulation is not acceptable for these fabric systems. If the behaviour appears inconsistent with the product, contact us with photographs and your order number.

Do not pay a second time without checking the situation. Contact our team immediately with the order number, proof of payment and the courier information so the payment and shipment details can be verified.

Use the Complaints & Returns information and contact our team with your order number, a description of the issue and photos when relevant. The applicable statutory rights and product terms determine the next steps.