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How to install a shade sail
Overview
The heat of summer makes shade sails an important part of any backyard, protecting the entire family from unnecessary sun exposure and overheating. Make sure you can take full advantage of your outdoor space by installing your own shade sail. This D.I.Y. project requires a little pre-planning and a few helping hands, but should only take a day or two, allowing you to enjoy your shaded area all summer long.
Tools and materials
Tools
Steps
Measure and mark
Measure the length of the sail and mark out the position for the posts using brightly-coloured spray paint. To figure out where your posts should go, add 10 percent to the overall length of your shade sail.
Dig holes
Using a shovel, dig footing holes of 400mm square and 800mm deep at the marked points.
Lay gravel
Put on your safety glasses, gloves and dust mask before pouring 100mm of gravel into each hole, making up the base of the footings.
Place posts
Place a post in one of the holes at a five-degree angle.
Use a level
Use a level to make sure the post is at the correct angle.
Support the post
Support the post using timber and clamps until it sets.
Mix concrete
Now it’s time to mix the concrete. Pour the mix into a wheelbarrow.
Gradually add water
Add water to the concrete little by little, while continuing to mix, until you have the right consistency. Pour the concrete in the hole.
Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each post.
Measure and mark
Once the concrete has set, it’s time to install the shade sail. Decide how far down the post you want to hang the sail and measure this equally on each post using a tape measure. Mark your spot in the middle of each post with a permanent marker. Pre-drill through all the marked posts before attaching your anchors.
Attach the hooks
Attach the anchor fitting through the holes of one post and then tighten using a spanner.
Attach anchor fittings
Now that the eyelets are in, attach the turnbuckle onto the eyelet. Hook the shade sail on and tighten.
Add colour to your posts
Once your sail is up, add some colour to your posts with a coat of paint.
Ready to get started?
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More D.I.Y. Advice
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.